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Paulette, what makes you think most Americans buy cars with cash?
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Most cars are depreciating assets. And Americans, by virtue of their low tax rates, have lots of disposable income. At least that's what advertising agencies and car manufacturers. as well as Americans driving new cars, want me to believe.
I suppose one could also buy with a check or a cashier's check. I understand financing if the percentage rate is under 5%, or if one's just starting out... I know I've financed a car (paid off in a year), and I've financed my scooter as the APR I'm earning on my money is higher than the scooter APR.
Maybe I'm just an addled underearner, but I find car payments very depressing. Every payment coupon said to me: "Oh look you can't afford to pay in cash for a depreciating asset. Sucks to be you. Wouldn't you rather be giving yourself this much money in a savings account or your Roth?"