Do you have a car loan or own outright?

[Phteven]

I'm curious... this is to those who say they would never get a loan and the thought of owing money scares you, is a mortgage excluded from that statement?

No. We bought both our houses outright. We used to have a mortgage but we sold and rented instead. Being free from the mortgage gave us the psychological freedom to start our own business (we didn't have a home to lose so it didn't matter if it failed). If we still had the mortgage we wouldn't have the financial freedom that we enjoy.
Eta - I love to drive so I buy the best car I can afford but I'm another that buys secondhand privately. The thought of losing 20% driving off the lot is enough to make me cry. Tip for the people who buy privately. Do a keyword search for quick sale.