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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy a really fancy car?

81 replies

PrettySophisticated · 10/12/2016 20:15

Dh and I celebrate our 25th anniversary next year. First 10 years or so we were broke but things have improved due to a combination of hard work, good luck and continuing to live frugally despite improving circumstances - we almost didn't realise we'd started to become better off. No debts and good savings.

In recent years we've had newish standard family cars, perfectly functional and presentable. We live in a house that suits our needs in the nicer part of a rough town. I think most people in our position would use the money to move, but we don't have any great desire to.

The car we have in mind is probably three times as much as we've ever spent before and would be the "best" car in the street by far - I think this is where my uncertainty stems from, I'm concerned it would seem unbearably flash and/or draw attention to us as a target for criminals.

Anyway we're thinking of buying ourselves a very nice anniversary present. Would you?

Oh, should say neither of us drive much! Dh commutes by train and I work 3 miles away, so it would only be used weekends and holidays (which Di usually involve driving). We'd pay cash for the car

OP posts:
FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 10/12/2016 20:18

I wouldn't. Only because to me cars are just a means to an end and there's so many things I'd rather spend a shedload of money on.

YANBU to treat yourself at all though, to whatever you want.

Daisiesandgerberas · 10/12/2016 20:18

If you can afford the tyres, insurance & other boring grown-up stuff then go for it!

What car is it....& what colour?

c3pu · 10/12/2016 20:19

Cars are rapidly depreciating assets... I'd only spend a lot on a fancy one if I was rich enough that I wouldn't notice the expenditure!

But it's your money and your choice. If you can afford it and you want to, then do it.

NavyandWhite · 10/12/2016 20:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sofabitch · 10/12/2016 20:19

Not something I would treat myself with. Cars devalue so quickly.

I can think of lots of other things I'd want. But if a car would make you happy then why not

BobbieDog · 10/12/2016 20:21

I have a nice flashy car. It does stand out on our street if im honest.

I am very wary of were i park it etc. The problem is someone will always bash the doors in a car park no matter how in the middle of nowhere you park in the car park!

I do worry about it if im honest especially at night and im always relieved when i open the blinds in the morning and it seems ok!

harderandharder2breathe · 10/12/2016 20:21

If it's a nice normal car then go for it

If it's a supercar then I find them ridiculous (someone on my street has several that live under covers and never seem to get driven) but if you would enjoy driving it then it's your money you can do what you want

Rainydayspending · 10/12/2016 20:23

Personally, no, I am not a car person and the flashiest car doesn't really make journeys shorter / that much more comfortable. They also devalue very quickly.
However, I would (were I more wealthy) consider things that you may see as a waste.
If you would derive pleasure from the car (had it well insured and "stabled"), why not. If you would enjoy it together, even better.
(I'd travel but maybe drives to lovely scenery/ some sort of car enthusiast events are more you).

baconandeggies · 10/12/2016 20:23

I wouldn't, due to devaluation, being treated worse by other drivers on the roads and becoming a target for burglers. But it's your money, your choice so YANBU

alfagirl73 · 10/12/2016 20:24

If you appreciate cars, enjoy driving and can afford it - then treat yourself! Life is too short and we all work hard; you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour! But then I'm speaking as a petrolhead - I love cars - particularly ones where amazing engineering and design has gone into them. What kind of car are you thinking of getting?

Original poster
PrettySophisticated · 10/12/2016 20:26

There's definitely no sensible financial reason to do it, I'd see it as money spent and assume the car had no value as soon as it was off the forecourt (as I have every other car we've bought). It's an extravagance in the same way that a holiday of a lifetime or designer shoes would be.

We have the cash and no other plans for it, we wouldn't miss it. We can afford the ongoing costs.

I think my main concern is the "flashiness". The way it might change people's behaviour towards us. In our circle, people don't have expensive cars

I haven't said which car because that would make it a thread about a car Grin

OP posts:
19lottie82 · 10/12/2016 20:27

I wouldn't buy a brand new one, the depreciation is crazy!
Look for one 3, 2 or even 1 year old and see how much you would save.

baconandeggies · 10/12/2016 20:29

Get it then, innit. Though be prepared for hatred if it's a BMW or Audi.

Original poster
PrettySophisticated · 10/12/2016 20:29

I wouldn't worry about the car itself Bobbing, ultimately, it's just a thing that would be insured. I absolutely wouldn't buy it if I was going to worry about it being damaged.

OP posts:
NavyandWhite · 10/12/2016 20:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SleepFreeZone · 10/12/2016 20:29

Under the circumstances you are describing I wouldn't no. If you lived in an area where it wouldn't make you stick out like a sore thumb I'd say fill your boots.

thenightsky · 10/12/2016 20:30

It depends on what/which car. I bought what was considered a flash sports car 7 years ago and it is now worth 2k more than when I bought it.

Original poster
PrettySophisticated · 10/12/2016 20:31

Bobbing? BobbieDog , sorry

OP posts:
SleepingBooty · 10/12/2016 20:32

We bought a nice car this year, the first time we've bought a really good quality car. However I can never bring myself to spend a lot on a car we bought an older one. It is still in great condition and has all the bells and whistles. Could this be an option to outweigh the "flashiness" factor?

BobbieDog · 10/12/2016 20:33

Im very interested to know what car that you have your eye on!

Sometimes its not always possible to buy second hand.

I really wanted a specific car in an automatic. Could i find one? Could i hell! I had to order from brand new but i have no intention of ever trading it in under 10 years old. The depreciation is only a downfall if you like to change your cars frequently

LHReturns · 10/12/2016 20:33

Oh it's time to live and enjoy your hard earned savings. Buy your dream car, insure it properly, and have fun every time you drive it. You are buying an experience not an asset here - as you say just like a special holiday.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!

BolivarAtasco · 10/12/2016 20:35

Ooh, I'm dying to know what car now.

I had relatively sensible cars for 20 years and then got the opportunity to buy a car that was not at all sensible. I did it and I've never looked back. I love it, and as it's a classic sports car people notice it and always approach me to talk about it.

The insurance is peanuts, it costs me less than £1000 per year to maintain and it falls into the cheaper bracket of road tax.

Sometimes if you have the money, you should just do something you want to do and fuck everyone else, frankly.

HammersWidow · 10/12/2016 20:36

I've just ordered a new car which will be ready in march. Range Rover sport and yes I will be judged Grin

alfagirl73 · 10/12/2016 20:36

I note you've not said what car; the thing is, the type of car is important; while most cars do depreciate, there ARE some cars that gain value (my partner has 3 cars which have all increased in value due to being sought after models).

Don't worry so much about what other people have; it's not them that's driving it, it's you, and there are too many people who have zero appreciation for cars. It's you that will own the car, and get the enjoyment out of driving it or riding in it as a passenger. As long as you can afford the insurance, understand what you are buying and know how to care for it, then get it and enjoy it! As for people targeting the car; it actually again depends on the type of car. Certain cars DO attract negative attention but my partner has a supercar and it's never been vandalised - he only gets positive comments about it because of the type of car it is.

What draws you to the car you are interested in?

NavyandWhite · 10/12/2016 20:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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