I live in SoCal so I can only speak to your question/concern as it relates to my experiences and observations here...

...many people see their beloved cars as an extension of themselves and their personalities.

I don't see it as much as a sign of bp necessarily...but of an insecure person trying to impress or just give a boost of self esteem.

Examples include; mid- life crisis, insecurity, placing too much emphasis on how they are perceived, actually being a car fanatic and needing to have a specific vehicle simply based on performance.

Total d-bags are driving around town in the most expensive vehicles...but get them in a convo...zzzzzzzzz

It is really competitive here, too...and we spend so much time in our cars they even act as an "accessory" to an outfit.

Now if you had written that in the midsts of a manic / hypo episode, he went out and purchased a F or M or P - especially without the actual funds - that I would definitely take as a warning signal.

Frankly it just sounds like he is the stereotypical,LA d****.