Alot of places in the world you don't really need the car as much, it could be superior to be able to travel without needing to own it permanently.
Certainly I would agree to swap an appreciating asset for depreciation and taxes is not a good deal if you can avoid it but some will argue the car enables work and many other things so is justified, just avoiding finance is for certain.
Correct. I agree with you. Essentially it all depends on our mindset regarding wealth and success. For some people owning a car or a house is a must, and they don't think about financing. However those with a wealth mindset prioritize needs over wants, which ultimately impacts their finances.
For those with a wealth mindset, it's better to build a bridge to future success than to experience wealth now but lack long-term assets. True wealth isn't visible now it will appear in the future in the form of assets. But pseudo wealth like buying cars and other luxury items is visible now but has no future.