Is It Proper To Buy An Expensive Luxury Car?
It depends. If one cannot really afford such a car and is straining his budget to present a false status or because he is depending on this to build an image then this is not compatible with Torah ideals. If however, his economic status is one that he can afford such a car and it fits the social image befitting him or it will facilitate his business dealings, then this can be a positive part of his life.
Additionally, if the car contributes to his peace of mind, self esteem, etc., and enables him to function better in the other more important areas of life, i.e. in his relationships to Hashem, himself, his family and to society, then this may be for him a positive tool, but not an end in itself.
In any case, it would be wise for him to seek advice from an objective source of Torah guidance before making such a purchase to determine if this is a positive or negative choice in his specific situation.
– Rabbi Zev Leff, rav of Moshav Matisyahu, popular lecturer and educator
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When the Torah (Vayikra 14:36) instructs that a house struck with leprosy be cleared out before a kohen renders it impure, Rashi makes the point that “the Torah takes pity on a Jew’s resources.” Similarly, when the pasuk (Devarim 14:21) states that the carcass of a forbidden animal can be sold to a non-Jew, the Midrash notes, “The Torah takes pity on a Jew’s resources.” This is a recurring theme throughout Jewish literature. Thus begging the question, if the Torah encourages conservation, wherein would lie the justification to spend excess money on a luxury car?
Even if it is well within the means of an individual, the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 27a) observes that the mouthpiece of the shofar used on fast days was covered with silver rather than gold because “the Torah takes pity on Jewish resources.” The Beis Hamikdash coffers could certainly have afforded the gold, yet they still avoided unnecessary excess.
To be sure, if it was somehow necessary for the purposes of work or whatever other reason, then so be it. Moreover, the Torah doesn’t forbid one from taking pleasure in what they can afford. But generally, when it’s just about feeling like king of the road, a balance ought to be struck between driving in comfort and spending the extra 50K just to impress the morning minyan.
Give the money to tzedakah instead. You’re guaranteed a more luxurious place in Olam Haba.
– Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, popular Lubavitch lecturer, rabbi of London’s Mill Hill Synagogue
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The question goes beyond expensive luxury cars, but relates to the general category of conspicuous consumption. Should people live in huge mansions, wear expensive jewelry, have multi-million dollar summer homes, etc.?
On one level, people can buy whatever they can properly afford. On the other hand, no one should feel the need to go into debt in order to buy luxuries beyond their means.
Some people buy luxury cars/homes/jewelry because they see these things as signs of “success.” They wish to impress others with their wealth. It’s a classic stereotype of the “newly rich” that they want to flaunt their riches. It’s not so much the luxuries that they want – they want public recognition. While some may be impressed with such ostentatious displays, others will see these things as highly pretentious and vain.
Our religious traditions stress modesty, moderation, humility. These are values that promote inner strength and self-reliance, the ability to stay true to oneself without needing to show off to others.
The things we buy – cars, homes, clothing, jewelry, etc. – are reflections of who we are. When we make our choices, we should make them wisely.
– Rabbi Marc D. Angel, director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
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Thank G-d, we live in times where we enjoy such luxury and opulence that the difference between the standard car and luxury car doesn’t exist in terms of quality and longevity. The only real difference is the luxury car screams out “I spent lots of money.” A person who buys such a car because it offers him status or honor is the opposite of a Torah perspective.
We are certainly obligated to act with self-dignity and to dress appropriately, and it’s good to drive a car that fits our station in life. But anything a person buys just to gain status in this world is likely deducted from his world to come and could cause damage to himself, his spouse, and his children because it reflects his value system – that this is what is important to him – and it has a real negative impact.
There are certain circumstances, such as business reasons, where a person needs to purchase such a car. Even still such a person needs to be careful of the negative impact that it could have.
– Rabbi Ben Zion Shafier, founder of The Shmuz
