What's Your Salary and What Car Do You Drive?

Save Medicare on 09/09/2017 - 12:40
Last edited 09/09/2017 - 12:44

Most seasoned ozbargainers would agree that spending $80,000 on a car whilst on an entry-level finance salary isn't the most prudent thing to do.

With many immigrant cultures now favouring excessive consumption as a show of status and wealth over prudence, is it really reasonable to spend more money to buy a german-badged car?

Is it reasonable to spend 100k on a cayman "as a hobby" on a 60k salary and save more money on other parts of your life?

If not, what is reasonable?

What is the value of you car compared to your annual post-tax take home salary?

Would also love to hear a vague estimate of your salary, what car you drive and how much you paid in the comments to stimulate discussion

Question also applies to motorcycles

Poll Options

  • 183
    <5%
  • 131
    6-10%
  • 231
    11-20%
  • 127
    21-30%
  • 70
    31-40%
  • 41
    41-50%
  • 38
    51-75%
  • 23
    76-100%
  • 7
    101-150%
  • 1
    151-200%
  • 13
    201%+
  • 118
    I made a high-yield investment of $80k from my $180k salary to get bikies to ferry me everywhere
Automotive

Comments

  • Save Medicare on 09/09/2017 - 12:52
    +59

    I drive a 1998 4-cylinder Toyota Camry as a full-time student, but maybe together we can convince my girlfriend that going 100k into debt for a used porsche next year is a reasonable expense.

    • dcep on 09/09/2017 - 12:57
      +59

      pffttt.. you only need to convince your wife.

      girlfriend ? just dump her & get another one that won't control your financial.

      • myusername on 09/09/2017 - 13:44
        +14

        yeah get one that only wants you for your porsche and then watch her breakup with you and take half that fly ride

      • Scrooge McDuck on 10/09/2017 - 12:17
        +15

        pffttt.. you only need to convince your wife.

        girlfriend ? just dump her & get another one that won't control your financial.

        It's 2017 not 1917, you can replace your wife too!

        • Save Medicare on 11/09/2017 - 07:17
          +8

          It's 2017 but Penny isn't allowed to have a wife.

          Sorry sophes

        • Scrooge McDuck on 11/09/2017 - 07:38
          +5

          @Penny Wong:

          Penny isn't allowed to have a wife.

          If only state prohibitionism protected everyone from such misery.

        • westernculture on 11/09/2017 - 08:07
          +4

          Dumping ur gf is free, dumping ur wife costs half ur fortune.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 11/09/2017 - 08:09
          +1

          @westernculture:

          Or a lot more.

          Touché.

        • RockyRaccoon on 11/09/2017 - 09:10
          +1

          @Penny Wong: Just use a comm car, ideal for those living off the state

        • Save Medicare on 11/09/2017 - 09:32

          @RockyRaccoon:

          Not just a commie car, commie everything. Make Australia red.

        • RockyRaccoon on 11/09/2017 - 12:30

          @Penny Wong: Ah ah now we know you are really Sarah (H-Y) not Penny 😀

    • Toons on 09/09/2017 - 16:34
      +8

      Your not Penny Wong

      • brokeunistudent on 09/09/2017 - 18:45
        +5

        WOKE

        • Toons on 09/09/2017 - 20:50

          EXACTLY!!!!!

        • pegaxs on 10/09/2017 - 08:33
          +37

          You're *

      • schwinn on 10/09/2017 - 21:55
        +4

        His not Penny Wong.

        • nayfon on 10/09/2017 - 22:24
          +2

          He's

        • Save Medicare on 11/09/2017 - 07:16
          +8

          #notmypenny

        • salem on 11/09/2017 - 13:09
          +5

          NOTPENNYSBOAT

        • pennypincher98 on 13/09/2017 - 10:07

          @salem: Is that a Lost reference I hear snuck in?

    • payless69 on 10/09/2017 - 15:34
      +1

      did you get my old Camry? Better not tell you what I did inside…

    • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 15:46
      -1

      maybe together we can convince my girlfriend that going 100k into debt for a used porsche next year is a reasonable expense.

      Your girlfriend obviously has more sense than to go $100K into debt for a used car.

