Mass transit doesn't exist for my path from home to work. I could ride a bicycle, 12.5 miles but in the Texas heat, umm, yeah, that isn't going to work.

A car every 3-4 years is bad from a financial perspective, it's just pissing away $.
Who am I to say it's a status symbol? Read the article discussed above, I'm not the only one saying it. Many/most people out there aren't driving enthusiasts, they buy the car as a status symbol. Look at all the single people that drive Escalades, Hummers, and the like. You think those are driving enthusiast machines? They don't drive them offroad, rarely carry as many passengers that it will carry, etc.

I hear you on your other comments but I'll tell you this. In 1975, the average American saved 20%, today that is 1%. Yup it's their money, more power to them. God help them if sh1t hits the fan in their life. Damn near everyone overextends themself these days, and leasing is part of the pie. You got a year's salary in the bank and that is liquid, and a healthy retirement plan going, go for it. Most people don't have that. Most of them live check to check, and most people lease do it as a way to get more car, a car they couldn't afford to finance.