Going round and round then round and round
Discussion
I don't need a car, I really don't. I WFH and occasionally go to the office (by train). I need a car to take my turn driving to the footy and to the station when I go to the office. My wife has a new Polo Gti which I paid for, and my daughter has a decent car which I also paid for and she rarely uses.
However, I miss having a car, and am of an age where friends/acquaintances are starting to drop dead sadly. I'm really not that old either, but having a s
t load of savings seems counter productive to the ethos of enjoy yourself. I've always had nice cars, and always end up sucked in to upgrading them far to regularly. Over time though, I've gradually become more of a saver than a spender especially with current borrowing costs and the price of new cars.
I thought a nice garage queen would be good. Budget 40k for a nice low mileage M2C, plenty out there and I fancy a black one although I know it will be a nightmare to keep clean.
From there I start looking at 50k for a new 240i, all the nice tech, AWD, 3-4 years newer, warranty etc.
Then it's just a stretch more to a new M2. In blue/grey it looks awful, but the black!
Add the buckets though we are into 6-9 month old M3 XDrive territory. The M2 is going to get superseded by an M2C within a few years so it makes sense to get the M3.
At that price though, maybe there is a deal from TRL on a new one. A few more k and who know. But I don't need a car so it is literally going to sit on the drive. Makes sense to get rid of the Polo and the wife can buzz to work/shops in it too. Then I can't do that as she loves that car........
And back to I don't need a car.
Tell me I'm not the only one that does this?
However, I miss having a car, and am of an age where friends/acquaintances are starting to drop dead sadly. I'm really not that old either, but having a s
t load of savings seems counter productive to the ethos of enjoy yourself. I've always had nice cars, and always end up sucked in to upgrading them far to regularly. Over time though, I've gradually become more of a saver than a spender especially with current borrowing costs and the price of new cars.I thought a nice garage queen would be good. Budget 40k for a nice low mileage M2C, plenty out there and I fancy a black one although I know it will be a nightmare to keep clean.
From there I start looking at 50k for a new 240i, all the nice tech, AWD, 3-4 years newer, warranty etc.
Then it's just a stretch more to a new M2. In blue/grey it looks awful, but the black!
Add the buckets though we are into 6-9 month old M3 XDrive territory. The M2 is going to get superseded by an M2C within a few years so it makes sense to get the M3.
At that price though, maybe there is a deal from TRL on a new one. A few more k and who know. But I don't need a car so it is literally going to sit on the drive. Makes sense to get rid of the Polo and the wife can buzz to work/shops in it too. Then I can't do that as she loves that car........
And back to I don't need a car.
Tell me I'm not the only one that does this?
Same here. I have a car but keep looking to trade up as I have plenty of cash in the bank. The high prices put me off because I don't see the value for money. Then there's the uncertainty about the future of ICE cars thanks to our leaders' ridiculous net zero policy. I've worked hard for many years, and done everything possible for my three kids, I often worked two jobs and feel that I deserve to treat myself, but I'm still reluctant. In my case, rightly or wrongly, I put it down to a pretty deprived childhood and a determination that I'll never be poor again, although this is unlikely now.
Philvrs said:
You seem fixated on a bmw, you don’t need a bmw.
Ever thought about something older/modern classic? A different kind of enjoyment?
I'm a big fan of BMW to be fair, but please suggest something.Ever thought about something older/modern classic? A different kind of enjoyment?
To be honest in my ladder I've also considered stuff like a Cayman but there is no point getting a two seater because I'd use that even less than a 4 seater. I'm aware of an Audi dealer with a new RS3 Saloon available and that piqued my interest for a few hours. Mathewson's auction site is a fun trawl, but I'm not very mechanically minded so something proper old would ruin me in garage bills. (I can change brake disks/shoes and service a car but that would be it)
worsy said:
Philvrs said:
You seem fixated on a bmw, you don’t need a bmw.
Ever thought about something older/modern classic? A different kind of enjoyment?
I'm a big fan of BMW to be fair, but please suggest something.Ever thought about something older/modern classic? A different kind of enjoyment?
To be honest in my ladder I've also considered stuff like a Cayman but there is no point getting a two seater because I'd use that even less than a 4 seater. I'm aware of an Audi dealer with a new RS3 Saloon available and that piqued my interest for a few hours. Mathewson's auction site is a fun trawl, but I'm not very mechanically minded so something proper old would ruin me in garage bills. (I can change brake disks/shoes and service a car but that would be it)
worsy said:
...
Tell me I'm not the only one that does this?
You are not.Tell me I'm not the only one that does this?
I'm in somewhat of a similar position where I don't need a car for Mon-Fri as either WFH or use the train for work, and my current car is getting on a bit but perfectly serviceable and I fancy a change.
Cars are such poor value these days, especially for something 'nicer' than the car I have. I can't bring myself to pay the best part of £20k for a 10yr old BMW in a desirable spec. (Why are early Alfa Guilias still high-teens? Alfas should be worthless after 5 years!
)Also I have no requirements around practicality so could easily do 99% of my motoring in an MX5 but having a single impractical car seems a step too far when there's plenty of hot hatches that are fun and practical.
I'm sure I'd be perfectly happy driving a cheap nearly new Astra (seeming the only undesirable motorcar left on the market) but yet again can't bring myself to commit to that.
Hammersia said:
No idea what the question is. Sounds like OP needs a hobby. Or maybe do some charity volunteering for example.
I don't mean to state the obvious, honestly, but the question is should he spend his cash on something he doesn't need, just because he fancies it. It could apply to anything. People don't need Rolex watches or speedboats but they buy them because they want them. I don't want to minimise his question by saying it's his money, so his decision because I have a similar decision to make. I have quite a lot in my savings so do I upgrade my perfectly adequate 2017 A4 Avant tfsi or stick with it? Cars are poor value for money at the moment and ICE cars are under attack from a senseless net zero policy, putting off many people from sinking money into them (and it seems an equally reluctance to invest in an EV, as evidenced by falling values). My suggestion would be to buy something interesting, but possibly tie up less money. He mentions new M cars and old classics that require a lot of upkeep, but there is a lot of nice stuff in between, including some nice BMWs if that what he wants.I go through the same phase generally every year... Lifes too short mate and if the money is in the bank instead of invested just enjoy it
Ive recently got the b58 stage 2 after debating numerous cars and its very lively..
In your position id probably go M2 comp in your desired colour / spec..
Stop thinking and go test driving
This sums cars up. They sell you a dream. Then you want more. In the end you are never satisfied, and that sums cars up, especially now that prices have gone silly. In our case, the Skoda Fabia we have meets daily needs perfectly, and easier to use in town and country lanes than the 335d, which only really comes into its own in (the diminishing number of) long journeys. If I were OP, I would stick with use of the Polo GTi.
MYOB said:
Sounds like you need to settle on a budget that you’re comfortable with spending on a new car. Then find what you can within the budget and do not allow any budget creep.
I think this is probably the key. Find somewhere you're happy with and stick to it... I've budget crept a couple of times and to be honest always regretted it! Sold the car after a year, bought something cheaper (I prefer not caring as much) and been much happier for it.I remember not needing a car before, but only lasted 6 months when I just happen to see a Clio Renaultsport a few roads from my mum's house for sale. Bought almost instantly and didn't regret having something to chuck about for fun again
OP I feel your pain. similar story here, I've always always kept a decent performance car or something I really enjoy. Last year or so I have not due to multiple reasons but its getting tedious waiting around either for right car, right price, something i want, not knowing how much to spend etc. I even gave up looking for 5 months which is completely unlike me. I used to love browsing and looking for the next car. not so much now
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