I honestly don't see this as being financially irrresponsible. Ultimately we're going to choose the car that we will feel financially comfortable affording, and nothing more. The same can be said for anybody that has a good paying job and buys a new car. "Well, what if you get laid off?" But not everyone rides around in Chevy Aveo's just because they're afraid their career isn't going to pan out. So which car would you choose?