Students who bought luxury cars during clerkship, how do you feel about them now?

[ellorie]

7 hours ago, LostLamb said:

I'm a new staff and bought the black Friday promo Nintendo Switch that includes the mariokart 8 game and i feel guilty, too.

 

Different strokes for different folks.

Still remember the doc who proudly pointed out his 90-something tercel in the parking lot

Haha I just ordered the ACNH special edition and...felt guilty LOL

[LostLamb]

10 hours ago, ellorie said:

Haha I just ordered the ACNH special edition and...felt guilty LOL

That is the game I want too!

We will have to become ACNH friends (once get around to opening the package and playing...paperwork above all!!)

[ellorie]

9 minutes ago, LostLamb said:

That is the game I want too!

We will have to become ACNH friends (once get around to opening the package and playing...paperwork above all!!)

Yessss I have a therapy office in my ACNH house LOL Psychiatrist islands unite!

[canada747]

On 11/25/2020 at 12:52 AM, LostLamb said:

I'm a new staff and bought the black Friday promo Nintendo Switch that includes the mariokart 8 game and i feel guilty, too.

 

Different strokes for different folks.

Still remember the doc who proudly pointed out his 90-something tercel in the parking lot

I feel a ton of nostalgia looking at those old 90s cars. Might buy a 90s Corolla just to remind myself of being a kid in my dad's car

[LostLamb]

14 minutes ago, canada747 said:

I feel a ton of nostalgia looking at those old 90s cars. Might buy a 90s Corolla just to remind myself of being a kid in my dad's car

Me too!

Anytime I see those squared off edges of the early 90s toyota tercels and corollas, honda civics and accords, and mazda 323s (or a GLC...anyone remember those?) I think back to being a child and teenager again.

I have a soft spot for the late 90s corolla because that's the car my parents had and I basically learned to drive--sad day when that baby had to go to car heaven. 

 

[indefatigable]

3 hours ago, canada747 said:

I feel a ton of nostalgia looking at those old 90s cars. Might buy a 90s Corolla just to remind myself of being a kid in my dad's car

3 hours ago, LostLamb said:

Me too!

Anytime I see those squared off edges of the early 90s toyota tercels and corollas, honda civics and accords, and mazda 323s (or a GLC...anyone remember those?) I think back to being a child and teenager again.

I have a soft spot for the late 90s corolla because that's the car my parents had and I basically learned to drive--sad day when that baby had to go to car heaven. 

I'm surprised to hear about 90s cars still around in Canada - most that I've seen don't seem to make it through all the winters   I bought a ten year-old used Mazda several years ago, but that was pushing it on the age.  Despite relatively low mileage, it did rust out pretty quickly - could have been Mazda.  Maybe in BC?  California had some old cars in good condition, but no salt, etc..  

 

[HongHongHong]

On 11/24/2020 at 9:52 PM, LostLamb said:

I'm a new staff and bought the black Friday promo Nintendo Switch that includes the mariokart 8 game and i feel guilty, too.

 

Different strokes for different folks.

Still remember the doc who proudly pointed out his 90-something tercel in the parking lot

It's honestly quite fascinating to see the contrast in this thread, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Growing up, my family constantly said I had expensive tastes and better do well in school to afford shiny things, while my sibling on the other hand is super low-maintenance.

At the same time, feeling guilty of a smaller for pleasure purchase like a Nintendo Switch is quite interesting to me - maybe it's an indication of very different financial goals as staff, or maybe memory of being frugal during high school and/or your bachelor's. I wonder most of the staff money go once someone has settled in to the staff lifestyle? Is it just the mix of building generational wealth (e.g. housing, stocks) and paying child/family/vacation expenses? 

 

[HongHongHong]

11 hours ago, indefatigable said:

I'm surprised to hear about 90s cars still around in Canada

Honestly I'm not sure less safe cars (which tend to be older cars) are worth driving, at least not after I saw news about a B.C. doctor killed in car accident where he was t-boned at ~120 km/h. There was no passenger on the t-boned side, and I do believe that a newer and/or safer car may have done a better job at preserving his life. 

