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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:
Escarpahell · 23/03/2022 22:09

Go for it! I bought a ridiculous car when I was 53, had it for 4 years and loved every second of it (apart from the petrol station, that was always a bit ouchy!). Having something you cherish - be it a car, a handbag or a piece of bling - can make such a difference to your outlook on your whole life.

Zilla1 · 23/03/2022 22:11

HNRTT but @SD1978 agreed, It's an odd room the OP should have read. £7k Disney holidays. A statistically skewed income in six figures as the norm. Organic free range Bresse chicken that feeds the 5000 with several meals from the leftover but the OP shouldn't ask this question amongst others.

OP, I've never used them myself but if you do want to buy a used car and the value is large enough, I've heard good things about the Palmdale car buying service.

Enjoy your wheels OP and remember to drive past your DC with the ragtop down to embarass them, lovingly.

MuggleMadness · 23/03/2022 22:12

@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.
🙄🙄

People don't have to open the thread.

@Silverclocks

You do what you want to do.

I'd love a car like that, but I'd rather not work an entire year extra just to have it.

EthelTheAardvark · 23/03/2022 22:12

If it's something you'd enjoy, I'd say go for it. It sounds like you deserve a bit of a treat after all your hard work.

jay55 · 23/03/2022 22:12

Could you lease one, see if it's worth the money without the full investment?

CockingASnook · 23/03/2022 22:12

I’d second PP, don’t rule out approved secondhand cars: they’ll have full service histories and a long warranty plus they’ll have done much of their depreciation. But do your research and look for known faults or issues with engines etc. You seem to have a new car in mind but be aware that there are some models from previous years that are pretty much guaranteed good buys.

babbi · 23/03/2022 22:12

Do it ! Like you I have been sensible all my life with money ..
but live is short .. do what makes you happy .. sometimes you just need to it yourself loose 😀

Masdintle · 23/03/2022 22:20

I've had an MX5 then an Audi TT. ADORED my TT and still miss it. It had head level heating, ie a 'hot air scarf' and heated seats, I wore either a bobble hat or a baseball cap depending on the weather and was never cold.

Go for it!

MuggleMadness · 23/03/2022 22:23

@phishy

I drive with my doors locked, can’t imagine wanting my head exposed for any psycho to attack
Where do you live? LA?
whynotwhatknot · 23/03/2022 22:25

Do it if thats what you want i dont perosnally like convertibles weather isnt good enough for it here but try some out see what you think

harriethoyle · 23/03/2022 22:31

Do it OP! Life is for living and sounds like you've had a tough couple of years. Treat yourself!

MayMorris · 23/03/2022 22:31

I thought price of 2nd hand had sky rocketed and were harder to come by in last 10 months or so? Some people now saying they may as well wait the long lead times for new as price isn’t that much less for decent 2nd hand vs new. Not sure buying second hand is as simple or cheap as people say

LuaDipa · 23/03/2022 22:35

Do it! You can afford it and it will bring you joy so why not. Enjoy!

Qwill · 23/03/2022 22:36

Let’s not dictate what what people can post, women are not an entity. We have different salaries, affordability, lifestyles etc. Or can we only post if we meet a certain demographic?

OP - do what you want as long as doesn’t hinder your family, which it doesn’t sound like it does. By the sounds of your post - go for it and enjoy it!

LizzieMacQueen · 23/03/2022 22:40

@jay55

Could you lease one, see if it's worth the money without the full investment?
I was going to suggest the same. Often these low slung sports car get increasingly difficult to get in & out of!
ChiefWiggumsBoy · 23/03/2022 22:40

Do it!

I'm of the opinion that life is for living and enjoying - and you can't take money with you. If it delays retirement by a year - meh, it's a year.

If I were in your position I'd do it in heartbeat.

Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 22:40

I know it's derailing my own thread Grin but I wonder if the early responses were a reaction to a woman of independent means? It seems it's OK to talk of DHs' six figure salaries and comfortable family finances....

OP posts:
Shiiiiiiiiiiitttt · 23/03/2022 22:40

I don’t like the rapid depreciation of new cars. I’d look at getting a classic car that will hold or even gain value.

Rickrollme · 23/03/2022 22:43

In no world would I work an extra day to pay for a fancy car, let alone a year. I agree life is too short but for me that means I value time over material things, especially time with loved ones.

Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 22:43

@Shiiiiiiiiiiitttt

I don’t like the rapid depreciation of new cars. I’d look at getting a classic car that will hold or even gain value.
I'm not taking on the maintenance of a classic and with the price of second hand cars atm, depreciation isn't the issue it once was.
OP posts:
Rickrollme · 23/03/2022 22:43

I don’t think MN has a problem with independent women Grin

girlmom21 · 23/03/2022 22:44

@Silverclocks

I know it's derailing my own thread Grin but I wonder if the early responses were a reaction to a woman of independent means? It seems it's OK to talk of DHs' six figure salaries and comfortable family finances....
I think it was someone who was hoping for "first post nails it as usual" responses because sometimes if someone's a dick with the first response in AIBU there can be a pile on.

Awkwardly backfired though...

Blossomtoes · 23/03/2022 22:46

Do it while you can still get in and out of it. I had an MG in my early 50s, it was so much fun and I’m so pleased I had it because I certainly couldn’t get in or out of it now.

Original poster
Silverclocks · 23/03/2022 22:47

@Blossomtoes

Do it while you can still get in and out of it. I had an MG in my early 50s, it was so much fun and I’m so pleased I had it because I certainly couldn’t get in or out of it now.
This is exactly what I'm thinking

I'm also thinking that regular getting in and out will count as body weight exercise and keep me young Grin

OP posts:
Blossomtoes · 23/03/2022 22:51

I'm also thinking that regular getting in and out will count as body weight exercise and keep me young

Nice try but sadly no!

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