To blow a year's salary on on impractical car I don't need?

[Silverclocks]

I have a sensible medium sized family hatchback, less than a year old.

Household is DS1 who has his own small hatchback (that was previously mine), DS2 18yo, not showing any interest in learning to drive but it's something I should insist he does, an important life skill, but hard atm because of lack of availability of tests and lessons.

I'm early 50s thinking about early retirement.

I've had a shocking time over the last 2 years, the kind of things that make you realise life is short and "the future" doesn't happen for everyone.

I've got some cash saved to finance the early retirement, thinking that for a few years I can live off capital rather than taking pensions early. I'm not desperate to leave work, but I'd like more free time/ freedom iyswim.

Anyway, I have this idea that I'd love a little 2 seater convertible. DS1 says I can't have a "middle aged mum car", which of course makes it all the more attractive.

Realistically I need to keep the sensible car too, although I could share it with DS2 once he starts learning.

Spending the cash effectively delays retirement by a year....

I know it makes no sense but that's kind of why I'd like to do it! I've spent a lifetime being sensible - that's why I can afford to do it.

What do you think?

PS I know could get something cheaper secondhand, but that's not what I plan to do

Oh ffs ignore perseverance op. I am having a similar dilemma. I would say go for it (the car).

Read the room.

OK so those never leave the house to see all the expensive cars on the road?

If we want the economy to recover people who can need to spend some money.

I've spent large parts of my life living on next to nothing, apologies for thinking I might enjoy life a bit now.

If you’re not in a rush to finish work and this will bring you some joy, why not.

Ignore the above poster. My advice is do what makes you happy, if you want the car and can afford it - treat yourself you've earned it.

Can you comfortably afford it? Do you mind working another year before you retire? If so, then why not. It's your money, after all.

"The Room" has many different stories. We're not all the same and there's no reason to shame the OP for thinking about how she would like to spend her savings/ money.

@PerseverancePays are you making similar comments on all the hundreds of threads about foreign holidays, designer hand bags, home extensions and private schools?

@PerseverancePays
Why not leave this particular room if you don’t like the question.

Get a second hand one. Driving with the top down is fabulous fun, and will be fun every time you do it. You can’t see the reg plate from inside the car though - it surely doesn’t matter if it’s a few years old already? Spend the change on champagne.

To the fun sponges ... bore off!

Do it OP if it'll make you happy and you can afford it, why the hell not! Enjoy it!

Absolutely do it and enjoy

Go for it! And ignore posters telling you of others in worse situations. If you moaned about having to choose between food and fuel, someone would be around to tell you of people in parts of the world that can't have either. You've worked hard, saved hard, and have the right to choose what you do with that money. If the car will make you happy, go for it. Put the roof down, tie a scarf round your hair, and drive down country roads with wild abandon!

Op says she's had a tough time. Leave off with the judgement.

I say go for it. If it will make you happy and works for you financially then do it.

Buy the car! You only live once. I really wanted a particular German sports car once upon a time. I'm now disabled & physically unable to get in/out of one. Do it! Ignore all the negative comments btw. 💕

@enjoyingscience

Get a second hand one. Driving with the top down is fabulous fun, and will be fun every time you do it. You can’t see the reg plate from inside the car though - it surely doesn’t matter if it’s a few years old already? Spend the change on champagne.

I've always bought new cars and kept them until they die. I don't know enough about cars to feel confident buying secondhand.

You can spend your money on whatever you like, it's nobody else's business. Whether the numbers make sense only you can answer.

Fark me. Given 'the room' often has a six figure earning husband with a hobby that would be outing, choosing to buy a car and work longer is hardly in poor taste. It's not a low income/ benefit group FFS. In regard to the car- how reliable a vehicle is it? How expensive are services and petrol? If you need parts- will you be ok affording them when retired? That would be the main consideration to me if I was thinking about this.

Definitely buy the car! Then you'll get to enjoy you're retirement with a nice car!

I don't drive OP, so can't relate, but I bought two handbags recently that are a little impractical and I didn't need. I have mixed feelings about them if I'm honest!!! On the flip side I bought totally impractical fancy sofas and adore them. Only you can know if this will be your handbag or your sofa purchase!

You'd have a bit of a wait I think. I know people who bought new cars in Jan/Feb that aren't being delivered this year. Worth looking into!

Do it!