We visit our daughter in Jersey (outside of Philly) every other week and I know where you're coming from. We detect a behavior (a culture or a mindset) that human beings have a lesser worth (hence loser) unless they can outwardly display a facade of having obtained the prerequisite stuff. It does'nt seem to be outside of the rules of the game to ransom your future by siphoning off the equity in your home, or running up credit debt (high cost debt) to buy this stuff. Don't get me started regarding the level of hostility or invectives thrown casually at anyone who dresses, acts, moves, drives etc. differently than some local "norm".

Problem is, people in different areas have different "stuff", or more "stuff", or "stuff" that has been certified as "being cool" by the advertising industry. So everyone appears to me to pursuing some ideal state of being (so long as it's defined by their local peer group) that they can't ever obtain.

In the book "The Millionaire Next Door" the authors dealt with this phenomena in detail with examples of people who were "PAWs" (prodigious accumulators of wealth) and "UAWs" (underaccumulators of wealth). PAWS, among other things, don't spend a disproportionate amount of their income on depreciating assets (i.e a car).

The author's also have a lot to say about surrounding oneself with people who have the UAW habits, sort of like hanging around with the wrong crowd in high school. I suspect this book would reinforce and support your ideals of driving the cars you describe above.

I suspect a lot of people who drive older SAAB's, are wise with their money and believe they have a unique car with both tangible and intangible value built in. (Note that if I bought a SAAB (or ANY car) that just could not be maintained as to be reliable, I sell it with no remorse - it's still just a car).

To conclude this diatribe.. We should strive to row our own boat, not someone elses, especially if we can plainly see they are rowing upsteam.

signed:

1990 900S: paid for, runs fine, gets me and my stuff from point A to point B.

posted by 205.238.1...

• Saab Mystique?, Russell Giuliano, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 12:08:52
  • Re: Saab Mystique?, RS , Tue, 11 Dec 2001 14:11:05
  • I hear ya!, JustinHiFi , Mon, 10 Dec 2001 23:15:38
  • Re: Saab Mystique?, Jake , Mon, 10 Dec 2001 21:44:38
  • Hey, sounds like my car, ryan , Mon, 10 Dec 2001 19:11:13
    • Re: Hey, sounds like my car, Bil, Tue, 11 Dec 2001 01:00:29
    • Re: Hey, sounds like my car, Russell Giuliano, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 23:22:56
  • Let the Mystique Continue!!, PaulM, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 16:43:45
    • Re: Let the Mystique Continue!!, Evan, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 18:53:05
  • Re: Saab Mystique?, paulh, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:43:01
    • I feel your pain, Gregor, Tue, 11 Dec 2001 12:10:39 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Right on, mon., Dan W, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 21:44:19
    • Payments.............., DougM , Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:10:11
  • Saab Mystique Is the Best!, Micah in NC, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 13:55:13
    • Re: Saab Mystique Is the Best!, bkoeth, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:02:28
  • Yep..the mystique is real..., JonG, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 13:15:51
    • Ugliness, Roger (NAWC), Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:27:54
  • Re: Saab Mystique?, Simon S, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 13:00:51
    • peopel-people. I can type, honest. n/m., Simon S, Mon, 10 Dec 2001 13:02:22
  • I bought an 86T w/97k and people think I'm rich as well, DougM , Mon, 10 Dec 2001 12:43:55

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: Only have dot 3 at home, will go to the store but...., DougM, Tue, 11 Dec 2001 11:39:27
• Next by Date: Yes, I'd like a Black Pearl-like grill, too,..., Sean(TCSp), Tue, 11 Dec 2001 12:20:01
• Main C900 Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)