I recently read a comment on an article titled "Private Showroom Offers Early Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid, Marked Up by 700 Million VND". A reader expressed pride in purchasing 10 different vehicles for 4.5 billion VND, or in his 9-year-old car's ability to transport 650 kg of goods without issue. This perspective, I believe, reflects a commercial transport mindset, not one focused on appreciating life's inherent value.
Firstly, it is inappropriate to compare the perceived "goodness" of common vehicles with large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) renowned for their off-road prowess. The satisfaction derived from driving a car worth hundreds of millions of VND often stems from a lack of experience with premium vehicles, where precise steering wheel feedback and a suspension system that absorbs road imperfections unnoticed are standard. Vehicles costing 4-5 billion VND offer more than just status; they provide safety and quietness. These attributes are unattainable even when combining 10 basic cars.
Secondly, consider the value of time and experience. While some argue about "useful" expenditures, they might spend nine years of their lives in an old vehicle. For the wealthy, investing several billion VND to secure comfort, health, and family safety is considered the most beneficial use of resources. They do not purchase cars for transporting 650 kg of cargo or to quibble over several million VND in insurance costs. Instead, they buy time. Rather than enduring a noisy, jarring ride that leads to fatigue, they opt for a vehicle designed to rejuvenate their energy.
Thirdly, for individuals in certain positions, a car serves as a representation and a business card when engaging with partners. One does not typically instruct the wealthy on how to spend money. If they lacked effective financial management skills, they would not possess 4.5 billion VND to acquire a vehicle deemed "useless" by others.
While some remain concerned about vehicle breakdowns or heavy loads, others are experiencing the automotive industry's most refined offerings. Each luxury oto is designed for a distinct clientele, prioritizing personal satisfaction and safety over purely utilitarian calculations.
Do not impose the standards of those "always short on funds" onto individuals who have the freedom to choose luxury. For some, 4.5 billion VND may represent a fortune, but for the wealthy, it is merely a minor expenditure for their daily lives.
Reader Hai Duong