On some other internet forum (whose name is taboo in these parts) I remember reading about a family where the daughter was going out but her father told her to take their older vehicle rather than the new truck, but that night she was killed after rolling it at a particularly bad left turn. Supposedly the father didn't have to wonder for too long if she had taken the truck if she would still be alive: the son rolled the truck at the exact same left-turn and walked away a-okay from the crash.

[ellorie]

1 hour ago, HongHongHong said:

It's honestly quite fascinating to see the contrast in this thread, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Growing up, my family constantly said I had expensive tastes and better do well in school to afford shiny things, while my sibling on the other hand is super low-maintenance.

At the same time, feeling guilty of a smaller for pleasure purchase like a Nintendo Switch is quite interesting to me - maybe it's an indication of very different financial goals as staff, or maybe memory of being frugal during high school and/or your bachelor's. I wonder most of the staff money go once someone has settled in to the staff lifestyle? Is it just the mix of building generational wealth (e.g. housing, stocks) and paying child/family/vacation expenses? 

 

Probably a combination of different life history, different values around money, and different personality.  I certainly didn't grow up in poverty myself (though my father has told me he didn't have much growing up), but we sure weren't rich, and if we wanted something as kids we were mostly expected to save for it, and it was very clear that large purchases (more than 50-100 dollars) were a Big Deal to be thought about carefully and made infrequently, especially if they were purely for enjoyment.  I didn't grow up having the nicest or newest anything, and I still mostly don't, nor do I particularly care to or derive pleasure from that.  

That and different income potential, frankly.  Psychiatry makes a good living, but many other specialists easily make at least triple what I expect to make.

My staff money right now goes to keeping myself fed/housed/clothed, paying down my 100k remaining debt (which I expect to take 5 years or so), and probably ideally/soon to starting an RRSP.  There won't be too much left after that for a while, though I have no complaints about what I make, and I have more than enough to live comfortably.

[LostLamb]

6 hours ago, HongHongHong said:

It's honestly quite fascinating to see the contrast in this thread, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Growing up, my family constantly said I had expensive tastes and better do well in school to afford shiny things, while my sibling on the other hand is super low-maintenance.

At the same time, feeling guilty of a smaller for pleasure purchase like a Nintendo Switch is quite interesting to me - maybe it's an indication of very different financial goals as staff, or maybe memory of being frugal during high school and/or your bachelor's. I wonder most of the staff money go once someone has settled in to the staff lifestyle? Is it just the mix of building generational wealth (e.g. housing, stocks) and paying child/family/vacation expenses? 

 

I grew up middle class.

We never went without but we didn't buy anything full price if we could get it on sale. That said, we often would save so we can get nicer things when we wanted it.

I have always loved couponing, getting things on sale, saving money...child of immigrants

No debt from undergrad or master's, but lots from half of another bachelors, med school, and then residency and getting married (husband is also a student who is non-med).

I like seeing my debt go down. I don't like spending more than I have to...but I'll go for a guilty pleasure (and feel slightly guilty about it!).

 

Different staff have different priorities and different contexts. Again, to each their own (sorry to the luxury car lovers whose thread we hijacked).

 

[indefatigable]

13 hours ago, HongHongHong said:

Honestly I'm not sure less safe cars (which tend to be older cars) are worth driving, at least not after I saw news about a B.C. doctor killed in car accident where he was t-boned at ~120 km/h. There was no passenger on the t-boned side, and I do believe that a newer and/or safer car may have done a better job at preserving his life. 

On some other internet forum (whose name is taboo in these parts) I remember reading about a family where the daughter was going out but her father told her to take their older vehicle rather than the new truck, but that night she was killed after rolling it at a particularly bad left turn. Supposedly the father didn't have to wonder for too long if she had taken the truck if she would still be alive: the son rolled the truck at the exact same left-turn and walked away a-okay from the crash.

Yeah - very sad news.  

