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?

Do it

@Zilla1

Yes a dealership will generously give you the best deal for a used car or new. You'll also feel like you negotiated hard and got a great deal. They'll probably make a loss but will be happy to build a long term relationship of you getting great deals and them making a series of losses. It'll be a wonder how they stay in business.

Enjoying your contributions in this and other threads.

Got this last year and love it. I've been driving with the roof down all week and I quite enjoy doing it in winter too. As long as there's no rain, all is well. Go for it

@daimbarsatemydogsbone thank you. I think I was called insane on a thread earlier today which was an astute observation. I usually takes longer in real life before people assess my sanity. I do worry sometimes that some of my posts might be taken to heart by those they are intended to help.

You only live once!

If you will really, genuinely enjoy it long term then do it. My reservation would be will I just enjoy the buying of it and taking it home but a few weeks down the line its just a car...... I'm no stranger to 'buyers remorse' can you tell?!

I wouldn’t but I’m another who’d rather retire a year early.

I absolutely love my MX5 - last years birthday present. I was really reluctant initially to spend the money on a half car (2 seats) but it's perfect!
It makes me smile every time I get in it 🥰

Buy the car .

I wanted a Porsche Boxster for years but couldn't bring myself to spend the money .
The day after 9/11 I ordered one .

Absolutely loved it and driving in the sun with the roof down was fabulous . I now have a sensible SUV but I loved that Boxster .

@beccy11

I absolutely love my MX5 - last years birthday present. I was really reluctant initially to spend the money on a half car (2 seats) but it's perfect! It makes me smile every time I get in it 🥰

That’s lovely, and Soul Red is by far the best colour. I’m jealous!

Do it, life's too short to waste being full, I'd also second a hardtop MX5, my son has one and loves driving it.

Dull not full

Go for it op. I got myself a bright red 47 year old MGB roadster 2 years ago after going through infertility and a horrible breakup. I have absolutely zero regrets. My circumstances changed due to covid and financially I'm struggling at the moment but I will not let go of this car unless I'm in dire straits (which won't happen!). Driving it about, top down on a sunny day like today, actually makes me squeal with joy. I can't hold it in!!!

Life is for living OP so if you can afford it why not.

I'm looking forward to a very belated holiday with my oldest friends to celebrate our decade birthdays. We were a bit 'ooh shall we add on a few luxuries' we most certainly are.

I've had too many funerals in the last three years, family and friends. We will be celebrating a friend's return to good health and to the next decade of friendship, fun and not always being sensible!

If it was less than 10% of my savings - yes, but even than I'd be more practical about it.
I did buy a sportscar for my H's 30s birthday. But only because:

• it was within budget. I didn't sacrifice early retirement or any other "saved up for a reason" money
• it was in good condition and not some project car
• although truly a sports car (think easily doing 280km/h and I won couple of street quarter mile races with it as did some tunings later on) it did have officially 4 seats. The backs seats were great for the baby carrier, but not big enough for my mum :) so in name only was it really a 4/5 seater
• it had a proper trunk, so we could use it as a normal sedan, get the camping gear in it, etc....

(mitsubishi eclipse, 1 newer that the one from fast and furious1:))

Buying at 4years old is economically the most effective way to buy cars.

I’ve got 10 cars so my advice is DO IT! Fuck the haters!

@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?

I did it in my 50s

Came home and told DP I'd just ordered a ridiculously impractical 2 seater sports car.

I loved that car - in fact I loved it so much I replaced it with another one 5 years later which I'm still driving.

If you don't do it now you never will!

Go for it, live a little (or a lot 😁)