Despite 2 MA Degrees and a PhD, as a university professor with large student loan (I paid my own way all the way through), my salary is such that I cannot afford a new vehicle and repayment of loans. So I'm 49 and have been driving used cars / hand me downs my whole life. I've never had car payment, and that is a big plus as far as I'm concerned.
For some folks transportation is just that and not about status at all. If it is safe, gets good gas mileage, and is cheap to insure I like it. Honestly, I've had no real choice but to like it--now I'm finally getting to the place where I could almost afford a basic new car but now no longer want it.
Just a different perspective--I bet you'll end up loving that car in the end Stung--thanks for sharing
