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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be puzzled by neighbours financial priorities.

120 replies

SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:11

First let me say that this is in no way a criticism of anyone, just idle curiosity.
We live on a development of about 200 two and three bedroom homes built about thirty years ago. A pleasant place to live but most people are not particularly well off. Lady Gawain and I are comfortable but by no means wealthy. We have a good but modest car and are mortgage free.
Many of the houses have been bought up as buy to let or housing association properties. What puzzles me is that, bearing in mind that some cannot be very well off, they seem to prioritise expensive cars. There are many people with Audi’s, BMW’s and Range Rover’s. What is theirs thinking in focusing on a depreciating car rather than an appreciating house.

OP posts:
Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:29

Firstly, it has nothing to do with me. As I said it’s idle curiosity. Mumsnet would soon go under if everyone posting had to has a vested interest in the threads they posted on.
Secondly, I do not possess a pair of judgy pants. As I said in the OP I am not judging anyone. What drew my attention was my very nice neighbours who live in a rented, small two bedroom house with teenagers. He has a £30,000+ 2 year old car and she has just bought a £25,000+ new car.

OP posts:
WaddleAway · 31/12/2022 19:32

People might think that about us, but it’s a company car.

Alfredafleur · 31/12/2022 19:34

A pleasant place to live but most people are not particularly well off. Lady Gawain and I are comfortable but by no means wealthy. We have a good but modest car and are mortgage free.
Many of the houses have been bought up as buy to let or housing association properties. What puzzles me is that, bearing in mind that some cannot be very well off, they seem to prioritise expensive cars. There are many people with Audi’s, BMW’s and Range Rover’s. What is theirs thinking in focusing on a depreciating car rather than an appreciating house.

How puzzling...

This OP reads like one of those Ladybird parody books; where on retirement Sir G's quests are of a more sedate, and less noble, nature. If you and the Lady Gawain don't mind my saying. Grin

I think pps have already answered your question and pointed you in the right direction, so I have nothing to add there.

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:41

Not company cars. One drives his firms specialist truck and she is self-employed.

OP posts:
Runningfire · 31/12/2022 19:44

Car is probably on HP which isn’t that expensive and not self depreciating ….certainly less so than a £500k house.

toogoodforthisworld · 31/12/2022 19:47

@SirGawain
I know, we see it near us too. It's incredible - and they can't all be company cars. We have older kids and we explain what they need to prioritize- and why - yet another year passes and still no savings ...
how will they ever move out (we will end up pushing them out I think) we simply do not want to continue working to enable a lifestyle of 200 pounds track suits and 180 pound trainers.. and luxury holidays - but not a pot (they own) to piss in.
We will also soon be mortgage free. More by good luck than by good management- and then we will downsize- and the older kids will have to make their way in the big bold world. They've had 5 years to save by then. It's Bad. They think nothing of using HP instead of saving first. Its so sad. I think the people on this thread saying it's boring and 'yawn' and that you are being judgemental actually feel uncomfortable with their own situation. Everyone thinks why shouldn't I have a nice car. Because if you haven't got the money - you can't afford it! Simple right?

Edinburghmusing · 31/12/2022 19:48

It is often more financially prudent to lease a new car than buy an older car - less repairs, service normally included, nor efficient. Also the safety of new cars is ever improving.

you show your own ignorance in your post - not your neighbours

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:50

SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:41

Not company cars. One drives his firms specialist truck and she is self-employed.

Their house is probably worth about £180,000.

OP posts:
Itsthewhitehat · 31/12/2022 19:50

SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:41

Not company cars. One drives his firms specialist truck and she is self-employed.

Then you have answered your own question

WaddleAway · 31/12/2022 19:52

toogoodforthisworld · 31/12/2022 19:47

@SirGawain
I know, we see it near us too. It's incredible - and they can't all be company cars. We have older kids and we explain what they need to prioritize- and why - yet another year passes and still no savings ...
how will they ever move out (we will end up pushing them out I think) we simply do not want to continue working to enable a lifestyle of 200 pounds track suits and 180 pound trainers.. and luxury holidays - but not a pot (they own) to piss in.
We will also soon be mortgage free. More by good luck than by good management- and then we will downsize- and the older kids will have to make their way in the big bold world. They've had 5 years to save by then. It's Bad. They think nothing of using HP instead of saving first. Its so sad. I think the people on this thread saying it's boring and 'yawn' and that you are being judgemental actually feel uncomfortable with their own situation. Everyone thinks why shouldn't I have a nice car. Because if you haven't got the money - you can't afford it! Simple right?