I agree that newer cars usually have better safety features, but sometimes in collisions it comes down to something as simple as weight of the vehicle.  In the t-bone case, I think only a much heavier vehicle might have done better, like a SUV - but mileage, CO2, .. are less favourable (and roll-over risk).  Rust can also really compromise body integrity and so increase risk during a roll-overs.  Cars generally roll over less though than SUV, minivans etc.. but still a newer car would likely have improved safety.  Sounds like a dangerous turn.  

[bellejolie]

I'm currently debating between the new 2022 honda civic vs. 2021 toyota rav4 hybrid for when i enter residency next year July - difference about 15-20K in total cost however obvious savings in gas when it comes to the hybrid (400-500km in honda civic for a tank vs. 1200 km in the hybrid SUV as confirmed by many youtube videos). i'm thinking about it in terms of long term investing (will have the car for 5+ years if not 10, good family car for babies in the future) + hoping to match to fam med so 2 year residency means i'll have more flexibility pretty soon. the down payment would come from parents who are gifting this as a grad gift (pending i match to fam med and all goes smoothly), and i wouldn't purchase until then, but wondering if such an expensive car is a bad idea during residency (civic about 33K with taxes and some extra bells/whistles vs rav4 hybrid 50K with taxes etc)? is the 15-20K a big deal in the long run for a car i may be happier with? i've always preferred SUVS for the AWD and height but i'm also a v practical person so i could definitely live with the civic and upgrade later. happy for any thoughts/suggestions. 

[LostLamb]

Leasing or purchasing? 
what are your residency time expenses (based on where you hope to live vs where you may end up because you match there?). Where in the redesign cycle is the civic vs rav4 hybrid for the model year you want to buy (I was told to avoid first year of redesign since they’re more likely to have issues).

 

only you know what is or isn’t worth the money. If you’re in Toronto for residency that much car seems like a waste of money unless you plan to drive to commute....if you’re gonna drive to commute and want to enjoy it maybe the extra cost is worth it?

too many unknowns here to advise. I like to read r/askcarsales and they’re always saying there’s no deals to be had on civics and ravs because they’re models that sell themselves. So...another bit of info. 
 

consider checking out the what car should I buy on the R forum (that word is not allowed here)

[bellejolie]

23 hours ago, LostLamb said:

Leasing or purchasing? 
what are your residency time expenses (based on where you hope to live vs where you may end up because you match there?). Where in the redesign cycle is the civic vs rav4 hybrid for the model year you want to buy (I was told to avoid first year of redesign since they’re more likely to have issues).

 

only you know what is or isn’t worth the money. If you’re in Toronto for residency that much car seems like a waste of money unless you plan to drive to commute....if you’re gonna drive to commute and want to enjoy it maybe the extra cost is worth it?

too many unknowns here to advise. I like to read r/askcarsales and they’re always saying there’s no deals to be had on civics and ravs because they’re models that sell themselves. So...another bit of info. 
 

consider checking out the what car should I buy on the R forum (that word is not allowed here)

would prefer to purchase, though open to leasing (could lease something for the duration of residency then buy as a staff). i'm going for fam med, hoping to match to Quebec/Ontario - not sure what type of expenses you mean? civic 11th gen just redesigned and will be new for 2021 spring (honda civic 2022) vs hyrbid rav4 is in 5th gen i believe and was redesigned in 2019. 

definitely been readying the r forum a lot. i know there's not a lot of room for negotiating but all round both are solid cars. will be using the car to commute to work daily (have done 12 years of post sec school with just public transit and am tired now) but am thinking about my carbon footprint and want to be environmentally conscious (also open to other EVs however access to a plug in my condo is not really a huge option but i'm inquiring) therefore hybrids are best - only issue is prius in the snow in Quebec isn't fun and the rav4 hybrid seems to be the best SUV option with all wheel drive. 

guess i'm more asking those who purchased a little more expensive cars during residency if it broke the bank in the long run? i'd be saving gas costs with the hybrid as i said but its more up front. other option is to lease a honda for a few years and then like i said invest when im a staff. 

[LostLamb]

@bellejolieI think you know what you want...it is the rav4 hybrid

Ya it is gonna be more expensive. but, it sounds more like it would make you happy and fit your transportation needs. No idea how you lasted so long with transit...I drove the same car from 2006 to 2020, bought brand new and driven into ground.

