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

  • Emli on 09/09/2017 - 15:50
    +1

    100K

    Nearly 5 years old car salary sacrificed from brand new. Cost 18 500 when new.

  • Some Human on 09/09/2017 - 16:12
    +49

    Think you meant to post this on ozbraggin.com.au

  • pasey25 on 09/09/2017 - 16:15
    +7

    Post tax salary makes a big difference obviously. I wonder if people are remembering that. I bought a new car this year and my percentage against post tax salary is 26%. Measured against pre tax salary only 16%

    • Scrooge McDuck on 10/09/2017 - 13:23
      +12

      So you earnt about $290,000 and your car cost about $46,000. Nice!

  • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2017 - 16:27
    +1

    100k
    80k audi
    enuf said

    • Halc on 09/09/2017 - 20:54
      +4

      what return are you getting for your high yield investment?

      • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2017 - 00:42
        +49

        -100%

        • nismo on 10/09/2017 - 12:05
          +24

          Is that negative gearing or do you drive an auto?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 10/09/2017 - 13:25
          +1

          @nismo:

          Presumably he totalled it.

        • ThithLord on 11/09/2017 - 08:03

          At least you're honest :)

  • Donaldhump on 09/09/2017 - 16:49
    +33

    Audi R8
    Unemployed

    • pegaxs on 10/09/2017 - 08:16
      +8

      Well, if you're like my cousin who has 6 kids to 5 different fathers and you're on welfare, then I would say an R8 sounds very affordable.

      • Donaldhump on 10/09/2017 - 08:22
        +4

        I'm a man

      • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 15:39

        Well, if you're like my cousin who has 6 kids to 5 different fathers and you're on welfare, then I would say an R8 sounds very affordable.

        A bit presumptuous to assume that "unemployed" = "deadbeat parent on welfare". "Unclesnake" is more likely to be a self-funded retiree.

      • Donaldhump on 11/09/2017 - 14:54

        i don't think getting 1k a week on benefits would fund a $250k car.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 10/09/2017 - 13:45

      You could have got something better!

    • Shwayne on 11/09/2017 - 01:55

      So 201%+

  • Aniseed Steed on 09/09/2017 - 16:51
    +4

    $3.4K 1992 SAAB 900 convertible and a $6K 1988 SAAB 900 Aero.

    Retired.

    • brokeunistudent on 09/09/2017 - 18:46
      +27

      Retired.

      Who the car or you?

      • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 11:34
        +2

        Me. Both cars run better than I do, considering they're both about 24-28 years younger than I am.

    • mskeggs on 10/09/2017 - 00:34
      +3

      Nice.
      If you want a more 'fun' car, get one that is old and cheap. Still 80% of the fun, even if the aircon is blown and the plastic trim cracking ;-)

      And you get another, different one every few years with no depreciation pain.
      Mind you, we also have an old Toyota to arbitrage the risk of the old euro-mobile being out of action.

    • Ametric on 11/09/2017 - 09:06

      well done, that's a great choice!

    • Relapse on 11/09/2017 - 10:37

      Respect for holding onto the SAABs. I had a 1998 9-3 S. I had to put it down last year when the back seatbelt holder thingies rusted into dust, the ABS and Speedo stopped working and the clearcoat started flaking off… Tough ol girl….

  • yogihogi on 09/09/2017 - 16:53
    +4

    45k post tax drive e30 Bmw paid $2000
    Wife 120k post tax drive Nissan qashqai paid 34k

    • dcep on 09/09/2017 - 19:28
      +53

      you got a high yield investment with a very good return.

      i mean your wife.

      • footyboy on 09/09/2017 - 20:11
        +2

        Too good!

  • aspirepranesh on 09/09/2017 - 16:59
    +1

    Certainly dont work at Westpac with a high yield investment car worth $80,000!

    Ive couple of used cars though, Evo 8 for the weekend and a Toyota Corolla for work. Work as a Consultant, definitely not in 6 figures

  • Gronk on 09/09/2017 - 17:19
    +1

    100k, BMW K1300r.

    Would love a GTR but the maintenance costs are frightening…

    • [Deactivated] on 11/09/2017 - 08:44

      Tempting since they're available for 85k now.

