That spending circa £25k on a 2nd hand car is not frivolous

[Pipsquiggle]

Looking at replacing my 12 year old car which I have had for 10 years. When I bought this car it was about £16k

I am looking at buying another second hand car, probably a Mazda or Volvo so not a super premium brand. Looking around the £25k mark. Hopefully, I'll pick well and keep it for around 10 years.

My DH seems to think I should get a cheaper car around £16k again. He thinks £25k is too much.
Over the last 10 years our income has gone up a lot, we have lots of savings. Financially we are in a good position.

I am not sure why my DH is being stingy over this. He's not really into cars so probably sees it as wasted money.

YABU - listen to your DH he has a point
YANBU - £25k is ok as you can afford it and it's for a mid range car

I'm looking to do very similar (2011 plate car that I've had since it was 6m old).

£25k is pretty much my budget too.

I don’t understand if you are the kind of person who has managed to create a lifestyle where you are able to spend 25k on a car, that you are also the kind of person who needs to come on here and have your choice validated.

I wouldn't pay that much for a second hand car either.

And without knowing your finances I'm not sure how we can say who's unreasonable. Some people think they can afford to spend £25k if it leaves them with £1,000 in their savings. Others if it leaves them with £10k or £100k left in savings. I'm not in the first category and might not be on the second either.

If you've got the money and plan to.keep.it a good while then it makes sense. I wouldn't get a Mazda though, I only ever hear people complaining about them. I'd also check out new cars for that budget, there are some really good deals being given at the moment.

@admirible I am definitely after validation and my budget of £25k, does not make me a frivolous spendthrift

Used car prices have shot up so much £25k now is probably equivalent to the £16k back then. I bought my car for £8.5k in 2019 ans to buy the same model/age/mileage now it would be £15k minimum (and I would get about £5.5k for part ex on mine!).

We spent £18k on a ex demo mini in perfect condition in 2018.. it's still perfect and has saved us around that much in finance payments but we own it . It's still worth around 8-10k so take from that what you will .

Oh, and that cost me nearly £20k in 2011, so £25k 13.5 years later to do the same with doesn't seem unreasonable.

I wouldn't get the same spec model for that though (not that I want the same).

I wouldn't touch a Mazda, either. We ran a Toyota into the ground, had a Mazda for a few years that was nothing but trouble then ran another Toyota into the ground. We were looking at the same price hike after 10 years so lease, now.

i bought a brand new car once... it lost a quarter of its value the minute i drove it off the forecourt! it litterally lasted until a week after the warranty expired and then i ended up having to sell it for parts!

if you can afford 25k on a car, new or used, what does it have to do with anyone else? although i do believe your DH should have some say in the purchase unless the money is solely all yours, then its really non of his business what you spend it on.

i drive a Mazda CX-5 and i just love love love it. i have even decided that once its been driven into the ground and dead, i will replace it with exactly the same one, if i can get one by then

I don’t think it’s frivolous but I’m totally not a car person so I understand you husband’s pov.

If you have the money then I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Second hand cars have increased in price more than new cars so the difference is nowhere near as stark. Obviously there is still a difference as the cat is no longer brand new, but it's not what it was.

Edited as I meant to say car not cat!

Do not spend £25k on a Mazda - dreadful cars

I loved my Volvo S60 and I got 8 amazing years out of her - swapped her for a 3yo Landrover which was £20k. I'd still have the Volvo, except it's easier getting the children in/out of the Discovery Sport

I think 25k is steep for a second hand Mazda or Volvo (say a 2-3 Yr old car).

Depends on your financial situation. I don’t think I’d be spending 25k on a car unless I was nearing the end of my mortgage, pensions sorted and really comfortable.

Having said that I last bought a second hand car in 2017 so am fully prepared to fall over in shock at the increase in prices when I have to swap!

You'll get nothing for £16k. Nothing reliable and rust free at any rate.

Is your H usually such a tightwad and how has he failed to notice the inflation of the past few years?

£25k seems a lot for a midrange car like a Mazda. How old were you thinking? I got a 2.5 year old Audi for £21k around a year ago.

DH paid 20k for a 2nd hand car a decade ago, it was six months old and from a dealer. It’s still going strong and has passed every MOT no issue.

Decent Volvos are £60k-£100k new these days and you wouldn’t get a 2-3 year old one for £25k

I'm shocked at second hand cars being so expensive. I bought a 1 year old Kia sarento for 26k in 2021, so to hear a Mazda with that many years is £25k is shocking.

Sorry not much help I know to the original question.

What the hell are you on about?

You have absolutely no idea what you're saying

I would expect to discuss a purchase this size with my partner. I guess the question for me is, have you looked at what you could get for 16k, or 18k? What is the extra nine grand buying you? I spent 13k on a second hand car a year ago and am very happy with it. But absolutely if you have the money, in the end it's your call.

@Pipsquiggle so what car does your husband drive? is his always bought brand new???

With respect of course you’d get a decent car for a heck of a lot less! A lot less than £16k too. Many of us do! My car was a fraction of that and runs well/is rust free. But each to their own. Buy what you want if you can afford it.