this post was submitted on 27 Apr 2026
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It's literally like renting a car at $499 per month. Nothing really wrong with that as long as the economics work out (there's more expenses than just the monthly payment), because a car is going to depreciate anyway. You can buy it, but it will just get old and fall apart.
Some people feel it's worth $500 a month to always drive a relatively new car, rather than drive an old car for free.
Some people are broke ass in debt their whole lives.
Yeah, I'm not saying it's economically wise, but it's true, and who are we to judge what people prioritize in their lives?
It's going to depreciate!? Oh no! Often the people I hear talk about cars like that can't or don't change their oil. Change the fluids, rotate the tires, follow servicing time tables; same things you should be doing with your rented car you continue doing with your older car.
Obviously, you can maintain your old car, and make it last a long time, but it's still going to look older, maybe dented and scratched, the finish is dull, the interior is worn, etc. Some people don't want to go through all the maintenance, and would rather just pay to have a nice looking reliable car in the driveway.
I've never been a car guy, so I like an older, paid off car, but I understand why some people would want to follow the other strategy.