Why do well off people drive rubbish cars?
Discussion
Each week in the Daily Wail they have an indepth interview with a business leader. Today, Vince Cable (earns more than 6 times average salary). The person invariably owns a rubbish car. Cable drives an Astra, and other CEO's and MD's admit to 9 year old Volvos and Passats. Is this a UK thing, they feel scared of what the public think if they drive a decent car. Surely, a captain of industry should spread their wealth and drive a decent motor not some old jalopy.
Think you've answered your question already! There is a huge stigma attached to people in powerfuil positions having 'thirsty' cars and a hell of a lot of pressure for them to either have something understated and/or frugal.
There's also the case that the reason a lot of really wealthy people are so well off is because they don't spend money on things that they don't need, e.g. a Lada instead of a Lambo!
Or, they're just not that into cars!
There's also the case that the reason a lot of really wealthy people are so well off is because they don't spend money on things that they don't need, e.g. a Lada instead of a Lambo!
Or, they're just not that into cars!
Firstly not everyone is into cars (mad I know). For some they are simply a means of getting from a to b.
Image and perception also have a lot to do with it for some people.
If you own a company that has just made staff redundant or held staff salaries for a few years you cant turn up in a flash car. You need to be seen to be sharing the pain.
I've always found the French strange when it comes to nice cars. They all love cars. Go over to France in a nice sportscar and everyone wants to look at it and compliment you on it but they all drive crappy old French rust buckets.
You see some amazing houses which are clearly owned by well off people but they still have the obligatory rusty 205 sat on the drive.
Image and perception also have a lot to do with it for some people.
If you own a company that has just made staff redundant or held staff salaries for a few years you cant turn up in a flash car. You need to be seen to be sharing the pain.
I've always found the French strange when it comes to nice cars. They all love cars. Go over to France in a nice sportscar and everyone wants to look at it and compliment you on it but they all drive crappy old French rust buckets.
You see some amazing houses which are clearly owned by well off people but they still have the obligatory rusty 205 sat on the drive.
I do take your point, but it strikes me as pathetic that some one cannot justify say an E Class Merc or Jag XF. I know my staff expect me to run a decent motor and they aspire to something similar. If I worked for say Tesco and the CEO visited my store in a Zafira I would feel he was letting the company down not just himself. I am not advocating an Alan Sugar Phantom, but have some respect... An Astra!!
Or it could be a case of what they 'admit' to using as their daily driver... as opposed to what the expensive bit of kit they have stashed away in the garage.
I know of plenty of 'comfortably off' people who prefer this option.
I am friends with one chap who drives around in a battered old Peugoet 307 (never been cleaned and a huge dent in passenger door). He owns 5000 acres of land, lots of property.
A case of not judging a book by its cover.
I know of plenty of 'comfortably off' people who prefer this option.
I am friends with one chap who drives around in a battered old Peugoet 307 (never been cleaned and a huge dent in passenger door). He owns 5000 acres of land, lots of property.
A case of not judging a book by its cover.
t?What they tell you they drive and what they have tucked up in a heated garage are 2 different things.
Also, they may well have things worth 4 x more than a Jaguar XF hanging off their walls or sat on their mantle piece. Or 100 acres of land somewhere that cost more than 10 Jag XFs. Unlike a car, those are investments that hold or gain value. There are lots of ways to enjoy money, and not everyone considers cars one of them.
Also, they may well have things worth 4 x more than a Jaguar XF hanging off their walls or sat on their mantle piece. Or 100 acres of land somewhere that cost more than 10 Jag XFs. Unlike a car, those are investments that hold or gain value. There are lots of ways to enjoy money, and not everyone considers cars one of them.
They're not into cars! 
. For example, I probably have the same washing machine, fridge, kitchen table and chairs etc, as someone earning a quarter of my salary, in fact I know that I do. This is because these things don't really interest me. I have fairly expensive bed though, because that's something I really value. It totally depends on what someone wants to spend their money on. Even for well off people, £40k on a new car that'll be worth £20k in two years is a waste of money to many.
. For example, I probably have the same washing machine, fridge, kitchen table and chairs etc, as someone earning a quarter of my salary, in fact I know that I do. This is because these things don't really interest me. I have fairly expensive bed though, because that's something I really value. It totally depends on what someone wants to spend their money on. Even for well off people, £40k on a new car that'll be worth £20k in two years is a waste of money to many.[quote=Davey S2]Firstly not everyone is into cars (mad I know). For some they are simply a means of getting from a to b.
[quote]
This...on AV Forums there is probably someone wondering why all rich people don't own a 50k home cinema system.
My Uncle is a very sucessful businessman, and could easily afford to buy any car he wanted. Last time I saw him he was driving an old van, in his slippers, wearing a jumper with a big hole in it.
He wears whats comfortable, he drives whats practical. He doesn't need to impress anyone so why would he buy something expensive that not up to the job.
I'm of the same mind, if the lottery numbers came up tomorrow yes I'll have a fleet of nice cars, but thats because I like them. I'd still wear the same cheap cloth's, and do without a big fat watch, because these things mean nothing to me.
[quote]
This...on AV Forums there is probably someone wondering why all rich people don't own a 50k home cinema system.
My Uncle is a very sucessful businessman, and could easily afford to buy any car he wanted. Last time I saw him he was driving an old van, in his slippers, wearing a jumper with a big hole in it.
He wears whats comfortable, he drives whats practical. He doesn't need to impress anyone so why would he buy something expensive that not up to the job.
I'm of the same mind, if the lottery numbers came up tomorrow yes I'll have a fleet of nice cars, but thats because I like them. I'd still wear the same cheap cloth's, and do without a big fat watch, because these things mean nothing to me.
Edited by 98elise on Thursday 10th March 13:00
Edited by 98elise on Thursday 10th March 13:01
Garlick said:
I love it when they do this.
Battered Saab 900's, W123/124 Mercs, Pug 505 estates, Izuzu Troopers etc parked outside a rambling country pile
For those who don't have the desire to show their wealth in an ostentatious way, or prove anything to anyone.
Fantastic.
I think they look even better with "a real good numberplate"Battered Saab 900's, W123/124 Mercs, Pug 505 estates, Izuzu Troopers etc parked outside a rambling country pile
For those who don't have the desire to show their wealth in an ostentatious way, or prove anything to anyone.
Fantastic.
The ones I know, half of them don't have a dish washer at all. dvance said:
I am with the OP on this one -- don't get it.
I see the point in not driving a car that raises awareness but come on -- they could at least afford an old 5 series without attracting almost any attention. Something nice on the inside with decent oily bits. It can even be diesel...
You're into cars so would think like us, others may wonder why they don't have a caravan/ horse/ koi carp lake/ nice motorbike.....I see the point in not driving a car that raises awareness but come on -- they could at least afford an old 5 series without attracting almost any attention. Something nice on the inside with decent oily bits. It can even be diesel...
It all depends what floats your boat.
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