Tesla Model S Plaid
With the real estate there, the taxes, the commensurate salaries, car payments or costs are just not as big a factor as in a lot of other places. That's to me why there's so many nice cars there. There's a ton of nice cars in FL too for different reasons... tons of retirees here and people with wealth who moved here to escape high taxes. But real estate in FL is dirt cheap in comparison with CA 
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,019
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From: Knoxville, TN
stated like someone who lives in california where a million buys you an out house. 
you do know the avg car price is about $40K? People buying $150K cars all have a net worth of at least a million. Granted, a million's not that much any more, and the govt is now eyeing how to grab assets, not just income.
you do know the avg car price is about $40K? People buying $150K cars all have a net worth of at least a million. Granted, a million's not that much any more, and the govt is now eyeing how to grab assets, not just income.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,585
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From: Washington
Just to add some color here, the average Mercedes S-class buyer has an average income of $375,000 per year. I would say the chances of the average $150k car buyer having a net worth far higher than a million is very high.
Last edited by TangoRed; Nov 8, 2021 at 11:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
Lots of nice cars in the Bay...lol
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,466
Likes: 3,990
From: Maryland
Depends on how much money you make. As was said before, people who buy cars like this have incomes $350k+ often. Even if your net worth isn't $1M+, the payment is more than comfortable on $30k+ a month in income.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,019
Likes: 496
From: Knoxville, TN
Subract half for taxes, so 15k. What would an actual car payment be on $150K? Leasing is wayyy cheaper. I just plugged it in, roughly 3 grand a month to buy one of these.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Even if its $3k a month, with that kind of income thats 10% of their gross monthly income. If you look up what "financial gurus" (who are FOS) say the max one should spend on a monthly car payment...its 10% of their gross monthly income.
I have NEVER considered my net worth when deciding whether I can afford a car or not. I have a financial plan, and I fund that plan, and whatever is left over is my money to finance my household and my lifestyle. If a car payment fits into what I want to allocate to that spend and I want it, then I get it. The amount I spend on cars has zero impact on my financial situation. Most other people with high incomes are the same way.
If you have to really think about how you can afford a car like that, you shouldn't be buying one or leasing one.
Last edited by SW17LS; Nov 8, 2021 at 06:19 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,019
Likes: 496
From: Knoxville, TN
I just spent a lot on a boat (double what I paid for my LX) but that's a financial hit very worth the happiness etc. boating provides and I hope to get 20 years out of this vessel.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Us either, but we have a cap we spend on cars just because of the way I am with money. We just piddle around town like a 5 mile radius, thats it. A trip out of town once a year or so maybe. There is no reason we need anything nicer than the already nice cars we have, old or not.
I just spent a lot on a boat (double what I paid for my LX) but that's a financial hit very worth the happiness etc. boating provides and I hope to get 20 years out of this vessel.
I just spent a lot on a boat (double what I paid for my LX) but that's a financial hit very worth the happiness etc. boating provides and I hope to get 20 years out of this vessel.
If I didn't drive as much as I do, I wouldnt spend as much as I spend on my car either.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
Everybody's different, thats why blanket statements about what someone can and can not afford or should and should not spend are meaningless, everybody's situation is really different. Bottom line is, most people who buy $150k cars have a lot of disposable money.
If I didn't drive as much as I do, I wouldnt spend as much as I spend on my car either.
If I didn't drive as much as I do, I wouldnt spend as much as I spend on my car either.
. I always complain that the kids ate my Porsche fund. 
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,466
Likes: 3,990
From: Maryland
Exactly...we shouldn't judge as a ton of people here have a ton of disposable income. Overall, $150k for a car isn't that much money for a lot of people...no more expensive than to get a well loaded 911S. $3K per month is actually cheap compared to what i pay for private school for my kids . I always complain that the kids ate my Porsche fund.
. I always complain that the kids ate my Porsche fund.
There is no reason we need anything nicer than the already nice cars we have, old or not.
I just spent a lot on a boat (double what I paid for my LX) but that's a financial hit very worth the happiness etc. boating provides and I hope to get 20 years out of this vessel.
humans can rationalize anything.
including buying a 2s 0-60 sedan
(brings it home)Last edited by bitkahuna; Nov 8, 2021 at 07:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: CA
excet when it comes to boats.
And after a point this isn't about reason any longer. You don't have a great reason to dunk a load of money on a boat although you have a wonderful reason, it will make you happy. Buying my LC for 100K was 'dumb' but i don't regret it.
And boats are typically more expensive to maintain than cars, but you want it, good for you!!!
humans can rationalize anything.
including buying a 2s 0-60 sedan (brings it home)
And after a point this isn't about reason any longer. You don't have a great reason to dunk a load of money on a boat although you have a wonderful reason, it will make you happy. Buying my LC for 100K was 'dumb' but i don't regret it.
And boats are typically more expensive to maintain than cars, but you want it, good for you!!!
humans can rationalize anything.
including buying a 2s 0-60 sedan
(brings it home)
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,466
Likes: 3,990
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by swajames
“What I choose to waste money on is perfectly explainable and rational, but you should see what these other idiots are spending on their cars..!”
do I have that right?
do I have that right?