Basically that's right.
We have met the enemy and he is us.
I think you mean Curtis Brown who besides writing the well known books practiced in San Diego County mainly.
You could change that thread to...
"I looked at a car, it was $50,000!!! This is way above my budget; I am in shock."
"What! I just bought a car and it was only $5,000. You can get a car all day long for under $7,500. $50,000 is way out of line; tell that guy to take a hike."
"A friend just bought a car for $2,500 and he lives just up the road from you. Maybe you can get that dealer to come down to you and give you the same deal too."
Etc.
The obvious question, what kind of car, options, new, used, etc?
Oops, I got my Browns mixed up! Carleton is herein ME!!!!
Thanks Dave for squaring that up!