Not sure what the resident income is in QC vs ON; that could have an impact on monthly payments. If you end up in family med, you'll be done in a blink of an eye and payments will not be such a big deal.

I really could not conceive of what "staff money" was until I see my income this year in context of the amount of work i am doing; vs years of residency income and how much more work i did then plus studying. I am (slightly) less stressed about debt than I used to be. Then again, i'll see how I feel when tax time comes around.

Looking forward to hearing about your Rav4 hybrid!

 

[cotecc]

On 12/14/2020 at 7:59 PM, bellejolie said:

I'm currently debating between the new 2022 honda civic vs. 2021 toyota rav4 hybrid for when i enter residency next year July - difference about 15-20K in total cost however obvious savings in gas when it comes to the hybrid (400-500km in honda civic for a tank vs. 1200 km in the hybrid SUV as confirmed by many youtube videos). i'm thinking about it in terms of long term investing (will have the car for 5+ years if not 10, good family car for babies in the future) + hoping to match to fam med so 2 year residency means i'll have more flexibility pretty soon. the down payment would come from parents who are gifting this as a grad gift (pending i match to fam med and all goes smoothly), and i wouldn't purchase until then, but wondering if such an expensive car is a bad idea during residency (civic about 33K with taxes and some extra bells/whistles vs rav4 hybrid 50K with taxes etc)? is the 15-20K a big deal in the long run for a car i may be happier with? i've always preferred SUVS for the AWD and height but i'm also a v practical person so i could definitely live with the civic and upgrade later. happy for any thoughts/suggestions. 

Why don't you consider a RAV4 prime? It's about the same price as the hybrid.

The 2022 civic is a new redesign in its first production year, so I would avoid it (to many unknowns. fist production year is basically the phase 3 of a pharm trial).

[Nik-]

On 12/14/2020 at 7:59 PM, bellejolie said:

I'm currently debating between the new 2022 honda civic vs. 2021 toyota rav4 hybrid for when i enter residency next year July - difference about 15-20K in total cost however obvious savings in gas when it comes to the hybrid (400-500km in honda civic for a tank vs. 1200 km in the hybrid SUV as confirmed by many youtube videos). i'm thinking about it in terms of long term investing (will have the car for 5+ years if not 10, good family car for babies in the future) + hoping to match to fam med so 2 year residency means i'll have more flexibility pretty soon. the down payment would come from parents who are gifting this as a grad gift (pending i match to fam med and all goes smoothly), and i wouldn't purchase until then, but wondering if such an expensive car is a bad idea during residency (civic about 33K with taxes and some extra bells/whistles vs rav4 hybrid 50K with taxes etc)? is the 15-20K a big deal in the long run for a car i may be happier with? i've always preferred SUVS for the AWD and height but i'm also a v practical person so i could definitely live with the civic and upgrade later. happy for any thoughts/suggestions. 

I'd say go with the rav4. Keep in mind the civic will have a smaller fuel tank, but yes, the rav4 hybrid should get better gas mileage. Toyota is the king of reliability so it would be a great long term play even with the extra price tag. Their hybrid systems are tried and true. The suv will also make it easier to get kids into/out of their car seats. One drawback to the rav4 would be its size making it more cumbersome to manouver in an urban setting vs the civic. If you can see yourself keeping the car for a decade, the extra 15-20k shouldn't be too hard to swallow. It would be better to take the plunge sooner instead of eventually "upgrading" later and wasting money as both cars will be depreciating. 

[bellejolie]

Thank you all so much for the reply - i actually test drove the rav4 gas (the hybrid and prime you have to preorder usually so dealerships don't often have them, especially not the prime) the camry hybrid and the prius prime. The rav4 gas was heavy, but absolutely LOVE the height. not even comparable once you try SUVs. But apparently the hybrid is a bit smoother and has those "jolts" electric cars have (similar drive to the camry hybrid). The camry hybrid was such a pleasant surprise, it wasn't even on my list originally and i enjoyed the drive a lot. hybrids are SO quiet it was insane. The prius prime was disappointing - so many distractions to look at and i felt i lost vision with the dash + rearview mirror location etc, and could feel the rattling when i accelerated under my foot. 

