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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want a luxury car?

120 replies

lill72 · 28/01/2015 23:09

I recived an inheritance, which has given me freedow to do things I couldn't before. We don't own a car and are currently looking at a newish BMW.
Is it better to buy a newish car if you can and have it for a long time or an older car that is cheaper but higher mileage. Does the money you lose and maybe the need to sell/buy a new car sort of even it all out in the end?

Feeling guilty at maybe spending so much is difficult making a decision when I don't have a budget but the money could be spent in other ways - ie investment. thoughts?

OP posts:
Madamecastafiore · 29/01/2015 06:53

A 3 series estate is a fantastic size for a family with 2 kids by the way.

richthegreatcornholio · 29/01/2015 07:38

Whoever said a 2014 BMW isn't a luxury car is talking pish

That's you I'm afraid. The lower end 3 series is white goods motoring at it's worst. Nothing luxury about it whatsoever.

richthegreatcornholio · 29/01/2015 07:42

I love cars and driving

Does not sit well with

I've just bought a 2002 tdi Passat sport

Why would you buy one of the most dull cars on the road?

EdSheeran · 29/01/2015 08:05

Surely what's luxury depends on your own standards. I've only ever driven beaten up old cars with seats that have given me backache and just about gets me from A to B. My brand new car with heated seats sure feels luxurious to me. Grin

FluffyMcnuffy · 29/01/2015 08:08

You do know bmw are phasing out the 3 series?

I've had a sport bm and it was very nice (and fast) but that was when I was young! Merc is much classier IMO. Every man and his dog has a 3 series.

HellKitty · 29/01/2015 08:09

We have a Merc and I love it for more than just the heated seats!

tobysmum77 · 29/01/2015 08:15

op yanbu

Dh likes buying a 3/4yo car for half the price then running the bloody thing till it falls apart. Right now our car is 10 and a right heap.

It may be more expensive but you have the lovely shiny newness.

TattyDevine · 29/01/2015 09:13

The one you are talking about sounds just fine. Its taken a hit of depreciation but is essentially a new car.

Don't think of it as an investment as cars never are (I know you are not but other people are saying "its not an investment") but taking up less than 10% of your inheritance, its not an issue.

Go for it.

Pprice · 29/01/2015 09:17

Not think BMW is particularly lux. Could cost a fortune in repairs and services.

I drive an old banger that so far has cost 4p a mile in insurance and running costs. My dad drives a farari and has a mercades just for going the few miles to the golf course. I find that disgusting as so many people in this world go to bed hungry.

ghostyslovesheep · 29/01/2015 09:17

OP if YOU like it and YOU can afford it then buy it - treat yourself and ignore what car snobs other people say

it's your money - your choice

I get new cars (and yes I know it's a massive waste of money but I like them so pah!) so I'd go for one like you are considering - 1 year old and still under warranty

as to the make - buy one you like :)

morgyworgy · 29/01/2015 09:20

I love my bmw. Ive got an m1 and trading it in this year. Going for the 3series m sport xdrive with red leather I think. Anyone who says they are shite is jealous imo Wink

sparechange · 29/01/2015 09:25

What sort of mileage will you do each year?

Personally, I don't do very many miles per year, so I've always bought 2 year old cars with above average miles from places like Car Giant. They have all the luxury German brands, and are all ex-fleet or company cars, so you don't get every bell and whistle extra, but you get sat nav, parking sensors and all the essentials. No button which automatically opens and closes the boot, but I can live without that!

I tend to keep my cars for about 5 years, in which time the mileage has averaged out and I can sell it on with typical miles.

The bodywork and interiors might have a couple more stonechips and scuffs in the leather than something that has only done 10k miles, but it doesn't matter after a few weeks when you've got child wear and tear rubbed into the seats!

So, you can get the best of both worlds with a younger, cheaper car with higher mileage from a 'luxury' make, but you won't get one from a main dealer (they only sell the best second hand examples). It will massively help with the depreciation and sting less when you scratch the back bumper dragging the pushchair out of it Smile

Apatite1 · 29/01/2015 09:25

10% of inheritance is not much, you have plenty left to pay off mortgage, invest etc. Buy the bmw if that's what you want.

CornChips · 29/01/2015 09:26

TBH I would never spend money on a car because I do not care about them- but it is your money, AND is less than 10% of your inheritance- go for it and even more importantly, ENJOY it. !

