Does Driving an Ugly Car Matter?
Dear Dave, I’m a new doctor, and I drive a car that’s nine years old, has more than 200,000 miles on it and a few dings in the doors. I’ve heard image is everything when you’re a doctor, but I like not having a car payment. Should I just get over being self-conscious about the fact that my car is surrounded by fancy doctor’s cars every day in the parking lot? – Mario Dear Mario, I like not having a car note, too. I’d walk, ride a bike, or drive a nine-year- old car with more than 200,000 miles on it and a few dings in the doors before I had a car payment! As new, young doctor, you’ve probably got six figures in student loans hanging over your head right now. So you need to get out from under all that before you start thinking about driving something fancy. If this car is truly on its last legs, then I’d say save up for a few months and upgrade to a decent, used $3,000 car. A Mercedes doesn’t prove you’re a doctor, and you need to be worrying about what’s smart for YOU instead of what o
