As with all our purchases, cars are a personal choice and they can change over time. I've had Porsches and BMW's, Lexuses, and Mercedes, but I've also had Jeeps, and pickups. My cars didn't get progressively more expensive, either. I bought what I wanted or what I needed (generally more the former than the latter!) Anyway, I think we live with our choices we make, so it doesn't matter. I've lived in expensive houses and eaten in more and moderate price ones and dined out 5 times a week. The right choice is the one you are willing to live with.

I do bristle about the 'bail-out' mentality I've heard lately regarding sub-prime mortgages, though. I don't care how much a bank is willing to lend you, I think you should be accountable for your commitments in life.

Soapbox mode now set to off...