Why do so many people think all used cars are bad?

I bought a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville with 64,000 miles in 2003 for $2,300. I just lost the water pump and had to spend $300 on the repair. When people hear this a lot of them say I should have bought new because I’m “wasting money” and all used cars are junk. Book value on the car was $3,500 when I bought it and I’ve only spent 600 on repairs (lost the AC compressor in 05′) so I figure I got a deal anyway. The only thing thats faulty on Bonnevilles is the cooling system and thats after 10+ years of use. All other components will last forever.
My parents spent 14,000 total on a 98′ Crown Vic and a 99′ Mazda p/u in 02′ they’ve only had 500 in repairs on each in almost 5 years. They bought both from a reputable dealer and had them inspected.
It annoys me when people tell me spending 2900 total is worse than 20000 on a new vehicle. Don’t these people think? All of the vehicles we have bought have been consumer reports best buys for used cars. Not everyone wants to have a 7 year car loan!
It’s really irritating to have some stranger tell me that my paid-in-cash vehicle is worse than their paying-lots-of-interest fees on car. I just moved into the suburbs from a rural area and get this a lot up here. Back home, no one said this to me.

I just got a high-paying job with a credit card company and although I can afford a new car I refuse to buy one. She’s pretty reliable so why would I want to go into debt just so I can keep up with the Jones’?