Poor Man's Car

[HousingCounselor]

I'm beginning to see my mother and I's differences about money more and more.

My step-father was in a car accident in my mothers car, a 2011 Nissan Rogue by the way. Nothing serious just a fender bender. Any whoo, he took the car in for repairs to the front and rear bumpers at which she was given a rental car. It was a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. When my mother saw the car she was going to be driving for the next few days she called it a "poor man's car" to my shock. The car was a whole year newer than her car so I didn't quite see the difference between what she was already driving.

I feel that if my mother were to win $1 million in the lottery it would be gone in a year.

What are your thoughts? Does anyone here think there's such a thing as a poor man's car?

[bjl584]

A poor man's car to me is a 25 year old sedan that is rusted out, seven different colors, a torn and worn out interior, 350,000 miles, and a cloud of smoke behind it from the oil burning. A true clunker.

Your mother is probably recalling the days when the big three produced less than reputable vehicles. The old Detroit cars used to be inexpensive and of poor quality. That isn't the case anymore, but she may be unaware of the drastic changes to car quality and price in recent years.

[HousingCounselor]

I hope you're right I certainly see your point. I was worried because the way she sounded was as if the car was beneath her or something.

[DebbieL]

I hope you're right I certainly see your point. I was worried because the way she sounded was as if the car was beneath her or something.

Well, you know your own mother. I think if that's how you interpreted her comment, then maybe that's how she meant it. There are plenty of people who do think like that. I'm not one of them, but I've known many who are.

[disneysteve]

Honestly, I don't think she should care what she's driving as a rental for a few days. She isn't buying the thing.

When I take my car in for service and they give me a loaner, they always ask what type of car I brought in and then assign me a loaner accordingly. I always tell them I totally don't care. As long as I have a car, I'm happy. It's only for 24 hours and sometimes less than that. Give me whatever you've got.

Is there such a thing as a poor man's car? Well, seeing as I earn a 6-figure income and drive a 14-year-old Camry with 150,000 miles that isn't too pretty anymore, far be it from me to say yes. Sure, there are cars that cost less than others and there are cars that are less prestigious than others, but so what. If it runs and gets you where you need to go without making a bunch of strange noises or blowing out black smoke, that should be good enough.