Feeling bad about driving a nice car...

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

Do you guys ever feel bad about driving a nice car (if you're young). Just today, I had lunch with my career counselor from work and he is a Senior Partner. We went to leave and he hops in a corolla when I hop in my M3. Like...he makes about 3x what I do and is about 10 years older probably (I'm 22) and I feel like kind of a jerk driving my car. The worst part is that I could have afforded this thing on my current salary because it's not much more than say a new Honda Accord...just higher upkeep, but you'll still get dirty looks.



It also happens when I meet new people and I want to seem down to earth and normal. This car does NOT help then.



I love the pimpin' factor in general and for driving around the streets with strangers, but somehow it makes me feel bad around normal people.



Thoughts?

[m3f_99DakarM3_146594ecf1]

I used to get the same way - but its all a matter of priorities. I make good money, own a house and have no wife or kids to deal with so my extra money goes towards what I drive. Most others have many other priorities even though they may make more money. They just use a car to get from A to B - not for the driving experience like we do. I dont feel bad anymore - just privileged to be lucky enough to have an M car while still in my 20's.

[m3f_VTRick01_f4e20f34c1]

Yep, I'm the same way. I hate the typical "you drive a beamer, you snot" attitude many people have, but we probably all work hard for our money. Plus, like astan said, I paid the same money for my car used as a new Honda. Plus, my only real toy is my car--I don't have the latest MP3 players, plasma TVs, etc, so it's my one vice. Priorities I guess.

[m3f_SouthernCaliM3]

Take it from someone who's 41 and has a family.....don't ever be ashamed, feel bad, or think it's a "vice",.....if other people can't handle the fact that you have a nicer car than them, especially if you're younger, it's NOT your problem. And most of all, it doesn't make you a "snot".



When I first got my '95 M3 last year, people thought I mortgaged my house or won the lottery. I simply tell them that I've always wanted this car since I first saw it in 1995, this specific color scheme, and besides, it's 8 years old (at the time), I paid $66 for registration (that's LOW in Calif.), and you paid a helluva lot more money for that new Ford Expedition.



BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU DRIVE, no matter what your age is, because it just lets other people know that you've got good taste in cars. eace:

[m3f_VTRick01_f4e20f34c1]

BTW, love your wheels. Hamann PG3's?

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

I paid for it, I like it so F*** everyone who doesn't.

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

I have felt this way from time to time but I agree with the other posts. I could have bought a car that you see on every corner or a $40,000 Ford truck for that matter, but I paid less for a used M3. I love my car and would never think of getting rid of it. What would I drive instead I sometimes ask myself. I really don't like the newer M3s as much. Maybe a Porsche someday. Oh BTW ... I am 30 going on 31. Have a wife, 1 year-old daughter and another baby on the way. My wife doesn't work either and I don't make over $100,000 a year. It is just about priorities and how you choose to spend your money. Don't think you have to change as you get older or more responsibilities.

[m3f_SouthernCaliM3]

BTW, love your wheels. Hamann PG3's?



Thanks, VTRick.....nah, they're Hamann PG2's. They sit on 235/35/19s all around, but the previous owner had the inner lips professionally heated and rolled on the rears so they don't rub. I've actually had 3 adults in the back seats and wouldn't you know it....the tires don't rub. eace:

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I don't feel bad at all.



Who knows whats in the other persons garage at home.



There was this guy who started a used truck parts company, and he made millions, know what he drove, a beat up, POS pick up truck.

[m3f_uogecko_69c360b3d4]

I feel a little awkward in mine - I'm 24 and have always driven a 1993 Subaru station wagon (that wasn't very nice by the way) until 3 weeks ago when I got the M3. It's a little strange because people do assume that either I stole it, my parents bought it for me or that I somehow made a ton of money and spent it all on a car.



I think that a lot of people asssume things about BMW owners - obviously there are a lot of cheaper cars out there that one could buy.

[m3f_Avus Blur_f64e36e460]

I don't feel bad, just tired of hearing all the crap.





The fact of the matter is the car is old and cheaper than many new cars. I don't want to drive a Civic, Corrola, or Jetta. I wanted something with some style and class that you don't see everyday.



I do all my own maintance for the most part, so everybody who is jealous can eat a fatty.

[m3f_Kerplunk_810182779a]

All of my friends and people they know just go oh **** you drive an m3. But i paid like 12 grand for my m3 and its OLD. So really anyone who can afford a brand new car can get our E36 m3s for probably cheaper. Basically if you want an m3 and have enough saved up so that you can buy a brand new car you can get an E36 m3 easily.



btw: not saying that i'm rich and that 12 grand is nothing. But brand new hondas/toyota/hyundai and such cost more thats all.



I dont feel bad about owning an m3 but i do try not to look like an ass on the road. Since i've seen a lot of people in our cars cut in and out and think they own the road.

[m3f_ashkon]

Never feel bad about what you drive. I got a brand new accord when i turned 16, and at first I felt bad when people would be all "you're spoiled" and stuff. But so what if you DO have money? Should you not spend it? Why wouldn't I drive a BMW when I can afford it? It would be stupid not to. Over the years I've learned that generally you get what you deserve, and it's foolish to be ashamed of what you've got. You see, do YOU guys with your M3's go around telling guys with 911 Turbos and SL 500's the same things you're told by these people? NO. So, don't you think there's more to it than you just being in a better car than them? Of course. Do I enjoy answering my own questions? Yes I do.

[m3f_norris14]

I guess we all share the experience of friends going "whoa, a BMW, did you win the lottery", while they hop into their brand new Camry or whatever that cost thousands more than our M3's. All I can say is I'm glad I'm not a dumb ass and can drive an awesome car for less than they drive their crappy new cars.



I knew I wanted a BMW ever since I got to drive my buddy's brand new Cavalier. It probably cost $14k+ when he got it, and as I was driving it, I thought to myself, "what a piece of crap, a brand new piece of crap...I wonder what can I get for the same money???" I did some searches on Kelly Blue Book and then checked out ebay, and the rest is history. I love the feeling of coming out of work into the parking lot of a big company, looking around, and knowing there's no other car that I would trade for mine. Screw those who look down on us or make stupid comments. :ratatat:

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

..its not my fault I'm a P.I.M.P. eace: