Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy a sportscar?

122 replies

SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:22

In these tough times, is it ok to buy a sportscar. I was never a fan of cars/ particularly materialistic but one has caught my eye and it would be for a special occasion/ in honor of a family member (- trying to find reasons to justify purchase :) )

Its also an investment ...

Would you spend on this? (it was love at first sight!!)

OP posts:
NeededAction · 04/06/2022 06:28

I’d say yes, buy the car as long as it won’t leave you destitute! (But don’t think of it as an investment in the traditional financial sense, not sure if that was irony / sarcasm). But as an investment in you? Yeah sure go for it if it will make you happy. We only remember one life so you might as well enjoy it!

NeededAction · 04/06/2022 06:29

Another option would be to rent a fancypants car for this special occasion:)
lots of options

Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:30

investment in 'me'...yes much better thanks :)

OP posts:
Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:32

it makes me very happy ...i plan to do more exploring and road trips :)

OP posts:
Honaloulou · 04/06/2022 06:35

Can you find an 'investment in you' which doesn't fuck the environment for everyone else?

hattie43 · 04/06/2022 06:37

Honaloulou · 04/06/2022 06:35

Can you find an 'investment in you' which doesn't fuck the environment for everyone else?

There's always someone to suck the joy out of everything .

Yes OP if the car makes you happy go for it .

Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:39

Do you have a car??

OP posts:
Unescorted · 04/06/2022 06:39

My husband bought a mid life crisis car.... And the used every excuse under the sun to drive mine because the ever so necessary sports car was a dog to drive, chewed through petrol and all but invisible in the wet.
Hire one to see if it is really for you.

Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:39

I'll get a matchbox car....:)

OP posts:
Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:41

Test driven a few times and paid a deposit....one life! I think why not.
So many people have suvs and large vehicles and dont think about the environment....no os is bothered sadly

OP posts:
Arbeity · 04/06/2022 06:42

Get it! But you definitely won't make any money on it, so don't think of it as a financial investment. What are you thinking of getting?

JennyForeigner · 04/06/2022 06:42

My well paid single friend bought a navy Porsche. It was beautiful.

She sold it on after a year when she realised what the servicing cost. Renting for fancy cars and dresses...

Honaloulou · 04/06/2022 06:42

No, I don't have a car. And I really think that buying one specifically that uses more resources than needed is selfish.

Arbeity · 04/06/2022 06:59

Honaloulou · 04/06/2022 06:42

No, I don't have a car. And I really think that buying one specifically that uses more resources than needed is selfish.

Do you have a gas boiler? A gas boiler emits more CO2 than the vast majority of cars (and age of the car is the main factor as to why it may emit more CO2, not being sporty)

Also from a sustainability, and CO2 pov, you can't just look at the emissions. Sports cars (probably) have a larger engine, so yes emit more driving CO2. But are smaller and lighter, so require less metal, significantly reducing the extraction CO2 cost and the stamping CO2 cost (or casting, forging etc). It's not so simple.

Would you approve if it was an electric sportscar? They exist, but their environmental cost is still huge wrt battery production being so environmentally unfriendly. And the environmental shipping co2 costs are way higher as they are generally much heavier.

It's really not so simple as sports car=bad.

Moithered · 04/06/2022 07:03

SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 06:22

In these tough times, is it ok to buy a sportscar. I was never a fan of cars/ particularly materialistic but one has caught my eye and it would be for a special occasion/ in honor of a family member (- trying to find reasons to justify purchase :) )

Its also an investment ...

Would you spend on this? (it was love at first sight!!)

Only vintage cars are an investment. Many issues with care at moment at moment to the extent that old, 2nd hand cars are selling for far more than their vaule..
Think about crime in your area? Will the car be targeted for catalytic converter theft? Vandalism?
Also if you are a middle-aged man, you will look ridiculous and pathetic, but otherwise, up to you

Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 07:14

its a limited edition so would hold its value...hopefully

OP posts:
Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 07:14

not a middle aged man.....

OP posts:
jubileetrain · 04/06/2022 07:32

It's unrealistic to expect a car to hold its value.

Pricklesinperil · 04/06/2022 07:37

You love it, you can afford it, it will bring you joy - buy it OP and have a fantastic time!

Iheartmysmart · 04/06/2022 07:38

If it makes you happy then you should go for it. I’d always wanted a little Smart convertible and bought myself one about 6 years ago. Every time I drove it I had a massive grin on my face. I’ve recently swapped it for a camper van which is fun in its own way but that little car was fantastic and I’ve got great memories of trips out in it.

AgathaX · 04/06/2022 07:38

If you can afford it then buy it and enjoy it. Not sure it'll be the best for road trips though.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 04/06/2022 07:45

Another in the if you can afford it buy it camp.
Good luck to you.

balalake · 04/06/2022 07:46

I'd say no for environmental reasons. If you have the money, spend it on something in the house.

Original poster
SomersetDreams · 04/06/2022 07:52

I dont have a house. Car is cheaper purchase.

yes i will get it and see how it goes...it will lose some money but hey ho you only live once.
\Its not a selfish purchase as it has a lot of emotion behind it due to a very difficult situation and also symbolizes all this.
You start the engine and just smile...

OP posts:
BarbaraofSeville · 04/06/2022 07:54

jubileetrain · 04/06/2022 07:32

It's unrealistic to expect a car to hold its value.

It depends on the car. Many vintage and not so vintage cars like 1980/90s hot hatches are in high demand and diminishing supply so very much hold their values.

As to whether the OP is being reasonable or not, it depends on whether or not she can afford it. If she has plenty of spare money and a secure income, why not?

Other people spend hundreds of pounds a month on all manner of non essentials (eg eating out, takeaways, bought lunches, smoking, alcohol, never ending personal grooming, sports/hobbies, cleaning and gardening services etc etc) so I don't see what difference this being a sports car makes.