12 hours ago, Nik- said:

I'd say go with the rav4. Keep in mind the civic will have a smaller fuel tank, but yes, the rav4 hybrid should get better gas mileage. Toyota is the king of reliability so it would be a great long term play even with the extra price tag. Their hybrid systems are tried and true. The suv will also make it easier to get kids into/out of their car seats. One drawback to the rav4 would be its size making it more cumbersome to manouver in an urban setting vs the civic. If you can see yourself keeping the car for a decade, the extra 15-20k shouldn't be too hard to swallow. It would be better to take the plunge sooner instead of eventually "upgrading" later and wasting money as both cars will be depreciating. 

definitely agree - i think the rav4 is the better choice for me in terms of long term investing and agree they do the hybrid game the best - honda and other hybrid SUVs don't come close! 

 

On 12/16/2020 at 11:25 AM, cotecc said:

Why don't you consider a RAV4 prime? It's about the same price as the hybrid.

The 2022 civic is a new redesign in its first production year, so I would avoid it (to many unknowns. fist production year is basically the phase 3 of a pharm trial).

The problem is it's a 1-2 year wait right now + installation of electric plug in my parking spot in condo is 3-4000 with a rebate of $600 (given i'm an individual owner and not a condo association). something i'd consider installing into the spot perhaps later. also based on the fb groups i'm in and r world, issues in the winter with the tech. hyrbid may be safer tech wise. plus toyota announced their joint venture with subaru coming out with their fully electric line in 2022 so excited to see what that'll bring in the next few years. 

 

On 12/16/2020 at 12:14 AM, LostLamb said:

@bellejolieI think you know what you want...it is the rav4 hybrid

Ya it is gonna be more expensive. but, it sounds more like it would make you happy and fit your transportation needs. No idea how you lasted so long with transit...I drove the same car from 2006 to 2020, bought brand new and driven into ground.

Not sure what the resident income is in QC vs ON; that could have an impact on monthly payments. If you end up in family med, you'll be done in a blink of an eye and payments will not be such a big deal.

I really could not conceive of what "staff money" was until I see my income this year in context of the amount of work i am doing; vs years of residency income and how much more work i did then plus studying. I am (slightly) less stressed about debt than I used to be. Then again, i'll see how I feel when tax time comes around.

Looking forward to hearing about your Rav4 hybrid!

 

and yes haha i know lasting that long with transit has not been easy but montreal is a pretty decent city with good public transit that gets you far and wide and really is cheap ($50/month for all systems). If i was paying 3-400 a month like in toronto probably would switch to a car since it wouldn't be much more but convenience would be +++. resident income in qc is significantly less (about 12K or so per year with fewer raises in between years) however again like what was said above, 2 years will go by quick i hope. anyway we will await match day before making any big moves however i really did love the rav4 hybrid SUV! and encourage all future car shoppers to consider hybrids+EVs !! they're great and pretty smooth rides. 

Thank you all for your comments and help! 

[Snowmen]

52 minutes ago, bellejolie said:

Thank you all so much for the reply - i actually test drove the rav4 gas (the hybrid and prime you have to preorder usually so dealerships don't often have them, especially not the prime) the camry hybrid and the prius prime. The rav4 gas was heavy, but absolutely LOVE the height. not even comparable once you try SUVs. But apparently the hybrid is a bit smoother and has those "jolts" electric cars have (similar drive to the camry hybrid). The camry hybrid was such a pleasant surprise, it wasn't even on my list originally and i enjoyed the drive a lot. hybrids are SO quiet it was insane. The prius prime was disappointing - so many distractions to look at and i felt i lost vision with the dash + rearview mirror location etc, and could feel the rattling when i accelerated under my foot. 

definitely agree - i think the rav4 is the better choice for me in terms of long term investing and agree they do the hybrid game the best - honda and other hybrid SUVs don't come close! 

