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Car choice: logic vs emotion & soceity. Parrallels with designer clothing?
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Moneysaving dilemma. Should I spend all my savings on a fancy car?
Choosing a new car.
Well, actually, choosing a new van.
I am currently driving the most economical vehicle I can think of; a slightly untidy but usable diesel fiesta. 150k and at £300 value yet 50mpg I can't imagine anything better for economy. So any change is likely to cost me.
However, a bigger van, Transit, VW t4, Renault Trafic/Vivaro sized would be really, really useful for me.
Because I've got the money I feel tempted to buy a pretty T4. I feel like I deserve it for saving so hard.
In a way I want something cool. I want to advertise who I am by the car I drive. I want that surfbus. I want to buy into that scene, customize it and make my own. Part of an identity.
Would that be the emotional decision?
How sad! Why do I feel the need to do this!? I hate buying brands and VW is exactly this!
Then there's the logical decision; the Transit:
- 2/3rds the cost;
It makes sense
- more room and better value (lets not talk reliability; VW a little better tha Ford maybe but actually Ford is a more efficient use of the money).
- an anonymous van is much more useful
- not worried about it getting damaged
-> so; a better vehicle
Yet I still want a pretty van!
Aggh!
What if we quantify the merits of a status symbol such as a nice car. Does the girlfriend approve? Does it get you laid? Does it allow you to associate with the clique? Does it make you feel good?
Well, there are VW conventions. And I know my girlfriend would prefer to be in a T4 with a nice paint job than a transit.
Am I supplicating to the pressures of society like a loser or am I choosing to buy something that works in a non-visible way? Is this the same argument as designer clothing?
Choosing a new car.
Well, actually, choosing a new van.
I am currently driving the most economical vehicle I can think of; a slightly untidy but usable diesel fiesta. 150k and at £300 value yet 50mpg I can't imagine anything better for economy. So any change is likely to cost me.
However, a bigger van, Transit, VW t4, Renault Trafic/Vivaro sized would be really, really useful for me.
Because I've got the money I feel tempted to buy a pretty T4. I feel like I deserve it for saving so hard.
In a way I want something cool. I want to advertise who I am by the car I drive. I want that surfbus. I want to buy into that scene, customize it and make my own. Part of an identity.
Would that be the emotional decision?
How sad! Why do I feel the need to do this!? I hate buying brands and VW is exactly this!
Then there's the logical decision; the Transit:
- 2/3rds the cost;
It makes sense
- more room and better value (lets not talk reliability; VW a little better tha Ford maybe but actually Ford is a more efficient use of the money).
- an anonymous van is much more useful
- not worried about it getting damaged
-> so; a better vehicle
Yet I still want a pretty van!
Aggh!
What if we quantify the merits of a status symbol such as a nice car. Does the girlfriend approve? Does it get you laid? Does it allow you to associate with the clique? Does it make you feel good?
Well, there are VW conventions. And I know my girlfriend would prefer to be in a T4 with a nice paint job than a transit.
Am I supplicating to the pressures of society like a loser or am I choosing to buy something that works in a non-visible way? Is this the same argument as designer clothing?
Order of events: Banks lose our money -> get bailed out -> were inflating GBP to cover it -> now taxing us -> next will grab your funds direct -> things get really desperate to balance the books. What should have happened?: banks go bust and we lost our money much quicker
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Comments
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Order of events: Banks lose our money -> get bailed out -> were inflating GBP to cover it -> now taxing us -> next will grab your funds direct -> things get really desperate to balance the books. What should have happened?: banks go bust and we lost our money much quicker0 -
I used to be a greenie, when i lived with the ex, and used words like reliable, sensible, efficent, cheap and it gets me from A-B, which usually meant non turbo diesel estates and vans. Post split, I went with the 2 litre with a whoppng turbo bolted on, and now I ahave become a petrolhead, I love seeing my reflection in shop windows, the knowing nod of appreciation of a fellow petrol head. And yes it did assist in pulling a stunner, which is a vast improvement on the old model.
Yes my insurance, servicing and fuel bills have all increased, but its worth every penny to me. Never again will I drive a bog standard motor, Before decent wheels I hated driving, but now I love it.
So go ahead, get the T4, so much better than a tranny, Image wise anyway.0 -
Thank you so much!
That is exactly the sort of thing I needed to hear! ha! Order of events: Banks lose our money -> get bailed out -> were inflating GBP to cover it -> now taxing us -> next will grab your funds direct -> things get really desperate to balance the books. What should have happened?: banks go bust and we lost our money much quicker0
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