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Original poster

How much to spend on a car (monthly payment in relation to disposable income)

34 replies

Onlyrainbows · 07/04/2022 08:21

From previous threads I'm on the quest to find a new car. Waiting times are crazy, but I don't see that as a problem. I do like cars and ultimately do need a reliable for long distances, but I probably average 400mi per month at most. Which does make me think about buying a more expensive car, but then again I don't go to the salon/gym have nor have any expensive hobbies so I think it even outs.

OP posts:
Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 07/04/2022 12:55

@WTF475878237NC

Sounds like a new car is the least of your worries. Have you spoken to a FA or solicitor (privately)?
All lawyers told me I was better off to remain married (given the financial implications).
OP posts:
carefullycourageous · 07/04/2022 13:01

No lawyer would tell you you should remain married if you do not want to. They will tell your realistically what position you will be in if you divorce, but only you can put a value on leaving the marriage.

BocolateChiscuits · 07/04/2022 13:15

With an 11 year old car, already on its last legs, I think you might not know how to look after cars. You should learn, otherwise your new car will rapidly go the same way. Do you have any local friends who have well maintained older cars? Ask them for a mechanic recommendation. Then get everything fixed as it becomes a problem (with your trust fund money, I guess).

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Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 07/04/2022 13:16

@BocolateChiscuits

With an 11 year old car, already on its last legs, I think you might not know how to look after cars. You should learn, otherwise your new car will rapidly go the same way. Do you have any local friends who have well maintained older cars? Ask them for a mechanic recommendation. Then get everything fixed as it becomes a problem (with your trust fund money, I guess).
I think we got a lemon, but regardless I don't like driving older cars, it's just not for me.
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SweatyChamoisPad · 07/04/2022 13:22

Mine’s 10% of my take home salary. It was a £10k loan on low interest rates from Admiral over 4 years for a two year old Ford Focus. I’m in the final 8 months of payments then I’ll keep it for at least another four years. Given the way energy bills are going (and a surprise funeral I had to pay for) I’ll be really relieved to get that £200 a month back.

findingsomeone · 07/04/2022 13:36

I would be wary of tying yourself into a deal to be honest, with what you have said OP. Unless you can afford to cover all bills and outgoings and cover the car if you split suddenly?

As another poster said the energy bill situation is a worrying time for a large chunk of the population. You can't just hand a car back and stop paying for it.

What about getting a newer but cheaper type of car than an SUV, as you really want a newer one? My DH's last car was a bit of a dud. We also have a 13 year old car this year which has needed more expensive things doing to maintain it up we keep it as a 'run into the ground' type car, and then have my 'nice' car as the family car. Might be worth working out what you'd get for yours if you trade it in, and if you can save £500 a month for a few months that gives you a much bigger deposit for a newer car and would reduce monthly payments more.

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 07/04/2022 13:50

@findingsomeone

I would be wary of tying yourself into a deal to be honest, with what you have said OP. Unless you can afford to cover all bills and outgoings and cover the car if you split suddenly?

As another poster said the energy bill situation is a worrying time for a large chunk of the population. You can't just hand a car back and stop paying for it.

What about getting a newer but cheaper type of car than an SUV, as you really want a newer one? My DH's last car was a bit of a dud. We also have a 13 year old car this year which has needed more expensive things doing to maintain it up we keep it as a 'run into the ground' type car, and then have my 'nice' car as the family car. Might be worth working out what you'd get for yours if you trade it in, and if you can save £500 a month for a few months that gives you a much bigger deposit for a newer car and would reduce monthly payments more.

If we were to split I could cover everything, I don't think that's the issue here. We need a decent size hatchback. But as someone told me in one of my order threads, I need to get something that works for ME.
OP posts:
Dundonian · 07/04/2022 14:14

The new Tucson has received the car of the year award. We have a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and it drives like a dream; it's the smoothest, most responsive car I've ever driven. The new Sportage looks quite smart. Range Rovers, imo, are some of the best looking cars, though I know nothing else about them. I've no ideas on PCP prices as I wasn't looking at that when we were shopping around recently.

Original poster
Onlyrainbows · 07/04/2022 15:32

@Dundonian

The new Tucson has received the car of the year award. We have a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and it drives like a dream; it's the smoothest, most responsive car I've ever driven. The new Sportage looks quite smart. Range Rovers, imo, are some of the best looking cars, though I know nothing else about them. I've no ideas on PCP prices as I wasn't looking at that when we were shopping around recently.
I remember Rav4s from my best friend at uni (he drove one) but they're tiny! For Hyundai's we'd be looking at the Santa Fe. My land rover was a decent car, I'm test driving an Evoque but I think it might be too small.
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