  • JIMB0 on 09/09/2017 - 17:33
    +3

    $200k+ and drive a Daihatsu Charade 3 cylinder that I converted myself to run on LPG.

    • nismo on 10/09/2017 - 12:11
      +17

      Yeah those pesky 3 cylinders chew through petrol like nobody's business..

  • Sage on 09/09/2017 - 17:35
    +9

    I'm a billionaire and I drive a private jet.

    Really, I think only people with a low income should be on this site.
    Why would people with 100k salaries waste time with penny pinching.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2017 - 17:41
      +19

      Dude this site is terrible for those without money.

      The constant stream of stuff to buy…

      Spending 4 dayzzz

    • Aniseed Steed on 09/09/2017 - 17:42
      +23

      Why would people with 100k salaries waste time with penny pinching.

      Frugality is a mindset, regardless of how much money you have.

    • brokeunistudent on 09/09/2017 - 18:49
      +10

      I drive a private jet

      Sure, sure and I also fly my bike

      • rbin on 13/09/2017 - 16:36

        and I ride my truck

    • endotherm on 09/09/2017 - 23:51
      +14

      Why would people with 100k salaries waste time with penny pinching.

      Rich people don't remain rich unless they are frugal and careful with their spending, despite popular belief.

    • mskeggs on 10/09/2017 - 00:35
      +8

      How would that compare to a train, which I can also afford?

    • magic8ballgag on 10/09/2017 - 09:24
      +1

      Why would people with 100k salaries waste time with penny pinching.

      I think the more relevant question is, why wouldn't they?

      It really takes little to no effort and the reward is great.

    • Sensiekatie on 10/09/2017 - 10:46
      +1

      For done, penny pinching adds to their asset level.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 10/09/2017 - 13:47

      It's how the rich get richer. (plus various tax breaks, welfare, negative gearing etc).

    • Matslurpee on 10/09/2017 - 15:33
      +1

      Being frugal and putting those gains into investments is how you retire early.

    • TheMoDz on 12/09/2017 - 00:27

      only the people with money comments (or can lie) we peasants just read :(

    • MrFunSocks on 12/09/2017 - 19:40

      100k goes a lot further when you shop smartly and be a bit frugal.

  • Ughhh on 09/09/2017 - 17:51
    +11

    $1000k, I drive a custom car made of cardboard.

  • Wystri Warrick on 09/09/2017 - 17:53

    I'm waiting for one of Scabs saucy comments :P

  • Mrbean007 on 09/09/2017 - 17:57
    +3

    100k car thanks to uber
    Have to let my customers
    Ride in style

  • JimmyF on 09/09/2017 - 19:19
    -2

    Who cares

  • hongas on 09/09/2017 - 19:59

    $80 + but 2004 camry

  • iforgotmysocks on 09/09/2017 - 20:00
    +2

    Multi-millionaire and drive a train

  • thepigs on 09/09/2017 - 20:05
    +1

    $170k + kia carnival

  • Almost Banned on 09/09/2017 - 20:06
    +4

    I make comfortably over $100,000 and drive a 2000 Ford Falcon wagon.
    I hate it and would love to replace it - but just can't bring myself to spend the money while the Falcon is still running…

    • serpserpserp on 09/09/2017 - 21:41
      +23

      Unfortunately, that thing will probably run another 20 years.

    • Munki on 10/09/2017 - 21:58
      +3

      A 2000 Falcon that's still running? I'm calling bullshit.

      • bghunter on 14/09/2017 - 21:21
        +1

        He meant it runs when he drives, it doesnt run itself

  • Snatcher on 09/09/2017 - 21:33
    +3

    140k, drive a 2012 Kia and happy with it. Takes me from A to B.

  • ausdday on 09/09/2017 - 21:35
    +2

    Jobless, , veyron

  • Blue Cat on 09/09/2017 - 21:52
    +30

    Nice try ATO, not this time.

  • Marcsie on 09/09/2017 - 22:25
    +1

    Penny Wong, do you support Gay Marriage ?

    • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 12:22
      +5

      Anyone who believes in equality should.

      • Ghosteye on 10/09/2017 - 14:30
        +4

        And what if I believe in equality but not gay marriage?

  • lupiter on 09/09/2017 - 22:48
    +1

    I guess technically I own half of a Mazda 3, but I have no idea what it's worth and I do everything I can to avoid driving. But if your car is your hobby then I can understand spending more on it, money and time to care for it.

