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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want DP to buy me a new car?

18 replies

Mammie81 · 05/10/2010 23:42

Hes seen a lovely new car. His dad has viewed it and its good value, lovely blah blah blah.

I currently drive a beaten up old skoda (Volkswagon made) that cost me £250 and its been an absolute gem. Its safe too (once got hooked onto a bendy bus and was dragged 20 yards with no damage whatsoever). But its simply not attractive (and does have some damp issues). But it only costs me £50 a year as it always sails through its MOT.

I cant afford this new car, and Im quite happy with the old one. DP has said he will pay for the new one outright, and as he doesnt drive, it will be me that generally pays for the insurance/tax on it so I feel a little less like its charity.

I just feel
a) some of my independance is being lost by accepting this car
b) we have one already that, yes, looks shit, smells a bit etc but is a great economical car
c) About £1.5k of his 'buying a house fund' money will go towards it.

WWYD?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mammie81 · 05/10/2010 23:43

And maybe Im being an ungrateful bitch. Thats always a possibility Wink

OP posts:
SirBoobAlot · 05/10/2010 23:43

Hmm... If you're the one driving it, and you're happy with it, I'd stick with the one you have now.

wholovesyou · 05/10/2010 23:50

If he doesnt drive, then presumably you give him lifts? If thats the case its for both of you! I'd let him get it.

74claire · 05/10/2010 23:55

I'd keep with the car you have. Tyres are bound to be cheaper with your Skoda. I've found the luxury of having a newer car more expensive than I'd imagined.

wheelsonthefeckingbus · 06/10/2010 00:32

It's up to you, if you are looking at buying a house together then you are already a partnership, so I wouldn't worry about losing your independence. But if the other car works fine, why not put the money aside for now towards the house fund.

ChippingIn · 06/10/2010 00:35

I'd keep the money towards the 'House Fund' - keep the Skoda running while it's happy (& cheap!!) :)

Original poster
Mammie81 · 06/10/2010 19:51

Im 7 months pregnant so his family are pushing for me to get a new car. But I think they are totally underestimating my Skoda - they (and most people) just see an old car and think death trap when thats not the case at all. Its actually comparable to an old Golf, and you see loads of them still on the road.

Id rather keep the money for the house too. Im going to talk to him.

OP posts:
eldritch · 06/10/2010 20:03

Can't he keep the money for when/if your Skoda shuffles off and you actually need a new car?

(On a side note though - how did you get hooked on a bendy bus?? Shock)

Original poster
Mammie81 · 06/10/2010 20:25

Thats my point too! I think because this one has come up, his dad is keen for us to get it while the deal is there. But there'll be a million other cars when we actually need one!

Car was parked at the station while I was at work, bendy bus hooked it as it went round a corner, and a kind old man pushed it back into place. I came back from work and didnt even notice anything had happened! I only knew because the old man flagged me down the next week and asked about the damage! There wasnt any!

OP posts:
LadyintheRadiator · 06/10/2010 20:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Mammie81 · 06/10/2010 20:36

I might get it valeted tomorrow as a treat. I actually feel duplicious talking about getting rid of it. Its been like my 'Herbie'!

OP posts:
MoralDefective · 06/10/2010 20:40

YANBU...i had a lovely vauxhall nova(two door)aged 23 until March this year when a scumbag scrote stole it.....i got it back but the ignition was bashed in as was the drivers side door lock......luckily the aforementioned scumbag scrote was caught and charged and found guilty but............i still had to get a 'new' car.......i did love my Nova.SadSadSad.....everyone else thinks i'm lucky to have a shiny 'new' looking Focus but......i did love my Nova.[saddo]

fledtoscotland · 06/10/2010 20:47

YANBU. DH's car is a 14yr old renault megane that is the most reliable car ever. Its only done 45k miles, in good condition inside and out and is very economical to run. Even when we had to get some work done to it this year, it only cost £70.

I would stick with your existing car if you happy with it.

TrillianAstra · 06/10/2010 20:51

  1. is a silly reason if you are buying a house together

  2. get it professionally cleaned so it doesn't smell

  3. is a very good reason to not get a new car

And as you said, when you need a new car there will be plenty around.

Original poster
Mammie81 · 06/10/2010 21:00

Worse part of this is, his dad said to me "Scrap it and you can made £80".Shock

To me thats the same as putting a healthy animal down!!!

OP posts:
fireblademum · 06/10/2010 21:02

i can see why you wouldnt want to change, we had an old skoda and it was fantastic when there was just me and dh. BUT a new car with NCAP 5 would be safer for you and more importantly your dc if you were ever in a serious accident. the fact that it was in a prang with a bus and DIDNT get damaged suggests like most older cars it is well built but lacking in crumple zones. great in minor shunts (less damage to repair)but disastrous in serious situations eg if a truck runs into the back of you at the lights, never mind what might happen on higher speed roads. in your position i'd do a bit of research on how safe the occupants would be in your current car compared to a newer one. that might help you decide if you need to change it or not.

Heracles · 07/10/2010 02:43

Man up, say no.

cumfy · 07/10/2010 10:04

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

You clearly need the cash for other stuff.

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