For the first time in my life, I'm buying a totally new car, namely the 2008 Toyota Highlander. I have never purchased a spanking new car before, because I'm well aware that it's not a savvy investment, that it depreciates by 99% or whatever as soon as you drive it off of the lot, etc.

So then why am I doing it?

Because I have little kids to haul around, my car is on its last legs, and I simply don't have the time right now to go through the hassle of the used car process. My wife and I did some research, made our decision, and went out and bought it.

I'm not excited about it, because I don't really get excited by cars, but I'm glad we did it. Now, once it shows up, we're set on cars for a good long time. And I'm excited that we dealt with it quickly, because I have about a million other things I don't want to deal with right now that I have no choice but to deal with. It was nice to get this problem out of the way.

Great financial decision? No. But a financial decision I can live with, within the overall framework of my life.

Money's not everything. And sometimes I don't mind wasting a little if it makes my life easier.

Disclaimer: I do not recommend you buy a new car. Buy a used car. It's much wiser financially. My purchase is not smart. Do not try this at home.