one of my favourite topics on which to opine

I am actually surprised that I have not touched on this personal pet topic of mine a bit sooner. At least a couple times a week I end up having a discussion (read heated argument) with someone about the car as status symbol in Western society. Personally, I find the whole thing ridiculous because I am a practical man and to me, cars are from getting from point A to point B (preferably safely and efficiently) and nothing more. I have a 1989 Nissan Sentra with a great body that is reliable and has low mileage. I could probably afford a "nicer" car, but really what is the point? My car runs fine, is good on gas (important when it looks like you will have to re-mortgage your house in order to afford to run your vehicle with gas prices as they are!), and gets me and my loved one (yes, Caitlin my sweet, I am talking about you) where we need to go. I keep it very clean and well-maintained and thus will continue to drive it as long as it serves us and fulfills our needs. But to many people, the car is how they prove their wealth and affluence to others. First of all, who are they trying to impress? Secondly, why spend bucketloads of money on a depreciating commodity? Cars are not an investment like real estate, which will only gain equity. Cars quickly devour our money with the price of gas and the high cost of maintenance and, though they offer us convenience and transportation, we can seldom sell them for more than we paid for them. And I don't even need to get into the environmental issue because that is a whole other can of worms! Yet many continue to sink their hard-earned cash into obscenely large car payments, living far beyond their means, in order to look cool and impress others with "their ride." Often they even choose large vehicles like trucks or SUVs, which consume huge amounts of natural resources to both build and fuel, when they are a single person and really just need something in which to bomb around Victoria(!). It seems like sheer idiocy to me, but that's just me. In saying this, please do not think that I don't appreciate a fine automobile. Believe me, I do and, admittedly, there are times where I do wish that I drove a nicer, newer car and am jealous of those who do. But functionality and practicality always impress me far more than flashiness and financial suicide. All the money I am saving by owning my little 4-banger outright I am pouring into saving for school and the future. I will even go so far as to say I believe it is an issue of stewardship, but I won't get any farther into that either. For those of you who read this and are offended, I am not targeting anyone in particular and do not think less of you if you own a nicer car than me or make monthly car payments. I just wish that people would examine their motives for spending so much on cars when there are so many social, financial and environmental considerations. And for the record, I have not bought gas in two weeks and cycle far more than I drive so I am putting my money where my mouth is (just in case anyone accuses me of being a complete hypocrite)! To close, I am not advocating that people don't drive or if you need another car that you shouldn't buy one. I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty for owning a vehicle and driving it (I do!), but more hoping that you will make sound choices regarding what you need in a vehicle when there are so many other worthwhile things on which to spend your paycheck. Okay, I am done now...