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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

194 replies

Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 21:11

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. Grin

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 21:28

@Duchess379

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. 💕
Actually this is one of the reasons I'm thinking of it now. I went out in a friend's at the weekend and it was very low. I wonder how long I can still get in and out!
OP posts:
RantyAunty · 23/03/2022 21:29

Do it! I did this some years ago and no regrets. Had so much fun in that car.
Which one do you have in mind?

Chasingsquirrels · 23/03/2022 21:29

Get the car, live your life, enjoy it.
As you say, who knows what the future holds.

PenStation · 23/03/2022 21:30

I would get a decent second hand one with a warranty from a reputable dealer.

Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 21:30

@BulletTrain

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!
Yes, I'm thinking order now have it for next summer
OP posts:
Chasingsquirrels · 23/03/2022 21:31

@BulletTrain

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!
This is a good point though.
Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 21:31

Secondhand cars are incredibly expensive atm anyway.

OP posts:
JulesRimetStillGleaming · 23/03/2022 21:32

I'd do it. As long as a year isn't going to be something you regret in a few months. Don't need cars lose a fortune in depreciation as soon as you drive off the forecourt? Wouldn't an almost new approved used be better for that reason? Otherwise you really are blowing money away for nothing.

I used to have a mini convertible and it was lovely to use on those few days a year we have sun!

JulesRimetStillGleaming · 23/03/2022 21:33

*new

Bellyups · 23/03/2022 21:33

Ignore the negative nellies. As said, ‘the room’ has many different stories. They’ll always be poor, they’ll always be rich.

If it makes you happy and you don’t mind putting off retirement, go for it! You only love once.

thenightsky · 23/03/2022 21:35

I got a 2 seater sports 2nd hand as my middle age crisis car. That was 2007. I still have it and its gained in value. Its my weekend car now and I look after it and use a banger for commuting etc.

Alliswells · 23/03/2022 21:35

Jesus Christ can't believe posters saying read the room.
There will always always be people in worse off situations does that mean we can't be happy about anything ffs.

Op bloody go for it. Life's for living and grabbing any opportunity that can bring you a bit of joy.

OhNoWhatYouGonnaDo · 23/03/2022 21:38

Personally I wouldn't, because I'd get much more pleasure from an extra year without being in work. You won't ever get that time back. I would always prioritise time over possessions. But you are not me!

Londongent · 23/03/2022 21:39

Life's too short, if it's going to give you more pleasure to get the car and delay retirement by a year, go for it!

SecretSpAD · 23/03/2022 21:40

Do it! You've earned it and a sports car is so much fun - I have a Porsche. I love it!
What are you wanting to get?

Alliswells · 23/03/2022 21:40

@OhNoWhatYouGonnaDo

Personally I wouldn't, because I'd get much more pleasure from an extra year without being in work. You won't ever get that time back. I would always prioritise time over possessions. But you are not me!
Work is much more bearable zipping about in a wee nippy two seater believe me Smile
Summerbubbles · 23/03/2022 21:41

If you are in good health and have no desperate desire to retire a year early I would absolutely go for it! Life is for living and if you can grab a bit of fun, why not?!

lickenchugget · 23/03/2022 21:43

Go for it!!! You only get one life, the last two years have showed us this. Do what makes you happy, you’ve earned it so nothing to apologise for.

DearMallorie · 23/03/2022 21:43

it would be better not to be posting threads on whether to buy a not needed car with an entire year's salary. Read the room.
How absolutely ridiculous. You could see the thread title! Why did you look?

This is a forum that has always had a wide range of topics discussed on it. You don't get to decide what people are and aren't allowed to ask.

Hankunamatata · 23/03/2022 21:43

My friends got a convertible and she was surprised when she first got it how a drive home from work in the sunshine improved her mental health.

Mellowyellow222 · 23/03/2022 21:44

It sounds like you have been so sober for a long time and this is a much longer for treat.

So I say go for it.

As long as you aren’t placing yourself into a precarious financial position and you still have a good savings cushion.

If this car will make you happy and give you a thrill it’s worth it.

Good luck

CockingASnook · 23/03/2022 21:44

I was in a similar position last year: I had the cash to get the car of my dreams. I’d also realised that life is short and unpredictable so I bought the car because who knows what will happen tomorrow. But I made sure of two things: one, that I could afford the upkeep of the car and two that it was a sound purchase. As it happens I haven’t had the opportunity to use the car as much as I thought. But it’s also gone up in value by 10%. So I’d say go for it if you’re sure it’s a financially sound decision.

HeckyPeck · 23/03/2022 21:44

@OhNoWhatYouGonnaDo

Personally I wouldn't, because I'd get much more pleasure from an extra year without being in work. You won't ever get that time back. I would always prioritise time over possessions. But you are not me!
Yes same here!
Mellowyellow222 · 23/03/2022 21:44

Sensible not sober!!! Sorry 😂

Hankunamatata · 23/03/2022 21:45

@PerseverancePays

Although there might not be many people living on £85 a week on Mumsnet, I think when there are many ordinary working people struggling to pay their bills , it would be better not to be posting threads on whether to buy a not needed car with an entire year's salary. Read the room.
Read the room yourself. It's an open forum with many different lives and financial status. Handing you a much needed grip
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