 

The problem is it's a 1-2 year wait right now + installation of electric plug in my parking spot in condo is 3-4000 with a rebate of $600 (given i'm an individual owner and not a condo association). something i'd consider installing into the spot perhaps later. also based on the fb groups i'm in and r world, issues in the winter with the tech. hyrbid may be safer tech wise. plus toyota announced their joint venture with subaru coming out with their fully electric line in 2022 so excited to see what that'll bring in the next few years. 

 

and yes haha i know lasting that long with transit has not been easy but montreal is a pretty decent city with good public transit that gets you far and wide and really is cheap ($50/month for all systems). If i was paying 3-400 a month like in toronto probably would switch to a car since it wouldn't be much more but convenience would be +++. resident income in qc is significantly less (about 12K or so per year with fewer raises in between years) however again like what was said above, 2 years will go by quick i hope. anyway we will await match day before making any big moves however i really did love the rav4 hybrid SUV! and encourage all future car shoppers to consider hybrids+EVs !! they're great and pretty smooth rides. 

Thank you all for your comments and help! 

The pay difference really isn't very significant when you consider the HUGE difference in cost of living (especially rent).

[bellejolie]

Just now, Snowmen said:

The pay difference really isn't very significant when you consider the HUGE difference in cost of living (especially rent).

yes agree! generally cost of living is very low - same with parking ($80/month), free if you're doing call/nights etc + $100/month food money, many days off etc. its still a big difference (48K which graduates to 53K vs ontario which is 60-->66K)but for rent agree it makes up for part of it. Maritimes starts at 66K pgy1 and increases to 71K which sounds lovely haha! 

For reference: https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/salary/#1511458863974-fa393f80-6acd

Indeed though, i will justify treating myself to this car by the hybrid component, and therefore gas savings, the fact that i've used public transit for 12 years and i'm going to keep it for >5-7 years!!

[Snowmen]

With the teaching and call bonuses, the R1 salary is actually 59k in Quebec.

[ChemPetE]

Joining this topic late, but it is a fun one.

1) I leased a brz during residency. LOVED that car. Not too much more than a civic, was as good on gas. Put a smile on my face every time I stepped into it haha. But moved away to a land with more snow and crappier roads, so ended up getting a gas 5th gen rav4. Much more practical, also puts a smile on my face, but in a different way. My dad has the hybrid - loves it (minus the fact that much less driving gets done during covid). Between civic and rav? Had essentially a civic pre brz, and also was fine. My mom also has a civic turbo and it is very nice and comfortable to drive as well (the new ones are great; just have to beware the ones from a few years ago where there was leaking oil into the engine in cold climates, now fixed).  AWD is a nice to have (not must), and the extra practicality the suv has is nice too, although I had family around and could borrow a friend’s truck if need be (hence the brz haha). But on my own, well SUVs are popular for a reason. 

Technical issues with the rav - Toyota’s hybrid system is TOP notch. Expected to have VERY good reliability. Price is definitely a concern, but also nothing wrong with picking up a gen 4 rav used; I have a family doc friend that had a gen 3 that kicked the bucket, and has since replaced it with a gen 4. Ravs in general are very practical vehicles.

Another point, more related to certain specialties that cover multiple sites on call - I have heard that one specialty in particular racks up fuel bills that are comparable to call stipends. Depending on your rotation/if you’re doing home call (probably not for fam med in this circumstance), a hybrid might be nice. But also beware that it is a classic story of post call driving home that someone gets a fender bender, or scratches their car on a parking post or something. I know SO many people that have damaged (lightly at least) their vehicles in some aspect in this way (including myself at some point ) . So just... be mindful it is a common story =/

2) I have the pokemon special edition switch I picked up in residency. The yellow colors are fun. Riiiiiight before COVID hit, my girlfriend ended up finding a ACNH switch for her to play AC on. But it was the town over. So literally the day or two before lockdown she ended up driving 1-2 hours to pick it up, then back. Then lockdown. But she loves it - and I agree that the colors are fun. It’s a great game for sure haha, though I haven’t logged in myself for a while... LL I should grab your friend code at sometime too haha! Lately it’s been ring fit adventure since gyms are closed, and it’s ok... but island visits can still be fun