I spend thousands a year on BYU sports. many people spend much more than I do. Nobody here questions that outlay of money, which is arguably worse than a depreciating asset, it's no asset at all.

some people (I'm presuming you from your question) see a car as a tool, nothing more or less. no reason you'd spend a dollar more than need be on a vehicle that gets you from A to B and carries the things you need to carry. others see it as a location they spend several hours a day and want it to be the most luxurious possible. others want it to go super fast, or take their whole family far out into the wilderness.

and everybody has different income levels, $40k may not be that much to some people (it is to me).