The fact that I probably never tried out a Tesla does not preclude me from stating an opinion.
Let's say you had two choices: A Camry or a Tesla. Let's say, for argument's sake, that the cost was pretty similar.
Granted there are good reasons to opt for Tesla over the Camry. One of them is performance. Another one is fun.
Do you honestly believe that image is not a factor in most cases?
Even Tesla would disagree with you.
Note: I wrote "inappropriate image" not "inappropriate". Not qualifying what inappropriate means leads to things never intended. We are talking about image. I wrote specifically about inappropriate or unhealthy image.
Anyway, you agree about a 300k Ferrari. So it's just a question about where to draw the line.
I assert that for most "regular" people a Tesla or a $5000 suit is partially about unhealthy image, as did someone upthread. Feel free to disagree.
Image was literally 0% of the equation. I was perfectly happy driving around a $500 beater until it broke down and my wife said I needed to buy a car. I was perfectly happy driving a $19K Altima for 8 years and then flipping it before it started needing maintenance.
Along came a car that's a complete paradigm shift in driving. You don't need to waste time filling it up with gas imported from countries that want to destroy us. You don't need to worry about losing the key as there is no key. You don't have to worry about wasting time on oil changes and engine maintenance as those don't exist. And it's more like piloting an awesome rocketship than driving a car. And the government offered me a $7,500 handout to go green and buy it.
So you're saying it's better for "regular people" (whatever the heck that is supposed to mean?!?) to spend $30,000 on an inferior Camry than $30,000 on a Tesla because in your mind it's giving off an "image."
I have a newsflash for you. The only one thinking about what image it's giving off is you sir. And it sure isn't pretty.
Feel free to elaborate.
Stop worrying about what other people spend and what other people do and start worrying about how you can be a better Jew. You will never be happy always worrying about what someone else is doing wrong as you can never fix that. When you see image problems in others take it as a mirror from above to look inward. That's what I strive to do at least when I see something that bothers me.