There’s been a lot of noise lately about the new Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux 2026 model beautiful cars, no doubt. Zimbabweans love their cars. For many people here, a car isn’t just transport it’s a status symbol, a certificate that says “I’ve made it!”
But lately, I’ve been thinking differently.
This year I set a goal to read 100 books, and I’m now at 91. One of those books, The Millionaire Next Door, hit me harder than potholes on Seke Road.
The book says something shocking:
Most millionaires in America don’t buy new cars. They don’t even want to look like millionaires. And they avoid flashy brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Range Rover.
Why? Because a car is not an asset it’s a liability with leather seats.
When I Wanted to Look Rich
I once bought a 2010 Benz. It wasn’t new, but it was shiny enough to make me feel like a celebrity on loan.
Truth is, I didn’t buy it because I needed it. I bought it because I wanted to look rich. That car didn’t make me wealthier; it made me wiser the hard way.
What I didn’t know then is that a brand-new car loses about 20% of its value in the first year, and up to 50% by year five. So while you’re taking selfies with your new ride at the dealership, its value is already quietly driving away.
The Trap of Looking Rich
We chase iPhones not because we use half the features, but because we want to belong. We buy designer shoes to impress people who aren’t even looking. We even wear fake Gucci just to feel classy.
But after reading The Millionaire Next Door, I made peace with being a Toyota, Nissan, and Isuzu guy. Those cars might not scream “boss life,” but they whisper “financial peace.”
$5,000 Tyres? For Who?!
Recently, I met a guy who said he needed $5,000 just to change tyres. I said, *“Whaaat? Are they made of gold?”
- Meanwhile, real millionaires are out there driving practical cars, investing their money instead of decorating their garages.
Like the book says:
“If your car impresses people, chances are your wallet doesn’t.”
The Real Lesson
Being rich isn’t about looking rich it’s about buying freedom. The freedom to choose, to invest, and to sleep without worrying about the next service bill.
If your car makes you sweat before every oil change, you don’t own it, it owns you.
So yes, I still admire the new Hilux and Ranger but I admire financial peace more.
Final Thought
In life, you must decide: Do you want to look rich, or do you want to be rich?
The Benz will make people clap for you. The Toyota will let you sleep in peace.
Choose wisely
If you’re serious about building real wealth not the kind that disappears with the next service bill start focusing on financial discipline, smart investments, and business systems that grow your net worth quietly but powerfully. Whether you need assistance with sales, business systems and strategy, reach out today. Call or WhatsApp +263 77 961 9739 (Zimbabwe) or +260 972 936 033 (Zambia) and start making the kind of decisions your future self will thank you for. Your financial peace starts with one wise step.
By T****he Chartered Vendor
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