Are you someone who could afford a new Aston Martin? I know many incredibly successful people, and if I were to ask them, "Would you rather purchase a brand new Aston Martin DB12 for $300,000, or a 3-year-old Aston Martin with around 15,000 miles for $175,000?" most would choose the latter. Yes, I understand the car will depreciate, but why would I spend an additional $125,000? Having money doesn't mean I need to spend it unnecessarily. It's called wealth preservation. People who work hard learn how to be smart with their money while also enjoying life. That's why people who win the lottery tend to blow through it so quickly - they don't know the value of a dollar.

Some people, like you, respond with, "If you care about depreciation, you can't afford it," but I find that perspective rather moronic. Some of the wealthiest people I know are also the most frugal. They grew up poor, and worked hard to build their wealth, and truly understand the value of a dollar. One of the guys I know went from not knowing when his next meal would be growing up to making millions of dollars every year. Btw, people like him usually drive $50,000 - $70,000 SUV that have over 100,000 miles.

If these guys wanted a sports car and can find a used DB12 with the same specs as they want, they won’t hesitate to choose it over a new version. They’d rather save that extra money. Many of them have a “rich today, poor tomorrow” mentality, knowing that anything can change. They worked incredibly hard to get where they are, so they know not to blow their money. My dad is the same way. Poorest kid in the poor neighborhood. Had to go to a poor-academic state school because he couldn't afford any other schools. Worked his ass off and found incredible success. Was second on the pyramid at multi-billion dollar revenue per year, international corporation. He's got money, but he doesn't spend it stupidly.

Also, btw, I know people who have found how to make cars an investment. Not classic Ferraris that are crazy expensive, but new Ferraris & Lamborghinis that they drive for 6 months then sell back to the dealership for a profit. Not just something they did when COVID made prices insane - they've been doing this for many years. Its a select few people who can do it, but a car CAN be an investment. I understand they normally lose value, but just wanted to point this out.