Why do people on limited incomes choose upmarket cars?

[SirGawain]

Not really an AIBU, nor a criticism of peoples lifestyle choices, but I'm genuinely curious.
I live in an estate of mostly starter type homes built about thirty years ago. Many of the houses have been aquired peicemeal by different housing associations. The neigbours are generally very nice and most seem to be employed in decent, if not well paid, jobs.
As they are living in housing association properties I assume that they are not particulary affluent. What puzzles me is that the car of choice for many is a BMW or an Audi. Why would people spend there money on an expensive car which depreciates rather than investing it in a homes which will rise in value?

Oh stop judging. You dont have to be poor to live in a HA property

Newer and better cars are often less likely to need expensive work.

And I lease my car through work. It’s much cheaper than buying but it’s all nice cars that you choose from. No bangers

Also there a HUGE difference between the price of a car and the price of a house

I guess they just want to. Who'd have thought it ?

Because it's a company car.

Because they don't have the deposit to buy.

Because they lease the car

Because they have bad credit and won't get a mortgage.

Because they don't want the responsibility of owning a house.

Because they want a safer car for long journeys/transporting kids.

Because it is none of your business.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Would you prefer I walked, barefoot, wearing a sign declaring my poverty?

It’s all the drugs they’re selling, OP, in between feeding their goat. 🐐

To show off, maybe? If you can't afford an posh house, then at least you can pose in an impressive car.

People drive what they like. My posh mum rolls around in a 12 year old Ford.

Actually SecretWitch, I must be ‘poor’, like your mum, as I drive a 15yr old car. 😉

I know some people who constantly moan about not having enough money to save to buy a house, but have a Mercedes and an Audi on finance which they had to put deposits on and won't even own the card to sell on at the end. Doesn't seem logical to me, they could save that money for a deposit. My gran would've called it fur coat no knickers.

Oh stop judging. You dont have to be poor to live in a HA property.
As I said in the OP I am not judging nor suggesting that they are poor. As I said they are decent hardworking people, I am just curious as to what motivates people in the choices they make.

Newer and better cars are often less likely to need expensive work.
I have a new car but it's a modest one litre engine, very reliable and cost about one third of the price of some of my neighbours cars.

Goingalonenow Thank you for correcting my typing. Do you have anything useful to add to the thread?

Go and bang on their doors and demand to see bank statements, who do these people think they are having nice cars and living in HA property?
Tell them they should have old bangers.

BMW and Audi upmarket! Chavmobiles more like.

sir
People make different choices. Each to their own.

It always makes me smile when I see people in an affordable (But reasonably lower to middle middle class) area in a local town cruising in expensive cars wearing clothes with expensive labels on. It's well known that quite a lot of people there love to be seen to flash the cash. They're the type of people who like to drop into conversation they have a media room or a home gym at home (But the area is well known for being a bit style over substance. E..g you can buy a cheap new build house but with faux marble pillars either side of the door and houses are sold with 'outstanding curb appeal)

We aren't particularly rich. Our money is tied up in our house and we don't care much for keeping up with the Jones's.

People can make whatever choices they like (though I have to admit the most wealthy people I know arent the ones drawing attention to material possession, labels and flash cars).

Because they could NEVER afford to buy a nicer house
(I could never afford to buy my own home now)
so they spend their money on making life more comfortable

Ok, I'll bite. Perhaps if you aren't in a position to own property/or don't want to own property, for whatever reason, you just want to own something nice, eg a nice car? Maybe?

I don't know why anyone wants one of those cars anyway, whatever their income.

Seriously uncool IMHO.

Well you could always ask them. Strike up a conversation in your local pub or ask on your local Facebook page? I'm sure your whole life will be transformed and enhanced once you know.

Have you never been poor? You may not understand the shame it brings and the need people have to show that they are not poor, that they and their children are well taken care of. It's a pride thing. People who have never been poor often do not understand.

Middle class people believe in deferred gratification, have family financial backup and feel secure in planning.
Generally working class have no hope of achieving that so live for today, also feel stigma of being seen to have second hand clothes etc. Car and sky tv easier to afford and entertain kids cheaper than theatre, private tutor, pony riding etc. May have more practical/emotional support from family and want to live nearby rather than move to get on property ladder.
There should be inexpensive social housing for all who want or need it, it would make money for councils. This obsession with home ownership doesn't exist in Europe.

There's a serious issue here

If you were to take a wander around Manchester (this probably applies to most cities but maybe Manchester more than most) you would have to step over a homeless person every couple of yards.

There should be no homelessness in our society. Yet there is

It's because assistance with homes is targeted at the wrong population IMHO.

Because they can afford the monthly payments for a decent car, but can't afford the lump sum for an older car. My 10yo car cost £5k to buy and needs servicing. A new car is set payments per month, all included. I can see why people choose to drive new.