    • HumbleCat on 11/09/2017 - 04:06
      -2

      Are you the real Penny Wong? :0

    • Dr Techno on 11/09/2017 - 14:07
      +1

      if only the Camry was a riced out AE86 :P

    • augernised on 11/09/2017 - 14:44

      Ahhhhh Camrys. The preferred transport of any seasoned ozbargbainer

    • Sinful on 12/09/2017 - 21:50

      Porshe should depreciate slower than a GF.

  • dcep on 09/09/2017 - 12:55
    +19

    if it's your hobby (enjoy spirited driving / track) then it's worthwhile.

    if you've face problem & need a 911 for picking up chicks then it's worthwhile too.

    if it's for ego & to impress colleague / relatives, then no.

    • Save Medicare on 09/09/2017 - 15:35
      +11

      Is a $200,000 911 a higher yield investment than cosmetic surgery?

      • brokeunistudent on 09/09/2017 - 21:41
        +1

        Depends on how much you are ripping the taxpayers off.

      • frinik on 10/09/2017 - 16:34
        +2

        nah… a 911 will only attract gold diggers. Costmetic surgery you can bag yourself a sugarmumma/daddy

        • Save Medicare on 11/09/2017 - 08:48
          +9

          So you're saying that cosmetic surgery can lead to a free 911 down the track? Sounds like sound financial planning to me!

    • poboy on 09/09/2017 - 16:55
      +12

      This is the answer. People value different things. People spend lots on clothes, but scrimp on food and vice versa. Within reason, don't feel guilty about spending extra money on something you're passionate about.

      It will make you happy.

      • nismo on 10/09/2017 - 11:46
        +3

        Yeah, but not if you are buying it to impress other people or as a show of status.

        • sushirais on 10/09/2017 - 13:18
          +6

          What if that's where you place value. It's not your money anyways

        • Drifter on 10/09/2017 - 14:18
          +3

          not if you are buying it to impress other people or as a show of status

          Why not? They are not spending your money. It's their money and they should spend it on whatever makes them happy.

        • nismo on 10/09/2017 - 20:43

          @Drifter:
          You both missed my point, whatever

  • renster72 on 09/09/2017 - 13:31
    +2

    earn 115 - 130k drive a 2008 BMW 320d bought in 2011 for $40k

    Great car good performance and great on fuel. I would love a 981 cayman :-)

    • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2017 - 20:11
      +31

      A 320d does not have good performance.

      • serpserpserp on 09/09/2017 - 20:34
        +33

        It is good for him, that is all he cares about.

      • Halc on 09/09/2017 - 20:52
        +4

        not everyone can afford a m5 ;)

      • renster72 on 09/09/2017 - 21:27
        +2

        It does actually 0-100 in 8 sec 6 ltr per 100ks 900+ kays on a tank of fuel

        I did have a BF II XR6 turbo with upgraded intercooler and chipped , sure it was much faster, but real world 320d plenty quick enough

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKrXFTL_6pw

      • skillet on 10/09/2017 - 12:13
        +8

        Performance for me is boat towing capacity and braking distance. Performance on Aussie roads with 100kmh limit?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 10/09/2017 - 12:27
          +18

          What about performance in the car park of Lidcombe Staysh!?

        • skillet on 10/09/2017 - 12:30
          +1

          That you need a ford ute.

        • casho on 10/09/2017 - 21:15
          +2

          @Scrooge McDuck: Coppers, coppers!

        • boomramada on 11/09/2017 - 08:39

          you never ever know if you never ever go..

      • OzzyOzbourne on 10/09/2017 - 13:44
        +1

        How quick do you need to accelerate to the next set of red lights?

        • Fobsessive on 10/09/2017 - 14:29
          +18

          Whatever it takes for the VTEC to kick in

        • salem on 11/09/2017 - 13:11
          +1

          @Fobsessive: yo

        • Providence on 11/09/2017 - 21:52

          As fast as possible. That's how you get places quicker without breaking the law.

    • Halc on 09/09/2017 - 20:51
      +1

      curious - what's your experience with upkeep of an used beemer?

