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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Not allowed a car...

40 replies

JAY32Fem · 13/06/2025 15:10

I struggle with getting out the house/mental health. I have a few family members that don't leave the house and a sister that didn't for 7 years. Mental health seems to run in family but I've always thought i was doing well...

My partner switched jobs a few times and ended up without a car so he has mine to go back and forth to his new job which are 12hr shifts 4 of 4 off. My mom also doesn't get out now as she relied in me when we could, she hardly leaves the house now too.
I currently work from home full time it suited us as our son went to school up the road saving childcare costs etc but I'm going to need to go out and find a new job soon...

We keep getting left without a car for a month at a time and we have managed for 6 months borrowing when we necessary mostly for our sons clubs and hospital/dentist etc. I'm struggling alot more, getting depressed and trouble breathing when I try and leave house and breaking down. Im starting to revert back to where I can't walk up to shop on my own.

When I was younger I got alot better when I finally got freedom with a car. I found it easier and my confidence built going new places. Im scared I know I'm getting worse.

My partner agreed after my mil noticed I'm not doing very well when she took me out one day.. she said we needed a family car. She said she would lend us money and could pay her back as and when. I was looking for up to £10k we have some savings too.. he said nothing was good enough, makes that were not reliable enough.

We narrowed it down to a range which went up to £15k which we were about to get then he saw the newer shapes same year £20k and he wouldn't look at the older style then. £20k would be ok but It would use our savings and borrowing more but he wouldn't look at the older shape now.

He took me out and we went on test drives and got ready to purchase. I was scared about the money side. We were all set to purchase and he said something wasn't right and it needed something doing, I felt a bit relieved that we hadn't spent that much yet so took it as a sign. He said he felt relieved and we are a team and he was pleased we didn't get ourselves into it. I said can we revisit the older shape or cheaper cars and he said no.. he feels better if the moneys in savings and wants more holidays not to pay extra bills... Now he's angry at me for getting upset. I havent had a go at him, I just felt like a lost a bit of hope.

For couple of years before all of this when he had a company car he's told me I can't take mine on motorway to visit my aunt, if can't go seaside, i can't visit my brother....(all 2-3hrs away in car) if the engine blows it's my fault.. he said its got a water leak. I asked If we could sort it he said no costs too much £1k he can do himself but it was too much work... I even said I'd stop half way.. an hour and check it... and he said he wouldn't help me if it went wrong. All I heard is you can't go there you can't do that. I used to have so much confidence now I'm always doubting myself...

He wont take me as doesn't want to "waste his weekends". He has took me in past to family things but he sulks.. he wont put on a fake smile for me and its embarrassing when you can see he doesn't want to be there. I went for a wedding on the train once when i was still doing ok but prices are around £175 each way and i cant justify that. When l have the car/time I feel abliged to spend it as a family with our son so I don't go anywhere for myself.

Today he said he will have to walk to work and i can have my f*cking car back.. in a way to make me feel guilty... which is silly thing as it wouldn't happen anyway.. He does unsociable hours and a dangerous job! He comes home shattered but he does get 4 days off where he has the freedom of going gym, out drinking/shopping while im at work and sons at school.. It also doesn't solve problem of him telling me it's not good enough to go distances. Its overheated locally!

For my sons birthday we got a theme park pass, I thought great! Its not too far I can practice going with just my son building confidence just him and me some weekends, I will feel good getting out! My husband doesn't like going and again we planned on the car.

He earns alot more than me now we have a joint account but I always feel guilty so I buy alot out of my seperate one. We give ourselves some each month.. I was left some money when I lost a family member but I used that for a new roof and fixing house. We have some left but it's classed as ours and I couldn't spend it without discussing.. problem is I'm not allowed to discuss it now..

I understand he just wants more money in the bank each month but i feel like im missing out all the time.. i cant wait a year to have 1 holiday and spend the rest stuck...

My family's all over the place now and I feel alone most of the time. I know it's an extra cost but I feel trapped. AIBU

OP posts:
Asparename · 13/06/2025 15:15

You need to get your car back from him and he needs to buy his own car, can’t believe what I’m reading. He needs buy his own car, whatever he can afford. Then resume your life and start living again.

Cloverforever · 13/06/2025 15:16

I'm sorry, your husband is not a good man. If he was, he would want to help you, not make your situation worse. You need to get support from somebody outside of this situation.

Clockface9 · 13/06/2025 15:17

You you have a car
but your partner always uses it
and his mother offered to give money so you could buy a car? Why on earth not to him?

Do you live very rurally?

He sounds like a selfish twat but as with most things… there’s often more detail

UpsideDownChairs · 13/06/2025 15:18

You need your car back, you need to take it to a reputable mechanic (try asking on local facebook group, or maybe other parents at your kids school) and see if you can get yours fixed, if not, buy something small and cheap.

This is mad - it's almost like he wants you restricted to your home. You earn money. Spend your money on the car, and joint money on anything for the house and your child.

CeffylCoch · 13/06/2025 15:20

You don't need to spend 20k to get a decent car. You could spend 5k and get something pretty decent. Why is he making all the decisions? Get your car back, and tell him to buy his own. He is controlling you, and stopping you from being happy

DipsyDee · 13/06/2025 15:21

For heavens sake take your car back and tell him to get his own.

Fuzziduck · 13/06/2025 15:21

Yes take your car back. He’ll soon spend money on a car for work.

SoftandQuiet · 13/06/2025 15:25

Blimey, we recently spent £5000 on a lovely family size car. Feels like a real luxury after the bangers we've had in the past!

