My wife did not drive cars very much in her home country. When she came to the USA, she was a nanny but did not do any of the driving. After we got married she wanted a new car but I said no. Used car. I told her she needed some experience.
I bought her a 2001 Corolla and she loved it. It ran great and was clean as a whistle. She loved it until her friends at the restaurant she worked at made fun of her. "Does it have A/C? Does it have a cassette player?" They all drove new cars.
I was hurt because I loved her 2001. It is a great car. I tried to explain the value of a good running car. But to no avail.
My wife is in Thailand right now but when she comes home there will be a brand new 2012 Corolla sitting in the driveway waiting for her.
It was a good feeling being able to do it.
