I am tempted to get a nice car. Something from Italy that's painted red. Have been thinking about it for over a year now.
When you're a kid, you dream of having the car on the poster on the wall. these days, such a car is within my ability to get. However, since I'm not filthy rich, getting that car means that I have to give up something else.
This car will not be practical. It's purely a toy. One that get used once or twice a week.
A rough calculation shows that having this car will run the owner about $40-50/day (maintenance, insurance, depreciation). That money can be used toward anything else: dinner out, electronics, itunes, craps you like but don't need, even putting it toward improving my business (which I already set a fund aside but more is better).
This is why I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. As much as one would enjoy owning one, the thought of the opportunity cost and the practicality of putting the money else where trumps the desire for an exotic.
Then the red guy with the tail sitting on my other shoulder whispers in my ear: you only live once...
do you guys wrestle with spending $$ on your "toys"?




(other considerations: my employees would probably demand a raise once they find out I drive a car that cost twice their salary).

OK... lunch time ends. Back to work. The boss can't be seen goofing off on the net too much lest the employees emulate this behavior.

 

I've been on the fence about buying a 'toy' that is German and Silver. After years of admiring the beauty and performance, my wife gave me the green light and said, 'just buy the car already'.

So I've been shopping the 911 C4S and seen two perfect examples that I would love to own. However the three things that hold me back are very similar to your thoughts:

1> Increased cost in maintenance
2> While faster than my S2k and 350z, is it really worth the $$ for the brand, image, and 1 sec advantage to 60mph.
3> Do I want the hassle from my co-workers by showing up to work in a 911? People here will talk....

Decision: Save my money and wait. Dreaming about the 911 is more fun and since I don't have to pay upkeep or monthly payments, dreaming is free. I'll get one one day, the timing is just not right today.

Sounds like the same goes for you. My $.02

 

You average $40-$50 a day "crap" you don't need? If I comfortably spent that much a day on "crap" I wouldn't mind giving up the "crap" for a nice toy.

 

Ninh, PM Raj.

 

Most of us have expenses like this. It's not that you spend $40-50 each and every single day but it averages out to be that much. This is spending that you don't need to live but makes life a lot more enjoyable.... or it goes toward a car that mostly sits in the garage to be looked (lovingly) at.
You take the wife out to dinner once-twice/week. This week was V-day so there goes $100 for dinner/flowers.
I try not to spend that much on frivolous things but there are times when the temptation is great.
If you get a LED TV, that's 1-2 months' worth of spending. A vacation, ditto. ipod, 3 days. ipad, 2 weeks. Just got a smart phone b/c my old one from 2005 broke, 5 days + 12 days for the data plan.
It adds up.


G, I don't want to PM Raj. He's on the side of the red guy with the long tail and fork.

 

I think he prefers the bull with pointy horns...

 

Good point. However, Raj can take you through his thought process. It sounds like you're leaning toward not doing it.