Heronwatcher · 13/06/2025 15:25

Take your car back from your husband. He can then borrow from his mum or use a bit of your savings to buy himself a new car (no way I’d pay 20k but that’s your business). Don’t overcomplicate it, you have a car, he’s the one who doesn’t.

IsitaHatOrACat · 13/06/2025 15:26

You are an adult. Therefore you are allowed a car. Why are you being dictated to by someone else?

Kindly I would suggest that there are bigger issues than the car here and would strongly recommend some counselling to raise your self esteem and deal with this situation

SharpLily · 13/06/2025 15:28

It's fairly clear what is the main source of your mental health problems here. Take back your car, make your own decisions. I know it's easier to say than do but there's no way we or anyone else can help you to improve your situation, you have to start showing up for yourself. Are you scared of him? How does he react if you stand up for yourself?

Meadowfinch · 13/06/2025 15:31

OP, you have a joint budget now. Take your car in to ATS or similar and have it serviced properly out of the shared account. This is reasonable because HE has used it for the last few months. Also it is for transporting your shared child.

Once it is serviced and reliable again, start building up your confidence.

DO NOT feel guilty. If he wants a car he can buy one himself. He earns well and there is no reason why not. He is financially controlling and not a nice person. It it YOUR money.

Time to take back a little control, rebuild your confidence and enjoy taking your dc to the theme park.

Have a lovely summer xx

JAY32Fem · 13/06/2025 15:47

UpsideDownChairs · 13/06/2025 15:18

You need your car back, you need to take it to a reputable mechanic (try asking on local facebook group, or maybe other parents at your kids school) and see if you can get yours fixed, if not, buy something small and cheap.

This is mad - it's almost like he wants you restricted to your home. You earn money. Spend your money on the car, and joint money on anything for the house and your child.

I wouldnt of gone to £10k on a car in the past.. most have been under £3k old things..Thats what most of my cars have been in the past, hes a bit OCD and used to be a mechanic so he says he sees them as money pit.

I think he does care but his family jokes calling him "the selfish one"

OP posts:
SkankingWombat · 13/06/2025 15:53

Asparename · 13/06/2025 15:15

You need to get your car back from him and he needs to buy his own car, can’t believe what I’m reading. He needs buy his own car, whatever he can afford. Then resume your life and start living again.

First response nails it! I can't believe you're considering taking out a loan (even if from family) to buy a car when you already own one. You're not married, assets are not pooled. If he up sticks and leaves you will be left with your old car he's run into the ground and a newer car that has depreciated, so even if you sell wouuld likely not repay the loan. You tell him you have been happy to loan him your car as a stop gap whilst he shifted between jobs, but you now need it back. Give him a month's notice to get something in place himself. Any borrowed money, whether from family or the bank, should be in his name.
I'm also, like a PP, getting vibes that he is using this as a means of control.

FinancialWhines · 13/06/2025 15:57

If this is true then your parter is probably the source of your poor mental health.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 13/06/2025 16:00

You need to be selfish back then.

tell him (don’t ask) that you’ll need your car back in 2 weeks time so he has to find a replacement that suits him or hire a car. That you aren’t going on test drives etc as this is his car for his commute. If your car needs work and you are going to have to pay for it, then his work car needs to come out of his money / the money his mum is giving him.

Vaxtable · 13/06/2025 16:03

Just get your car back from him, he can take the money his mother offered and get a car

get your serviced and sorted and start going out

LemonRedwood · 13/06/2025 16:05

Take your car back and drive yourself and your son somewhere far, far away from this man.

DPotter · 13/06/2025 16:19

Your partner is a controlling man. And yes - his family have got him sussed - he's selfish too, and that's no joke.

He's controlling you by permanently borrowing your car, causing you a lot of hassle as well as knowing it's your lifeline to the world.

Insist he return the car this weekend - he can use his Mum's cash to buy his own. And then on Monday I strongly urge you to sort out some counselling for yourself to boast you self-esteem, with a view to ditching your nasty partner

Serpentstooth · 13/06/2025 16:30

Run, while you can. Just reading about your life gives me claustrophobia.

BangersAndGnash · 13/06/2025 16:40

He is controlling and financially abusive.

You can use what is left of your inherit, it is yours.

Take your car back, make sure you have breakdown cover and roadside assistance and live your life!

Terrribletwos · 13/06/2025 16:44

I think she did get the car back?

Greenfitflop · 13/06/2025 16:51

This is controlling coercive abusive behaviour.
Get your car back now.
Get on to Women's aid for support.
Selfish prick.
Are you really happy with this awful man?

Clockface9 · 13/06/2025 16:53

Why did she offer to lend you money to buy a car, and not her own son?

this makes little sense

islcg · 13/06/2025 16:54

So he's taken your car basically and now he's refusing to buy a second car?
It was all a bit complicated and difficult to understand because it's obviously a very distressing situation for you.

And as I understand it he's now given you the car back?
Today he said he will have to walk to work and i can have my fcking car back.. in a way to make me feel guilty... which is silly thing as it wouldn't happen anyway..*

Don't give him the keys again. Tell him he can buy himself a car of his choice with the money MIL has offered but you're keeping your car.

Then you'll need to sort out finances so that you can afford to have it repaired if necessary.

My ex behaved like this about his car once, we'd agreed to share his car and I never needed to use it when he did but then when he'd agreed to let me use it to go to particular events he always managed to lend it out to his parents at the last minute so I couldn't go to whatever it was. I said I'd buy my own car and he kept saying no, you can't do that.
I was in the very fortunate position of having 5K sitting around (though sadly through an inheritance from my mother), so I went out one day and just bought a car. That put an end to the car shennanigans with the ex.

You need your own car and he needs his own car. So don't let him have yours again.

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