But if you can afford the monthly repayments then you can afford it. It’s just a different way of paying for a car.
I have no interest in owning a car. I don’t want to be responsible for servicing and maintaining one. Thankfully we have a company car, if we didn’t we would lease one and pay a monthly fee for the usage of it, with service and maintenance included. It’s more convenient.

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:52

My above post was intended to quote Runningfire.

OP posts:
SofiaSoFar · 31/12/2022 19:52

SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:50

Their house is probably worth about £180,000.

Show quote history

You seem to be taking a lot of interest in other people's personal matters.

They're probably all wealthier than you, OP.

That must sting, I'm sure.

FrancescaContini · 31/12/2022 19:53

SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:29

Firstly, it has nothing to do with me. As I said it’s idle curiosity. Mumsnet would soon go under if everyone posting had to has a vested interest in the threads they posted on.
Secondly, I do not possess a pair of judgy pants. As I said in the OP I am not judging anyone. What drew my attention was my very nice neighbours who live in a rented, small two bedroom house with teenagers. He has a £30,000+ 2 year old car and she has just bought a £25,000+ new car.

😂 Are you for real?

CrabDuckDuckCrab · 31/12/2022 19:55

35965a · 31/12/2022 19:13

Some people will never be able to afford to buy a house. Even if they lived of porridge and took the bus everywhere. So why not have the car they want?

This. If a house is totally out of my reach, you can be damned sure I'm going to make sure that everything else is exactly as I want it.

emptythelitterbox · 31/12/2022 19:55

DrManhattan · 31/12/2022 19:13

You should set up a neighbourhood WhatsApp group and ask them all

This, and post the messages here.

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:56

Some very judgy people accusing me of being judgy. The irony.

OP posts:
CTR16783 · 31/12/2022 19:56

I'm not particularly well off but we get by, we rent & probably never will own our own house. My only real luxury is my nice/ fairly rare car. I don't spend much on clothes or shoes, we don't go on holidays/ weekends away, nights out etc very rarely eat out because we prioritise our love of our car but I know alot of people who spend money on all the things I don't & just say a car is to get from a to b, everyone is different

Brokendaughter · 31/12/2022 19:56

I guess it depends on what their job is.

My sister has to drive thousands of miles as part of her job when she works in the UK & a decent very comfortable car for hours of motorway driving in the week is important to her.

People also expect someone who commands her wage to drive a 'better' car than an old banger.

I would think anyone who has to do a lot of driving is going to be looking for a better car because they spend a lot of time in it.

jtaeapa · 31/12/2022 19:58

I suppose when you go places in a nice car, people must think better of you. I drive a skoda and couldn't give a shit what people think. It's actually a very nice car and does what I need.

Edinburghmusing · 31/12/2022 19:59

@SirGawain there is a difference between observation and judgement

but you’re clearly not genuine

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 19:59

SofiaSoFar · 31/12/2022 19:52

You seem to be taking a lot of interest in other people's personal matters.

They're probably all wealthier than you, OP.

That must sting, I'm sure.

Show quote history

Not really, several similar houses have recently sold for that sort of price.

OP posts:
TheGirlWhoTamedTheDragon · 31/12/2022 20:00

Why do you care? Peoplecan do what they choose with their money. Much of it is ill advised.

If self-employed there's a goid chance they pay very little tax...

Original poster
SirGawain · 31/12/2022 20:01

Edinburghmusing · 31/12/2022 19:59

@SirGawain there is a difference between observation and judgement

but you’re clearly not genuine

In what way am I not genuine? My business or not the facts are exactly as I described.

OP posts:
Alfredafleur · 31/12/2022 20:01

They're probably all wealthier than you, OP.

That must sting, I'm sure.

I think you hit a nerve there! @SofiaSoFar

butterfliedtwo · 31/12/2022 20:02

I just don't understand why people care about this stuff. It's not your life or money.

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