  • FisSort on 09/09/2017 - 23:06
    +34

    I earn 0, husband earns $300k.
    Drive a Range Rover Sport to take Felix and Miranda to Fencing and Equine sports respectively.

    • magic8ballgag on 10/09/2017 - 09:26

      Best thread, keep up the good work.

    • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 11:39
      +6

      I earn 0, husband earns $300k.
      Drive a Range Rover Sport to take Felix and Miranda to Fencing and Equine sports respectively.

      Didn't I bump into you at the Cartier Queen's Cup at the Guards Polo Club earlier this year?

    • Ozfan on 11/09/2017 - 20:08

      I love the rangees…nice car..good investment

  • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2017 - 23:47
    +1

    Mazda 3 $25k. Ain't saying how much I earn except it's comfortably within my means.

    If cars float your boat, and you can afford to get something fancy and still meet all your other financial commitments then why not.

  • Unknown1 on 09/09/2017 - 23:53
    +10

    Earn $131000 and drive one of these bad boys:
    AVIGO

    • Inzo on 10/09/2017 - 15:05

      you have amazing automotive taste :)

      And frugal!

    • Ozfan on 11/09/2017 - 20:16

      Wow I was looking for one like this to my niece as a birthday gift and it's on sale for 139.98$ here. Good find mate

  • airzone on 10/09/2017 - 00:17

    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.

    Actually, I would consider it to be sound financial advice.

  • tomsco on 10/09/2017 - 00:18

    $180k+, I believe, is the correct reference.

  • pegaxs on 10/09/2017 - 08:29
    +1

    Salary/wage varies on performance output and how much I want to get involved. I own everything I have, so money for me is just for toys now, so yearly pay is irrelevant. I don't want to "invest" as I want to enjoy what life has to offer right now, not be admired and or fought over for cash after I'm gone.

    I own 3 cars, 4 motorbikes and 2 trucks. Each bike represents about 5% of take home, cars, about 15%. Trucks, about 50%.

    All I need now are some boats and caravans to really round off the "money burning pit".

    • KBZ on 11/09/2017 - 17:30

      Which bikes?

      • pegaxs on 11/09/2017 - 19:27
        +2

        Ducati 999 and 696, Harley Sportster, Honda CB400. Nothing too fancy, just bikes I like riding. :)

        • KBZ on 11/09/2017 - 19:34

          Nice, can't wait till I'm financially comfortable enough to afford an array of bikes let alone a Ducati. Insurance alone is insane.

  • Rogaor on 10/09/2017 - 08:32
    +1

    55k, 2010 yaris.

  • dylanando on 10/09/2017 - 09:00
    +3

    $80k - $35k mazda.. (only bought because they offered me free food)

  • EmCKay on 10/09/2017 - 09:47
    +2

    28K and drive a 2016 Kia cerato that I bought outright last year for 18k

  • alphanumericbargains on 10/09/2017 - 10:10

    85k, 2006 Hyundai Sonata I bought for 4.5k a few months ago.

  • srpeel on 10/09/2017 - 10:18
    +5

    80K on Super, ex-Renault Megane until wife totaled it.

    Decided not to replace and went traveling instead, 10 months in SE Asia, 6 months in Mexico, Belize in a few days, then Colombia. Australia? - can't afford it.

    It's a hard life.

  • wanga1983 on 10/09/2017 - 10:19
    +5

    $110k salary, car bought for $4k insured at market for $12k

    2005 Mazda 6 MPS

    Great little project car and is still going strong

  • MikeKulls on 10/09/2017 - 10:34

    Never buy anything for status and prestige. (profanity) do that. Buy it because it fills a need, eg you want a fast car, or you want a 4wd to travel, or you just want something to get around. That is why I would always buy a Mazda or Nissan over a Porsche.

    • MikeKulls on 10/09/2017 - 10:34

      Haha, it blocked out the word W A N K E R S

      MikeKulls on 10/09/2017 - 10:34 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
      • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 12:05

        Try "masturbator", "tosser", or just "egotistical and self-indulgent twat". :)

        • nismo on 10/09/2017 - 12:19
          +1

          Knob jockey works too ;)

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