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Getting a beater car is not always a good idea, especially if you live in a state that does emissions test inspections. Older cars will usually require significant expense (as in several thousands dollars) in order to pass the emissions test. When you add in the cost of several other repairs, the end result is that selling a new car in order to buy a "beater" car may actually end up costing you money.
I've also disagreed with DR recommending a beater car to some folks. One person relied on his car for business and did a lot of driving. The recommendation was to get a beater car. No way would I want an unreliable car in a situation where I depended on it for my job. Now I'm not saying buy a BMW but surely a new Kia or something in the lower price range would be a better and safer compromise.
Some used cars can be horrible money pits when they reach a certain age.
I've also disagreed with DR recommending a beater car to some folks. One person relied on his car for business and did a lot of driving. The recommendation was to get a beater car. No way would I want an unreliable car in a situation where I depended on it for my job. Now I'm not saying buy a BMW but surely a new Kia or something in the lower price range would be a better and safer compromise.
Some used cars can be horrible money pits when they reach a certain age.
A lot of sales jobs where the person is expected to put huge miles on their personal car without any reimbursement from the company aren't very good to begin with. Maybe finding a different job would be a better recommendation for such a person.
One thing I am doing that Dave Ramsey would approve of is still driving my 2000 Honda CRV, which I paid cash for after inheriting some money when my grandmother passed.
I'd dare say paying cash for a car out of an inheritance -- is not the same as the choice between paying cash for a beater because that's all the cash you have or buying new but having payments.
I also have had to commute long distances and have been broken down on the side of the road late at night more times than I care to remember.
The best four years of my commuting life were when we bought a new car, an SUV, and yes, with payments. No more stress about breaking down, and maintenance costs dropped like a rock.
I listened to Dave in my new SUV on the way to work every day (a 90 minute trip one way) and shook my head.
I was vindicated when I was hit by a drunk driver going 100 mph and walked away uninjured from my no-longer-that-new-but-still-way-safer-than-any-beater.
Having a beater to save money is not always the most important thing.
I'm back in what qualifies as a beater -- a 2000 minivan -- but it was a good used car (not a beater) when we bought it, and I don't regret it. My commute by car is now close to nonexistent (I take the bus now), and that makes all the difference in what I feel comfortable driving.
People were happy that they've crawled out of a debt hole and wanted to thank Dave.
You don't need any Dave Ramsey or anyone else to crawl out of debt. Just cut up your credit cards, stop spending on unnecessary stuff, and pay off the debt.
You don't need any Dave Ramsey or anyone else to crawl out of debt. Just cut up your credit cards, stop spending on unnecessary stuff, and pay off the debt.
Easier said than done for many. Dave Ramsey lays out a straightforward and logical way to accomplish those goals. Knock it if you want, but it's worked for many many people.
And he's getting rich, teaching people basic common sense. (Which isn't so common anymore)
I don't hate on him. I'm thinking about getting a schtick myself.
Easier said than done for many. Dave Ramsey lays out a straightforward and logical way to accomplish those goals. Knock it if you want, but it's worked for many many people.
True, and if it works, I don't knock it. But it doesn't fall in the category of "money", it falls in the category of "psychology" or behavior management.
Beaters can still be reliable, just not sexy or the most comfortable.....
Yeah, except Dave talks about paying $1,000 for a beater. There isn't much in the way of reliability out there for that kind of money.
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