      • renster72 on 09/09/2017 - 21:23
        +3

        good if you have a trustworthy mechanic, prices good on OEM stuff

      • casho on 10/09/2017 - 21:16

        I've owned e36, e46 and now e90. Pretty low cost to keep on the road. One service a year. Because I buy them when 10yo, typically I need to fix either alternator or water pump.

        • AlexD on 11/09/2017 - 05:54
          +2

          I had an E46 330i, and had the opposite experience. In one month, I had to replace the radiator,,entire cooling system, oil rocker gasket and power steering pump. Lots of bits seem to fail over 150,000km.

        • casho on 11/09/2017 - 10:29

          @AlexD: Yeah can depend on km's and service history also. I always go for low km's and full service history. I had the 330ci in manual. Fun car!

        • AlexD on 12/09/2017 - 06:06
          +1

          @casho: I don’t think I’ve ever driven a more enjoyable car. Low km are definitely the way to go. Mine only started having more frequent issues ~160,000km, and I kept it until it had ~200,000km.

    • frostman on 10/09/2017 - 21:38

      earn 115 - 130k

      doing what?

      • buckster on 11/09/2017 - 06:35
        +4

        Brodening NES minis

      • renster72 on 11/09/2017 - 15:30
        +1

        Bitcoin mining

    • rattler on 13/09/2017 - 09:00

      On a similar boat. I have 2014 318D and got it for similar price a year ago. Awesome on fuel (5.1l for 100) and accelerate fast enough on sports mode to beat 95% of the cars next to me.

  • Heracles26 on 09/09/2017 - 14:28
    +17

    $100,000+ and some ford car, not sure what model I think Fairmont or falcon and it's 2003 or something not sure, that I've had since I was 20

    • Wystri Warrick on 09/09/2017 - 14:53
      +6

      Ah a frugal Ozbargainer, just like me :).
      Can we be friends :)

      • Heracles26 on 09/09/2017 - 16:58
        +41

        Yea :) I'm far from frugal though I just don't have any interest whatsoever in cars

        • magic8ballgag on 10/09/2017 - 09:18
          +14

          This is the most honest comment I've read on these forums.

        • Matslurpee on 10/09/2017 - 15:25

          What about safety? ;)

        • Heracles26 on 10/09/2017 - 15:32
          +4

          @Matslurpee:

          I get it serviced once a year and I'm a very patient driver :)

        • Matslurpee on 10/09/2017 - 15:38
          +5

          @Heracles26: I was speaking more about how older cars are shit in safety, so while you save a little using an old car you may regret being overly frugal when it comes to car safety.

          Also even if you drive perfect, it doesn't stop you getting t-boned by an old lady who hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

        • Heracles26 on 10/09/2017 - 15:48
          +1

          @Matslurpee:

          Oh I get ya but nah it seems fine in terms of safety, it's early 2000's so no issues there that have ever been brought to my attention

          Yes true, no car will stop that unfortunately

        • Shutterfish on 10/09/2017 - 19:21

          @Matslurpee: genuine question: with all the technology go to fuel economy are cars become safer?

        • manshrew on 11/09/2017 - 09:15
          +2

          @Shutterfish:

          Yes.

        • zathras on 11/09/2017 - 13:36

          @Matslurpee:

          I would rather be in an large older car in a crash than a new small car.
          And as a bonus a 14 year old falcon won't have a Takata shrapnel bomb in the steering wheel.

        • Masteraal on 11/09/2017 - 23:44
          +5

          @zathras:

          You'd be surprised how far cars have come in 10-15 years.

        • zathras on 13/09/2017 - 14:08

          @Masteraal:

          I know there have been changes (some improvements) over the last decade.
          But you can buy a safer older car than a brand new car for the same money.
          For example, if I had $16000 to buy a car, i would choose a 2012 Ford Falcon over a brand new 2017 Kia Picanto. Pretty sure the Falcon is safer for the occupants in a crash. If both of those cars crashed head-on, which would you rather be in?

      • Heracles26 on 10/09/2017 - 15:24
        +11

        'Tis true and it's more embarrassing than cool i think, don't be angry xo

        • smartazz104 on 10/09/2017 - 19:55
          +7

          @Burnertoasty: Keep digging.

