to buy a car my DH can't drive?

9 replies

givemethestrongestcheese · 14/03/2011 16:07

Honestly, AIBU? We have a family estate but it is unsuitable for a learner/ novice driver and DD is now 17. It would suit us all if she could drive herself to school so we have decided to buy a second car. DD and I love the Fiat 500 - it is stylish, economical to run, and cheap to insure. It will also double as a second family car (much more fuel efficient than our current estate so good for little trips about town and for giving lifts to my younger DC out of school hours).

BUT my DH is 6ft 4 and the Fiat 500 is renowned for lack of head room and for being a "girlie" car. On the one hand, DH hardly drives and when he does he could take the estate. OTOH it feels a bit selfish buying a car that he CAN'T drive IYSWIM. I really can't decide if it is U or not, and whether I should let him have a final say as I am a SAHM and he earns the money........

..and is it even more U to buy the convertible which has about 2 inches LESS headroom due to the mechanism but which would be such fun to have and if I wait until I am an OAP I reckon I will have missed the moment!

So selfish, or reasonable?

OP posts:

Eglu · 14/03/2011 16:10

YANBU. It is not like you will have no car for your DH to drive. FWIW my BIL is 6ft 1 and drives a Fiat 500.

Shakirasma · 14/03/2011 16:11

What is your DHs opinion? If he has got to buy it, insure it, tax it etc then it should be up to him whether he wants to drive it.

mrsscoob · 14/03/2011 16:15

There is no reason he can't drive it if he had too, I am sure I saw Clarkson driving one on Top Gear and he is a big bloke.

DilysPrice · 14/03/2011 16:19

I think with fuel prices the way they are, you will all end up using the smaller car more and more, so you could end up regretting restricting your future options like this. Get DH to try out the Fiat, and if he really really can't drive it then I'd regretfully find something else you like.

scurryfunge · 14/03/2011 16:22

BIL has one, he is 6' 4" and it is not a problem at all.

NinkyNonker · 14/03/2011 16:25

I wouldn't buy something so expensive (they are expensive for what they are) that DH couldn't drive. There are plenty of economical, stylish cars around. Unless he has no involvement whatsoever in paying for buying it or running it in which case fine if you want.

JelliBelli · 14/03/2011 16:25

Why don't you get him to test drive one?

Original poster

givemethestrongestcheese · 14/03/2011 16:28

Ok, I am reassured that maybe he CAN drive it and will get him to test drive it on Saturday. Why didn't I think of that ? If he fits, then there is no dilemma....I kind of leapt to the assumption that he wouldn't. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:

Mandy2003 · 14/03/2011 16:32

My Dad is 6'5" and used to drive my Nan's Fiat 500!

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