(I'd buy a conservatory... also frivolous.:) )

notsogoldenoldie · 29/01/2015 09:29

I'd agree with the pp who said "go for it!". I also kind of agree with a bm perhaps not being the epitome: there's a massive choice. In your shoes I'd probably go for style over substance, but that's just me. I'd be looking at Lexus, Jag rather than bm, I think. Depreciation is terrible, but you can get quite a lot of bang for your buck. My old (high spec but embarrassingly unstylish) Volvo cost 7k ten years ago and is still going.

Littlefluffyclouds81 · 29/01/2015 09:42

Richthegreat - to defend my choice of car:

  1. I do a lot of miles so need something economical and practical.

  2. however, my Passat is bloody pokey for a diesel, it can overtake things easily and the uprated suspension means it is fun to drive.

  3. I am a book dealer so need a big car (estate) to collect books from auctions.

  4. I have a caravan (for festivals) so need something that can tow.

  5. I am a single mum and don't have a lot of spare cash - if I'd had £15-£20k to spunk on a car I wouldn't have bought a Passat.

  6. my last car was a £275 fiesta, so it's all relative. I'm not saying my car is the flashiest on the road but the point I was trying to make to the op was that there's nothing wrong with buying the car you really want if it injects some happiness into your life and gives you a little thrill every time you get in it.

  7. maybe I am easily pleased, but again, it's all relative to an individual's financial situation.

Hth!

Original poster
lill72 · 29/01/2015 10:01

Really, really helpful thoughts thank you everyone. It has given me lots to think about! It is a hard decision, as it all about what you are giving up with that money.

We definitely want a car. It is just which one.

Mrsnec - I am pondering the same thing that you probably went through last year - buy a cheaper, slightly older car that may be ok, or spend more money and get a near new one that we don't have to worry about.

I have been frugal with cars in the past, we've not had one for the past five years, so it'd be nice to have something we like.

What would you/have you all spent on cars? Any recommendations for a family with 2 small children?

We were also looking at a Tiguan, Peugot 2008, Audi A4 Avant and VW

OP posts:
CornChips · 29/01/2015 10:05

Last car we had we spent £11,000. It is an old, third hand Nissan Qashqai.. Suits us down to the ground.... quite robust, fits Dcs and the dog. :)

I am so excited for you!!! I hope you enjoy your car, and enjoy your inheritance. Lovely to hear good news for a change!

CornChips · 29/01/2015 10:06

(Oh, if I had the choice I'd go for an audi... they look lovely. :) )

Original poster
lill72 · 29/01/2015 10:15

Thanks Cornchips - That's very sweet of you to say.

Yes the Qashqai's look good. I do like Audi's too.

The inheritance is from my mum and you know getting this sum through losing her has not really brought me that much happiness. Like say if you won the money in a lottery. Guess it's why I'd like to enjoy some of it - we have booked a holiday for our ten year anniversary this year, we'll buy a car then the rest I guess I will be sensible with - rainy day/house/investment.

OP posts:
CornChips · 29/01/2015 10:19

Oh I am sorry, that sounded insensitive. I am sorry about your mum. For some reason I just assumed it was a remote inheritance- no idea why.... just a random assumption. (Like a windfall really).

ghostyslovesheep · 29/01/2015 10:22

sorry about your mum OP xxx

I bet she's want you to have something nice x

Siarie · 29/01/2015 10:22

Me and DH are in the market for a new car at the moment, due to a new little person arriving soon.

I personally prefer to spec from new because I'm a fussy pain in the butt and like a car to be just so. I also like that the warranty, MOT and included road side recovery most manufacturers do. Oh and also new car smell, which I hear you can get in a fragrance now but it can't be quite the same right?

Cars aren't an asset to invest your money in, but if you buy one that holds its value well, get it serviced at the manufacturers service centres and keep it well looked after you can get a reason price for it after the warranty runs out.

Siarie · 29/01/2015 10:23

Sorry to hear about your mum, I'm sure she would approve of some happiness coming from the inheritance though.

Floralnomad · 29/01/2015 10:30

I would look at what you want in a car and go from there , a lot of higher end cars are very expensive to service and let's face it the more technology in them the more there is to go wrong . When we got our last car our must haves were air con and electric windows - I don't like cars that think they are cleverer than me ,that tell me when a service is due or want to park on my behalf - I am perfectly capable of doing that all by myself. In the end we went for a Kia , mainly because they are reasonably priced for what you get and seem reliable ( which it has been) . With 2 small children I would be looking at more of a people carrier type thing .

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