        • Jackson on 11/09/2017 - 18:30

          @Burnertoasty: If he was female it would be par for the course.

    • yaziyo on 11/09/2017 - 16:56
      +1

      I hope it's on gas

  • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2017 - 15:05
    +11

    150k.

    No car here son.

    theendlessextracash

    • Kangal on 09/09/2017 - 16:45
      +41

      that endless sex cash?

      I drive a used Subaru, funnel all my savings into OzBargain, and have no sex.

      • serpserpserp on 09/09/2017 - 20:35
        +18

        He said endless sex trash.

        • FW190 on 09/09/2017 - 21:36
          +5

          He said endless sex trash.

          that's what I saw as well :)

        • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2017 - 09:30
          +4

          @FW190:

          You bitches are (profanity) jelly im rolling in endless trashy sex.

          But seriously though….

          Lets do some mathematics for a second to calculate how much endless trashy sex I endure.

          Actually RAC have done some great breakdowns of the cost/week of a car. These start at around $170 and go up to $300+

          https://rac.com.au/-/media/files/rac-website/pdfs/car-and-mo…

          So even if I was akin to many a car owner, out of shape from being stuck in a car for a good % of my life; I could still get 2-3 hours worth of cheap trashy prostitute sex every month. Which may be a lifetime more than many here, considering the astounding number of porches, bmw and audi on this thread.

        • FW190 on 10/09/2017 - 12:19
          +5

          @eggmaster:

          considering the astounding number of porches, bmw and audi on this thread.

          but…..but…… those are great investments for your grad job :)

        • mrwoo on 11/09/2017 - 09:31

          That's what she said.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 10/09/2017 - 13:29

        I drive a used Subaru, funnel all my savings into OzBargain, and have no sex.

        That figures.

        • Kangal on 10/09/2017 - 15:07

          I can only dream what it feels like to swim in gold and purssie

    • magic8ballgag on 10/09/2017 - 09:19
      +8

      You should try not eating or going out, then imagine the money you could take to the grave.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2017 - 14:36

        I spend money….

        Just not on cars. They are boring. To be in, to look at; frustrating traffic; not neccesary for life.

        Imagine all that extra cash i have for eating and going out bro…

        • magic8ballgag on 10/09/2017 - 14:48
          +8

          not neccesary for life.

          I disagree, without a car I wouldn't have a job.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2017 - 17:37

          @Lorindor:

          This in from science:

          A new requirement for life; amongst food, water and oxygen….

          A tuff car

        • FatBlanket on 11/09/2017 - 07:12
          +4

          @Lorindor:

          A car is necessary for life in Australia that's for damn sure

        • JoJoker on 11/09/2017 - 07:58
          +1

          @FatBlanket: I walk 3 minutes to the train station, ride 9 minutes, walk another 3 minutes and I'm sitting in my office.

          Or I can drive for 30+ minutes in traffic, pay a toll, spend 10 minutes looking for a 2 hour spot, and move the car a further 3 times the same day.

          On weekends I rent a car for $130/inc fuel if I feel like heading somewhere out of the way.

        • FatBlanket on 11/09/2017 - 10:28
          +3

          @JoJoker: nice one man. Unfortunately the other 24 million of us don't live less than 15 minutes from work and 3 minutes from a station.

          And what about when you lose your job and the next job is not 15 minutes from home? Or do you rent just so you don't have to drive, lol?

        • abb on 11/09/2017 - 14:23
          +1

          @FatBlanket: In certain lines of work, the jobs are highly concentrated in particular capital city suburbs.

          For example, in Sydney, if you work in finance or law in the CBD, you can place a fair bet on getting your next job nearby.
          All the major building & industrial automation players are in North Ryde, I think the pharma manufacturers too.

          Also if you live near a major train station, you can get to a lot of places pretty quickly.

          In regional areas? Yeah I'd damn well want a car too.

        • JoJoker on 11/09/2017 - 20:55
          +1

          @FatBlanket:

          Last job (different industry) I lived 2 minutes walk away. When I got this job I moved. Life is too short to add 10+ hours a week commuting.

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