[mumu]

Maybe you think I shouldn’t post it here, but I really want to ask people who work in big 4 for an opinion, especially for people who are in the midwest area. This is a question that has been bothering me for weeks.

I am not too familiar with the US work culture. I don’t have a student loan, and I am a new staff.

I want to lease a new car. I test drove Jeep, Mini, Ford, Honda, and I fell in love with Mini immediately. I even came back the second time to do another test drive. The down payment and monthly payments are totally affordable for my salary. I am not bragging or anything, I just really want to know what you guys think. Do you think it’s too flashy to drive this car as a new staff? Especially as an auditor because I work onsite all the time?Or should I just not care what other people think and drive whatever I love?
Please share your true thoughts. I really appreciate it.

[mumu]

I couldn't really ask my coworkers because I won't get a true response. If you have a few minutes, please let me know what you think.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it, then the answer is yes. Drive whatever you want! If you have it, it's presumably a vehicle that suits your needs, and is within your budget. A car says a lot about a person. I drive a (rather new) Honda Civic. You know why I like it? Cuz it's paid off and it does what I need it to. I used to drive a Toyota Camry. It was older by the time I finished with it, wonderful car, never caused me a moment's grief, but got rid of it though because it was getting high on the mileage. I've never cared about what anyone thinks about what I do. Let them think whatever they choose to, that is their right. Everyone must do what is right for them. BTW, I don't know about the culture at Big 4. But whatever it is, I don't think your job is going to be affected by something as meaningless as what kind of car you drive. If your coworkers gossip about others' cars in a negative way, I'd be inclined to think they were not quality people and in that case, you're better off avoiding them.

[Anonymous]

Oh sorry, I answered your question and I'm not in the Big 4 club! But, I have always been known (offline, primarily) as a very good guidance counselor-type who gives sound and objective advice to people. Those who take my advice have generally thanked me later.

[mumu]

@crazyleon

Thank you for answering it! You are right, I shouldn't care about what other people think. However, as a new staff, I am still trying to figure out the culture within my firm and if this decision is gonna impact what first impression I give others. I am the kind of person that doesn't like attention, I like mini because it looks really cute(it's kind of a dumb reason lol)

[Anonymous]

Be true to yourself. If you like that car, drive it and don't think twice about it. It would be different if you showed up to work in a scrap heap with a shattered back windshield and crushed fenders and doors every day. If you're concerned about the culture of the firm, perhaps be concerned about the culture as it relates to your job, not what kind of car you drive or what you do after work or on weekends or whatever. I'm in a new job too, at a big public company (not Big 4 though), still trying to find my own footing (haha, no pun intended). So I can relate. But, I can tell you this, nobody gives a crap about the cars anyone drives.

Short story – I worked at a software company for 9 years. One of the engineers, who made far more money than I did, had an old Acura. It started having many mechanical failures and he was starting to show up late for work because of them. Our boss told him, and I heard the entire conversation, “You make plenty of money, Keith. You can afford a nice car. Why don't you buy one? Your being late every day is not ok.” His answer: “I don't feel like spending my money on a car.” Several weeks later, he had another late day – because the car completely died in the middle of the freeway. He was forced to get another car – another old Acura. Don't be like Keith!

[Wen]

Just drive whatever you like and can afford. Honestly if someone gives you a crap about what car you drive you should reconsider if that's the right place to work.
Again, people have different focus. Some like cars, some like to save for a big trip…its only a matter of choice.
I used to drive a better car than the CEO/CFO in my previous job and nobody cares. (at least better than their commute ride because I know one of them had a McLaren for the weekend) I actually got more compliments because some of the higher ups are also car guys.

[mumu]

@crazyleon

Haha, thank you! I feel so much better now. I won't be like Keith!

[mumu]

@Wen,

Thank you! I am thinking too much. Good luck on your Far score!

[TommyTheCat]

nobody cares or should care what kind of car you drive at work, if you can afford it and you like it go for it. If anyone does give you grief about it they are probably a douchebag and not long for their job anyway.

Happy driving.

[shawn in VA]

buy the car…stimulate the economy . My guess is that car you want is 30,000? big deal even with payments its like $500 a month. Who cares what ppl think. I bought a BMW 3 series in 2008 (used model from 2006) and it was like 28,000$ and no one said anything.

[SuckItUp]

Just be smart. Just because you can afford it doesn't mean it's a good financial decision.

One of the biggest mistakes young people make is go out and get a brand new car after they get their first job. Not wise.

There are SO many Americans who live a high life style and seriously live paycheck to paycheck.

[mumu]

@Shawn in VA @TommyTheCat

Thank you! I am not worried anymore.

and I did think about buying it.

[NA474]

No one cares what car you are driving.They have their own thing going on especially at a big four firm. Now, if you drive a ferrari people will be talking but even a mercedes no one will care. A mini cooper is nice but it doesn't scream extravagant. Get what you want.

FAR-5/31 -PASS
REG-7/29 (TBD)
AUD TBD
BEC TBD

[Anonymous]

I don't think the “flash” or what other people think would be the problem. It's whether or not you can afford the payments if you were let go within your first or second year, which can be a volatile period in one's career.

[Author]

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