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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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.

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:

AmberLynn1536 · 23/03/2022 21:46

Go for it, life is for enjoying and if you can afford it you won’t regret it, life is too short to be sensible all the time!

Duchess379 · 23/03/2022 21:46

I'm only 46!! Funnily enough, I'm in the process of waiting for my new car. I'd considered buying an estate but when I got out of it, I promptly remembered why I had bought an SUV 4 years prior, I struggled to get out of it. So, no low sitting, sport suspension German sports cars for me, I'm now in an SUV instead.
The 2nd hand market comment is quite a good suggestion. Do you not have any petrol head friends that can come along with you? Or your kids? 👍🏼

phishy · 23/03/2022 21:47

I drive with my doors locked, can’t imagine wanting my head exposed for any psycho to attack

mrwalkensir · 23/03/2022 21:48

MX5s are the dogs....

ukborn · 23/03/2022 21:50

I've not much interest in cars so I wouldn't - I can think of much better ways to spend a years salary, and retiring a year earlier would definitely be one of them.

Jellycatspyjamas · 23/03/2022 21:50

I bought a beautiful red convertible when I got a hard earned promotion at work - had many years of enjoyment out of it and cried when I had to trade it in for a sensible mum car when the kids came along. If you can afford it, I’d go for it. I’d suggest buying new though as second hand convertibles can have water leak problems.

girlmom21 · 23/03/2022 21:50

I think you should go for it. If you can afford it you may as well enjoy it while you can!

Original poster

Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 21:51

@mrwalkensir

MX5s are the dogs....

Not what I've been looking at. A bit cheaper in fact, although I do really like the look of the hard top roadster.

OP posts:

ClafoutisSurprise · 23/03/2022 21:53

Remind me next time there’s a what-mn-phrase-do-you-hate to nominate ‘read the room’. If op had come onto a thread where people were discussing cost of living fears and asked this question, it would be apt. Since she started a thread, it isn’t.

MN has a weird thing about money, though. I’ve never seen anyone scolded for asking about buying a seven-figure house, but almost any other spending that implies healthy finances is unspeakable to some posters.

TunnelOfGoats · 23/03/2022 21:56

If you look for manufacturer approved used cars OP you get a warranty, breakdown cover and peace of mind. If the manufacturers are selling them as approved they are quite confident that they are in good condition. I bought an approved used car which had less than 2000 miles on the clock, and was just a bit over half what it would have cost new. If you part exchange your current car you should get a good valuation as presumably it is still in excellent condition at 1 year old. Used Car values are good at the moment

MoonbeamSprinkles · 23/03/2022 21:56

Oh go for it!!!

There’s something so lovely about getting a thrill when you see your car in the car park, or your reflection in a shop front as you drive past.

If it would bring you joy to your every day then do it!

ClaryFairchild · 23/03/2022 21:56

Those who don't want to read the thread, leave the room.... and I say that as someone who has just recently gone through absolutely hell financially (lost EVERYTHING) due to my ex and am only just starting to get on top of things money wise.

Op - if you are happy to delay your retirement to fund this, go ahead! The joy that it will bring you is absolutely worth it. You've worked hard and if you're in a good place financially, why not? It's your money, your life, and your adult DC do NOT get a say in your car!!!

abw94 · 23/03/2022 21:58

Do it! Enjoy life, Christ if you can't do it now you may never be able to. Life is very very very short.

GirlsTalk250 · 23/03/2022 21:59

I bought a convertible car last year, although second hand.

To be honest I regret it. I get cold driving with the hood down 90% of the time, and sick of arriving everywhere with my hair a tangled bird’s nest. Even in the current nice weather, I rarely put the hood down.

Unmumsymofo · 23/03/2022 21:59

I don’t get new cars…poor investment and it’s not like you even sound like you are a car person!? Sounds like a midlife crisis you might regret. Having said that it’s your money so you want to waste it up to you. Could you consider an electric car perhaps and then at least you are investing the money into technology for the betterment of the environment and your kids future

Seasidemumma77 · 23/03/2022 22:00

Buy the car, enjoy it.

thevassal · 23/03/2022 22:01

[quote KellyJonesLeatherTrousers]@PerseverancePays
Why not leave this particular room if you don’t like the question. [/quote]
This! Plus unless they post the same hypcritical comment on any thread involving holidays, housing, pension, or pretty much anything in style and beauty, why pick on this one?

I would say go for it op, life is for living! Although I don't really understand why you wouldn't go for a second hand version of the car you want if it saves you money- even if its just a year or so old? Seems a bit random to want a brand new one just for the sake of it...
Can you get it from one of those companies that guarantee you can return it in 14 days just in case you don't love it as much as you think?

In some ways it might end up being more economical than your runaround once the older car starts needing some work on it.

I would check with ds2 exactly what his plans are though. Offsetting the cost by selling your old car would be worth it if he definitely isn't bothered about learning to drive in the immediate future. Bear in mind that if your new car is your main car he will have to be the main driver for insurance purposes on the old one which will make the premiums way higher than if he was the additional driver on your car (as presumably you did with ds1).

irregularegular · 23/03/2022 22:02

Well it would be a long way down my list of what to spend a year's salary on. Not interested in cars at all. I could have some great holidays with that! But if you really feel that this would make you happiest, then you should go for it.

GiraffesInScarfs · 23/03/2022 22:02

Go for it OP! Life is too short not to do what you want to do, when you've saved enough to treat yourself.

AmIbeingTreasonable · 23/03/2022 22:02

I wouldn't do it if it delays your retirement, I'd much rather have the freedom.

Viviennemary · 23/03/2022 22:02

Why not. I know a couple of older women with sports cars. If that's the type of car you mean.

Horriblewoman · 23/03/2022 22:04

I would never ever do it but spending large sums of money on cars is something I cannot comprehend (and I'm on a good salary). If you were desperate to spend I'd much rather do it on trips! But horses for courses.

Original poster

Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 22:05

I'd still need the four seater anyway. I have friends and parents! You can be the first driver on two cars, I'd only need to make DS2 the main driver if he was actually driving it more than me. I checked this extensively for DS1 and yes, switched the insurance as soon as it became necessary.

I figure two cars on the drive makes it less obvious there's a lone female in residence

OP posts:

Longdistance · 23/03/2022 22:08

Go for it! I bought my Mercedes coupe brand new 3 years ago. Still love it.

Original poster

Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 22:09

I'm not bothered about holidays, not expensive ones anyway. I like short breaks with friends based around a hobby, but I haven't been abroad in years and don't particularly want to.

I like my job and the status it gives me, I might struggle without that. Realistically I'm more likely to try and go PT than to retire very early

OP posts:

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