[joypulv]

OK, you beat me! I live on 1400/mo and own my house free and clear, but property taxes, electric, propane and cable run about 740. 660 for food, pets, car, and house and yard!
Don't know how you do it.
BUY A CAR!!
My suggestion is a 2014 demonstrator. They have to be sold as used, but are basically new.

[smoothy]

You can clearly afford it then. Get something nice. Don't go hog wild, then you can at least reassure yourself you didn't get everythign you could have gotten.


Justify it as you need the car, at least a new one will be under warranty, and be less likely to break down. And if you don't drive a lot. It will last you a long time.


If you drive a LOT of miles every year... I'd argue for the more modest vehicle.

[odinn7]

With that kind of income, I'd buy a Porsche....just sayin'

[CFZD]

I have no Cable bills, I got a company phone and travel a lot that means I save lots of money in food and utilities. No pet.
The distance from home to office is extremely extremely short, so my gas is like $80 a month.
I have company uniforms that I must wear so I don't get to buy much clothes even if I would like to have a newer car because the one I have I had it for over 10 years... but I am so torn of spending that kind of money ( it will probably between 10k and 20 K)... so torn...

I know I can afford it but I am so torn, I feel so bad to even think about buying a car... I can't talk myself out of it. That's why I need some help, because the voice in my head says no. I am not sure why I am so frugal, I am always like that...

[DoulaLC]

Do you actually "need" a new car? Sometimes it can be difficult to justify an expense when you don't feel it is really necessary, even if you can afford it. You could always wait on it, until you feel it is a necessity, then perhaps it would be easier for you.

If you didn't buy a car, where would that money go? Would you invest it? Do you have a substantial amount set aside for emergencies, such as home repair, car repair, major illness, loss of job, etc?

[Alty]

I have no Cable bills, I got a company phone and travel a lot that means I save lots of money in food and utilities. No pet.
The distance from home to office is extremely extremely short, so my gas is like $80 a month.
I have company uniforms that I must wear so I don't get to buy much clothes even if I would like to have a newer car because the one I have I had it for over 10 years... but I am so torn of spending that kind of money ( it will probably between 10k and 20 K)... so torn...

I know I can afford it but I am so torn, I feel so bad to even think about buying a car... I can't talk myself out of it. That's why I need some help, because the voice in my head says no. I am not sure why I am so frugal, I am always like that...

So you don't really want to talk finances, since you can afford this car.

You want us to quiet the voices in your head. No can do. For that you'll need therapy. Extensive therapy. That will cost money, so that's another dilemma.

I don't see why this thread went to three pages when it's really not a huge deal. Buy a car, or don't buy a car. Either live with the voices in your head, or seek help to shut them up. The choice is yours, as is buying a car.

I really don't get what you hoped to gain by posting this question. This is a mental issue, and we can't help with that. Seek therapy if a simple thing like buying a car you can afford, is causing you this much anxiety.

Good luck.

[CFZD]

Alty,
You will need to be a professional to determine if someone has mental issue. I am here to seek advice and I do think over saving is a bit unusual in today's so society. I am a hardworking person who understands the value of dollars very well. Don't be bitter with me. There is no point to take on people.

[ma0641]

You won't take it with you!! buy what you want, it will last 10 years or more, and stop your bemoaning " I feel so bad to even think about buying a car... I can't talk myself out of it. That's why I need some help, because the voice in my head says no." No one is "bitter" but if you are this confused over a $10,000 car, what did you do with a house?

[Wondergirl]

My husband warned me not to buy a new car because it will depreciate in value the minute I drive off the car lot. Plus, a gently-used car will have the bugs worked out already. In 1991, I bought a new Ford Escort GT. It became the car of my dreams. It smelled good, fit me well, and had everything I wanted except for good cupholders. In 2003, I bought a new Dodge Neon. I loved that car almost as much as I had loved the GT AND it had a terrific sound system PLUS wonderful cupholders. Before buying each car, I did a lot of research. I was working full time and knew I (we) could afford it.

Do good research. You will be working and saving for many more years. Why not indulge and reward yourself a bit, especially with buying a late-model used car that won't depreciate so quickly like a new one would?

[J_9]

Being frugal is not a bad thing. I wish I were more frugal to tell the truth, but I get by well.

One thing you might want to consider is that you work so hard, save so much, that once in a while you should reward yourself for a job well done.

You work so hard, you save so much! Give yourself the reward! Absolutely nothing wrong with that!

[talaniman]

Frugal is okay, it makes you cautious, and that could make you a good shopper. Enjoy shopping for a new/used/another car, and let your frugality get you a good deal for yourself.

What's the point of being frugal and saving if you cannot enjoy some the fruit of your own labors? Be good to yourself why don't you.

[CFZD]

Thank you, you guys made very good point and I know I am able to and am deserve a newer car. Since I travel quite a lot for work, I plan on talking to mgmt see if I can get a company car... I will try that first see how it goes. Everything is negotiable, I won't know until I ask.

If they don't allow then I will go to Carmax or autotrade. I went to couple dealers already, I need to do more research and compare apples to apples. Any service or website you might suggest?