Cars - Status Symbol or Transportation? GG input requested

[Jadeanne]

Hi all,

Now that I'm in my 50's and my midlife crisis was not resolved with a red sports car, but by femme clothing, I have a question chiefly for the GGs on this forum.

Do you look at your car as a status symbol or as a means of transportation?

I started driving in the late 60's with a 1960 Plymouth Valiant, got my first new car, a Chevy Cavalier hatchback in my 30s (wife talked my out of the station wagon) that lasted 8 years, a red Ford Escort wagon (lasted 12 years), and last year a red Ford Focus wagon.

I like the small wagons because I give rides to elderly people and 4 doors beats 2 for entry and exit by older folks. I also have helped people move and picked up things for rummage sales. When I fold the rear seats down, I can fit lots of stuff in.

I look at my cars more as transportation than status symbols.

My wife has a 12 year old Ford Tempo that was a gift from my late mother when she moved up to a senior residence by us. She looks at it as transportation and only drives when she has to, not getting her license until she needed it for work after college graduation, 3 years before we were married.

My youngest sister in law likes her minivan which has "nooks and crannies where a woman can store things" like gum, tissues, maps, etc. for quick and easy retrieval.

What are your views toward cars/vans/trucks?

Jadeanne

[GalicianGirl(SO)]

Hi Jadeanne,

I've never been one to really get into cars. I look at a car as a vehicle to get you from one place to another. I would never spend a lot of money on one because they depreciate so quickly.

I just bought a new car recently but only out of necessity. I was driving a 1995 Toyota Tacoma and really didn't want another car payment for at least another couple of years... Shannon's '84 Vette has been giving him nothing but problems so he got the truck and I bought a black Toyota Corolla LE.

So I'd say cars are not a status symbol to me. I would rather put my money into our house....

Don't get me wrong, if someone gave me a brand new red Corvette, I wouldn't turn it down...

Sharon(SO)

[Terri(SO)]

I look at a car as a way to get where I need to go. It has to be practical and economical. If the had enough cargo space I would have a hybrid (I know there are hybrid SUVs but they don't fit in my budget), in a heartbeat. I went for a Toyota Matrix as my next best choice. I love it. Its practical and really cute too.