Because of was was my business life until 5 months ago..... I have never, ever once bought a car. I've never once had a car serviced. I've only driven brand new cars, and the *max* I've been in one car is 8 months. Once - I was in a minor accident. Cop came, did police report. Asked if I have tow-truck coming and within 10 minutes of that, someone from my staff was there, brought me a brand new car and keys, and told me to go enjoy my evening.
Mind you it was domestic brands - usually, a brand new Yukon Denali, currently MSRP'ing for around $84k.
When I was a kid, my Father was in similar business, so same thing - always a nice new car. Didn't have nice branded shoes, clothes, jackets, the latest toys, NONE of that - but nice new car was just - well- natural, like breathing.
So as part of my 2 year planned exit, DW is in a brand new loaded Enclave, I'm in a a Brand new Loaded Denali (my lease payment for 3 year? $0.00 for both vehicles)
I feel like a cop who lost his badge, a President who lost Air Force one and has to schlepp thru an airport. I get this sick feeling that oh, crap, I'll have to actually buy a car. Maybe get it serviced. Oh God the horror.
My parents, were off the boat immigrants who made good and part of it was frugality. Even when I made lots of money in my own business life - - sure, we did nice things but most people who made 30% of our income - had more designer brands and handbags than we did. So in *some* ways, I have always lived, believed in, and now - with early retiring - appreciate the Millionaire Next Door philosophy. I love 80's t-shirts I buy off amazon, along with a few sweat pants and shorts. Wifey loves Marshall's - but for once a year splurge I will take her to Saks or Tommy Bahama. Lunch yesterday was McDonald's, and used the app to save $4 bucks.
But cars. It's a toughie.
I keep eyeing pricier brands for 3 years from now. I"m just used to being in a nice noticeable car.
But then I think , geez - I can save $3000-$4000 per year, and STILL have a new car every 3 years, just a more mainstream choice versus a status symbol. So what if I see people in lux-brands at the kid's school- drop-off line. They are going to work afterwards, I'm going to breakfast and then to a poker game right?
But it nags at me.
I told one of my contacts in the industry: In 36 months, you'll know how good my investments are doing when I tell you which car I'm getting
So I've got 3 years to keep digesting it.
I tell myself that if *this* is one of my primary sources of consternation, then maybe I should count my blessings. I know that to be true - it's just in this one tiny arena, it's personal.