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Economics of biking

http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-02-28-how-bicycling-will-save-the-...

 

I also view cars as investments that require sustained incoming cash flows yet give a consistent negative return because they lose value immediately upon leaving the dealers lot. Would any other investment by any financially reasonable person do this? Nope. Cars, financially make zero cents. Period.

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Permalink Reply by Chris B on April 13, 2011 at 1:22pm

As far as "car is a negative investment"

A car is not an "investment" in the first place, which is why is sucks as an investment. It is a consumable.

So is every other consumer item, they all lose value once you accept delivery, anything with electronics or moving parts costs money to maintain (or to replace). None of them make reasonable investments.

 

If someone is calling a car an investment, they are probably trying to sell you one :) or work for a car company

 

 

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 13, 2011 at 6:28pm
One might accurately be described as "investing" in a car (or a bike, or a moped) in order to be able to get to a job that's out of transit range.  Just like you might "invest" in an espresso machine to open a cafe, or "invest" in a set of tools to pursue a career as a mechanic.

Chris B said:

As far as "car is a negative investment"

A car is not an "investment" in the first place, which is why is sucks as an investment. It is a consumable.

So is every other consumer item, they all lose value once you accept delivery, anything with electronics or moving parts costs money to maintain (or to replace). None of them make reasonable investments.

 

If someone is calling a car an investment, they are probably trying to sell you one :) or work for a car company

 

 

Permalink Reply by LarryN on April 13, 2011 at 8:00pm
This mis-use of the term 'investment' is exactly what the car companies like to see...

Something that is bought, simply for the thing itself, with the reasonable expectation that it will increase in value (e.g., art, stock, or a rare car, valued by collectors, to be well cared for and rarely driven...) is an investment.

Something that is bought, as a means to an end, knowing that it will wear out and depreciate in value over time, is an expense.


H3N3 said:
One might accurately be described as "investing" in a car (or a bike, or a moped) in order to be able to get to a job that's out of transit range.  Just like you might "invest" in an espresso machine to open a cafe, or "invest" in a set of tools to pursue a career as a mechanic.

Chris B said:

As far as "car is a negative investment"

A car is not an "investment" in the first place, which is why is sucks as an investment. It is a consumable.

So is every other consumer item, they all lose value once you accept delivery, anything with electronics or moving parts costs money to maintain (or to replace). None of them make reasonable investments.

 

If someone is calling a car an investment, they are probably trying to sell you one :) or work for a car company

 

 

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 13, 2011 at 8:03pm

I'm just a hapless marketing victim, apparently.

 

Oh well, onward and upward . . .

 

Invest in a nice suit in order to increase one's chances at a job interview.

 

Invest in a better Cello in order to pursue a professional music career.

 

Invest in a new computer in order to become marketably proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator.

 

Etc.

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on April 13, 2011 at 8:54pm
I invested in some tacos today so that I would not die of starvation and could show up for work tommorrow. So far its paid off handsomely

Problem, Donald Trump?
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on April 13, 2011 at 9:03pm
I don't owned a car and haven't for 7 years in May, why would that make someone uncomfortable?

H3N3 said:
I know. People who don't own cars should not admit it publicly. It makes people uncomfortable.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 13, 2011 at 9:07pm
Good question.  Enviro-guilt is my best guess.  The best defense is a strong offense and all that . . .

Mike Zumwalt said:
I don't owned a car and haven't for 7 years in May, why would that make someone uncomfortable?

H3N3 said:
I know. People who don't own cars should not admit it publicly. It makes people uncomfortable.
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on April 13, 2011 at 9:24pm

You purchase a car, bike or any other "tool" to use to get a desired result. 

A 1964 1/2 Mustang in good condition is worth quite a bit more than what it was to buy in that same year.

A mid 70's Schwinn in near perfect condition is worth more than paid for in the day.

 

Anyway a car is not a "bad" thing inherently but if you live 5 miles from work, 10 blocks from the grocery store, live in a neighborhood with amenities that are all in close proximity a car is wasteful and unnecessary.

It's about choices.

Some people love to sit in a car and eat fast food drive thru fast food every day and that's not my problem. Get fat, heart failure, high blood pressure...etc.

I ride because most times it's faster than driving.

Definitely cheaper to park/to own and fix.

 

 


 

 

 

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 13, 2011 at 9:27pm

Anyway a car is not a "bad" thing inherently

 

Cars are the leading killer of children in our country.  That doesn't seem bad to you?

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on April 13, 2011 at 9:33pm
Depends on how you feel about children.

H3N3 said:

Anyway a car is not a "bad" thing inherently

 

Cars are the leading killer of children in our country.  That doesn't seem bad to you?

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on April 13, 2011 at 9:40pm
I do eat Garlic, and other various spices but it's not my intent to offend.

H3N3 said:
Good question.  Enviro-guilt is my best guess.  The best defense is a strong offense and all that . . .

Mike Zumwalt said:
I don't owned a car and haven't for 7 years in May, why would that make someone uncomfortable?

H3N3 said:
I know. People who don't own cars should not admit it publicly. It makes people uncomfortable.
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on April 13, 2011 at 9:51pm

I like children but I'd never let them drive. We need to stop child reckless driving.


http://abcnews.go.com/US/CrimeBlotter/story?id=91862&page=1

not related stories, though maybe blood related.


notoriousDUG said:

Depends on how you feel about children.

H3N3 said:

Anyway a car is not a "bad" thing inherently

 

Cars are the leading killer of children in our country.  That doesn't seem bad to you?

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