Sitting at work yesterday, I overheard the Finance Director talking to the new HR Director, mostly shooing the crap and whatnot. But this really stood out to me:
Finance: Yeah, I just got a golf cart the other day.
HR: Really? Don't they have some at the golf course?
Finance: Yeah, but they cost $5 to rent for the day. So I got one for myself. Think of the savings!
HR: Yeah, I guess you're right. How much was it?
Finance: It was only (unintelligible price), and they didn't even want a down payment! I had to ask to make sure I heard them correctly. I just said '...okay then!'
I tried to listen, but at points they were very quiet. I really wish I heard how much it was for the cart, I can't envision a scenario where it would be worthwhile to FINANCE a golf cart with zero down when you can rent one for a day at $5 a pop. Especially if he needs to tow it to his favorite (golf) clubbing spot. Maybe if he goes every Saturday and Sunday, but then the maintenance/towing/charging would probably cost at least $5, knowing that he drives an F-250...
The HR Director is a bit Anti-Mustachian as well, judging from her choice in vehicle. One day as I was starting into my 2004 Buick Century with 195k miles and a dent in the bumper from when my dad whacked a deer, I saw her walking out of the building. As I was sweeping snow off of my car, I see her push a button on her key fob. I jumped as the very imposing impeccably clean red F-350 super duty diesel sparks to life right behind me and belches some diesel smoke out of the dual tailpipes. I say hi as she walks by and she very haughtily says,
HR:"oh, hi StealthFundip, is this your car? (gesturing at the salt-sprayed tan Buick I'm dusting off)"
Stealth:"Yep, my dad gave it to me when he got a new(to him) truck. I used to drive a '94 F-150, but when I worked at $BigJuiceCompany I spent more than half my paycheck on gas! At least I don't have any payments for the next 50-100k miles though."
HR:(after hearing how many miles it had)"Oh wow, if I were you I'd start looking for a new car ASAP. I'd be amazed if you made it to 200k miles before it falls apart! Most cars are only safe until you get about 100k miles, I wouldn't believe it's got so many if it wasn't right here in front of me!" (She said this in a way that was almost patronizing, but with a dash of snootiness as well)
Stealth: "Well, it's working great for me, and I see no reason to get a new car on a part time intern's salary..."
HR: "Well, don't say I didn't warn you! See you later."
I will be happily saving at least 25% of my intern wages while she spends a fortune on feeding her diesel beast :)
And on parents buying their kids BRAND NEW CARS for going to college, they should really consider gifting their old car with new tires and brake pads. When I first started driving that pickup truck, it was a bit scary. But after it got new tires and brakes, it was easily able to handle 8" of snow and otherwise dangerous slippery roads. Felt and drove like one of those brand new trucks my truck nut friends were buying. But it did get a lot harder to drift around particularly snowy corners... Maybe another plus for the parents, though!