Vehicular (checkbook) Homicide

My car history is not that impressive.
-1981 Mercury Cougar with every piece of fabric torn or ripped on the interior.
-1988 Ford Tempo that served me well unitl the trunk got smashed in.
-1988 Honda Accord with no-power power windows and no AC
-1992 Honda Accord that was about to be auctioned for parts but lasted me 7 years
-1999 Toyota Camry that I still drive

The cool thing: Three of those cars were either free or paid for with cash. The cooler thing: I don’t have a desire to test drive the all new 2011 something or other. My Camry has 182,000 miles and no payment.

I like having no car payment. Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey has something to say if you’re in the market for a new car.

Here’s the deal. Recent statistics show that one-third of car buyers sign up for a six-year loan at an average interest rate of 9.6%. Among these buyers, the average price of the car is just over $26,000. This means that one-third of the cars you see on the road are dragging a $475 payment behind them.

No TV means limited exposure to advertising which leads to increased satisfaction with the stuff I’ve got. I hope and pray that my financial decisions do not lead us into making $475 a month for a car.

How about you? Has the slick advertising of the latest and greatest car duped you into thinking you need it? Before going car shopping, you’d best ask Mr. Checkbook’s opinion on the matter and count the costs before signing on the line.

~TV STiNKS