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Original poster

On the verge of making a daft decision

76 replies

Dotandtime · 05/07/2023 17:56

It's not one I could ever justify for any logical reason, just that it's fun and I want to. But will it be enough fun for me not to regret it?

I'm thinking of spending £30k on a two seater convertible.

I don't need a car. I have a 2yo Ford Focus that does about 6000 miles pa and I've just changed my job so it will be even less. When I do use the car it's for socialising, usually travelling a hundred miles or so for sports events, although even then we often car share so I don't always drive. Short local trips at weekends.

I can afford it. I'll pay cash, I won't miss the money as such, it's just in savings, it won't make any difference to what else I do or what i can soend on a daily/monthly/annual basis. I have good pensions so don't need it to boost that.

I'll probably have to keep the Focus for when I need a sensible car - there's just me so this isn't a second car.

I feel like throwing caution to the wind, which is most unlike me, you don't build savings like that, but it is a lot of money for something that won't get a lot of use. It is all money I've earned and saved, no windfalls.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dotandtime · 05/07/2023 19:45

Ds has told me I'm not allowed a middle aged mum car, which makes it all the more appealing 😆

OP posts:
Bluevelvetsofa · 05/07/2023 19:49

I had an MX5 which was real fun. Then I had an Audi TT roadster, followed by the later shape one. Even more fun! None of them were new and they sold well.

Then I acquired grandchildren and had to be sensible again.

Nickknackpattywhack · 05/07/2023 19:51

I'm thinking of spending £30k on a two seater convertible.

Yeaaay - go for it !

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Cars & vehicles
Kenworthington · 05/07/2023 19:51

Buy the car. You will feel so happy every time you drive it in the sun with the top down. I always wanted one, never thought I could get one. Just traded it in this year after 4 years of complete JOY. I loved it so much. Get the car!

SeanDanielorBalonz · 05/07/2023 19:51

Waste your money however you like

Original poster
Dotandtime · 05/07/2023 19:53

Bluevelvetsofa · 05/07/2023 19:49

I had an MX5 which was real fun. Then I had an Audi TT roadster, followed by the later shape one. Even more fun! None of them were new and they sold well.

Then I acquired grandchildren and had to be sensible again.

Stop it. I did wonder if the TT made more sense. I think it's a 2 seater sports car that appeals, more than the convertible, but I've been looking at an almost new MX5.

OP posts:
YouOk · 05/07/2023 19:54

I've just bought a red Mazda mx5 - I love it!!!!!!

MIBnightmare · 05/07/2023 19:59

I also made money on mine - and it's nothing very fancy .

I bought it for 7500 in 2021.. then because of the massive lack of new cars after the pandemic it shot up to 9750.. it's now still 9k even with 20k added to the mileage - so personally I would put that at the bottom of the list of worries.

You don't need the money (as in - won't miss it..) so what is there to think about if it's something you would get joy from. ?

I absolutely love driving but for 24 years I have bought a succession of cars that bought no particular enjoyment. They were all for 'the family' .. so once I taught them all to drive I bought my hearts desire. For me.

Do you feel bad about doing something just for you OP ? I know I did for 5 minutes - before I gave myself a shake a realised a man would have no such qualms.

FloydPepper · 05/07/2023 20:01

Dotandtime · 05/07/2023 17:56

It's not one I could ever justify for any logical reason, just that it's fun and I want to. But will it be enough fun for me not to regret it?

I'm thinking of spending £30k on a two seater convertible.

I don't need a car. I have a 2yo Ford Focus that does about 6000 miles pa and I've just changed my job so it will be even less. When I do use the car it's for socialising, usually travelling a hundred miles or so for sports events, although even then we often car share so I don't always drive. Short local trips at weekends.

I can afford it. I'll pay cash, I won't miss the money as such, it's just in savings, it won't make any difference to what else I do or what i can soend on a daily/monthly/annual basis. I have good pensions so don't need it to boost that.

I'll probably have to keep the Focus for when I need a sensible car - there's just me so this isn't a second car.

I feel like throwing caution to the wind, which is most unlike me, you don't build savings like that, but it is a lot of money for something that won't get a lot of use. It is all money I've earned and saved, no windfalls.

You haven’t said if you’re male or female so delete as appropriate

if male : you’re having a mid life crisis spending family money on a penis substitute. Your wife needs to leave you

if female : go for it, you only live once, enjoy it

MIBnightmare · 05/07/2023 20:07

Dotandtime
Now I am properly jealous. My MX5 is 10 years old but I adore her.

