Should I talk my mother in law out of this?

[DIW35]

If she buys the new car, chances are that in 5 years time it will be worth the same as her current car, so she will have lost £11,000 in depreciation. Given that her current car is only worth £6000 according to what she has been offered for trade-in, the most she can lose on that one over the next 5 years is £6000. In simple terms, a new car could cost her an additional £1000 per year in depreciation over the next 5 years, so it would make sense to keep the current one.

[Bill]

dme123 said:

mikeyr said:

Whilst I agree the maths don't work this doesn't sound dissimilar to many people on here that have bought new cars. So from the other point of view, maybe she would like a new car, thinks the Civic is nice and would rather have the reassurance - and doesn't mind splashing out the cash.

As long as you don't feel she is being misled maybe just help her get the best deal possible with regards to part exchange/spec/etc?

I was going to say something similar. We've all decided we want a new car then come up with some bullst justification for it like "it'll pay for itself because my current one needs a new wiper blade" or whatever. If she wants to buy a new car leave her to it.

OTOH she might just think she's right.

My mum was all set to buy a Prius because she drives into the congestion zone once or twice a week and it would save her money. I pointed out the obvious flaw in her plan and told her if she wants a new car then she should get one. Two years on she's still driving her low mileage S reg Golf...