I nearly splurged on a Bentley Continental after an unexpected visit to a luxury car dealership. Initially, I was only out to handle some routine paperwork for my Honda Fit, but curiosity drew me to a nearby dealership just for kicks. The Range Rover Sport caught my eye first—it’s my dream car because it’s stylish, handles well in snow, and feels safe and luxurious. But the $95,000 price tag gave me pause; that’s a hefty sum for just getting from A to B.
While at the dealership, I discovered it now housed luxury brands including Bentley, thanks to a merger with the exotic car dealer next door. The sight of sleek Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, and Bentleys was intoxicating. Despite the allure, a brief sit in a Lamborghini felt more coffin-like than comfortable, with its cramped space and low seat height.
Then, I stepped into a 2016 Bentley Continental GT. With only 1,100 miles, it felt brand new—spacious, plush, with mahogany accents that suggested nothing less than first-class travel. It was tempting, especially when I realized its price was nearly the same as what I needed to pay down on my mortgage to secure a better rate. The mental gymnastics began: I considered using recent home value appreciation as an excuse, rationalized the ease of leasing, and nearly convinced myself that maintenance wouldn’t be a burden due to the warranty.
The price drop from $253,000 to $179,900 seemed like a steal for a barely used Bentley. I nearly convinced myself I was making money on the deal. However, a later engagement at Lyft HQ, marred by artificial exclusivity and poor hospitality, snapped me back to reality. Reflecting on the experience, I realized I was more tempted to buy at a luxury car dealership simply because that was the setting. I craved a Bentley there, just as I’d desire a Fit at a Honda dealership, or luxury watches and ancient coins in their respective shops.
The excitement of new car smell and the allure of luxury can be intoxicating, but resisting impulse buying is crucial. While it’s easy to rationalize such a purchase, especially when cash flow isn’t a problem, it’s important to remember the additional costs like insurance and maintenance—not to mention the steep depreciation. Instead of giving in to comparison and conspicuous consumption, I’ve learned it’s best to avoid temptation and focus on financial health and building wealth through more practical means. This approach helps maintain financial freedom and live below one’s means, which is always more satisfying than any luxury car could provide.