I did a lot of research before deciding on a MX-5 . Then I spoke to the garage I have used for 10 years (and trust) and he did not hesitate when I said I wanted a 2 seater cabriolet.. he explained that the Mazdas hold their value and are very reliable but their big plus is that they use generic parts so no '£500 for a genuine Audi wing mirror' . .

almondflake · 05/07/2023 20:12

I've got an mx5 koyoto and absolutely love it , I use it everyday. previously I had a tvr chimera , that was such a temperamental car it ended up on a wall , still have it though, 😁
If it's something you want and can afford do it , make yourself happy

Eyesopenwideawake · 05/07/2023 20:42

Dotandtime · 05/07/2023 19:45

Ds has told me I'm not allowed a middle aged mum car, which makes it all the more appealing 😆

I'm (past) middle age and not a mum but in 2016 I bought an (old) Porsche Cayenne S and I absolutely loved it! Despite it being thirstier than a Irishman after Good Friday and being serviced by a very expensive man in a sparkling white doctor's coat with had a degree in teeth sucking, it was a blast to drive and stunning in it's boxy beauty.

Sadly had to sell it mid pandemic when I had nothing to eat but I still smile when I remember it.

orangeflags · 05/07/2023 20:47

Make sure it has cream leather seats

TheFormidableMrsC · 05/07/2023 21:50

Do it. Do what you want. Life is short.

TheDogsMother · 05/07/2023 22:27

Do it !!!

Pre-dog I had 2x MX5s, a Honda S2000, MR2, 911. Post dog a Fiat Arbarth Convertible. It's so much fun (though I wish I had my dog again).

massiveclamps · 06/07/2023 13:45

CrazyArmadilloLady · 05/07/2023 18:30

Not many cars do appreciate in value, and why does she need
more knowledge to maintain it properly, than her previous one?

OP - you can afford it, and you want it - go for it.

Show quote history

Classic cars can and do appreciate in value if you choose the right ones, and they need expert maintenance in order to keep their value.

Sunflowering · 06/07/2023 13:46

I'd absolutely love to do this. Go for it.

CrazyArmadilloLady · 06/07/2023 13:51

massiveclamps · 06/07/2023 13:45

Classic cars can and do appreciate in value if you choose the right ones, and they need expert maintenance in order to keep their value.

Show quote history

Right, but …. the OP is not buying a classic car?

She’s buying a car.

OhComeOnFFS · 06/07/2023 14:01

Are cars your thing or are you just feeling the need to spend money? Are you an impulsive buyer in other ways?

maybebalancing · 06/07/2023 14:05

You can buy newer cars that should hold their value and if you keep them long enough appreciate.
But they will be a little harder to get hold of and they often have higher maintenance costs.
But as long as you aren't driving new off the forecourt someone else will have taken the steepest depreciation hit.

AffIt · 06/07/2023 14:39

Do it.

I bought my own ridiculous sports car a few years ago (literally just as I turned 40, what a cliché I am) and though it's not terribly fancy - just a wee '11 plate MX -5 - it brings me enormous joy and I love driving it.

(Although I would recommend making sure you have the resources - I rent a garage for mine over the winter, as it's a soft top, and although Mazdas have great horsepower, they're notorious for rusting. I've also got a fabulous mechanic who specialises in Japanese imports.)

Carpe diem and all that.

AffIt · 06/07/2023 14:42

I also have a 'sensible' Mazda-3 for day-to-day stuff and for the OH to drive (nobody else gets to drive my sports car!).

massiveclamps · 06/07/2023 16:20

CrazyArmadilloLady · 06/07/2023 13:51

Right, but …. the OP is not buying a classic car?

She’s buying a car.

Show quote history

I know that now, but I didn't when I first commented - it didn't say so in the OP.

Are you always so picky?

CrazyArmadilloLady · 06/07/2023 18:54

massiveclamps · 06/07/2023 16:20

I know that now, but I didn't when I first commented - it didn't say so in the OP.

Are you always so picky?

Show quote history

Picky?

You made a bizarre assumption she was buying a classic car - not sure why? Of course the OP wouldn’t say anything about what she wasn’t doing? And you called her an idiot. Twice.

Are you always so charming?

Twospaniels · 06/07/2023 18:59

Do it!
Why not?
You only live once so enjoy it.
My husband and I went to a dealership earlier in the year to look at a 4x4 to tow our caravan. they didn’t have what we wanted but as I wandered around I saw a lovely convertible and we walked out having left a deposit for it. We didn’t need it but we wanted it and thankfully we are in the fortunate position to be able to buy it without any worries.
Buy the car, enjoy it and if you think you have been frivolous then so be it, but I can guarantee you will enjoy it. We used ours straight away, wrapped up well with hats and scarfs on a cold bright frosty day - it was fab!

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