How long until the novelty wears off?
How long until the novelty wears off?
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Discussion

Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Trying to work out if I have a problem here! I seem to keep cars for around 1yr and even that seems like a long while. Always thinking of what I could buy next. The longest Ive ever kept a car was my 2 years (Z4), only as the finance deal meant it would of cost me to get out....

So do I have a problem or is this normal!?

cullen

238 posts

234 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Very normal. I really struggle after 6 months. In fact when ever I buy a new car I am looking in the classifieds the same week for my next car. It's all part of the fun!

carlingofblack

363 posts

193 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Never knew I had a twin!!!tongue out

pilchardthecat

7,483 posts

208 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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I've got a feeling the Z4M might be a keeper.

I've had it a month or two now and i've still only just scraped the surface. Normally i'd be completely familiar with and slighty bored by a car at this stage, and would have started fantasy shopping by now.

Find a slightly edgy car that challenges you. And an engine that you can't stretch all the time (if you use all it's potential all the time, you'll get bored fast).

balders118

5,940 posts

197 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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I hear this a lot on here and I always find it strange. I am the opposite. I get a car, I get attached. I like the idea of having a car for a long time, knowing it inside out, doing 10,000s of miles in it.

MondeoMan1981

2,457 posts

212 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Had my car 8 months as of this week, and its the longest I've owned a car for the last 3 cars...

Jem0911

4,415 posts

230 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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A year you say?

I start looking weeks after the purchase.

The current has been better, so far 8 months with only quick looks in the for sale section.

theironduke

6,995 posts

217 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Longest is about a 18 months here, and those are "keepers". I really do love my XJS..BUT..the yearning is there for either a V12 or a TVR Chim in 12 months maybe...the bulk of the equity being in the current chariot...

Its not just you chap.

MattyB_

2,330 posts

286 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Mine have all been for 2 years, not sure why they've all been like that.

My main reason for not swapping is the utter ball-ache of selling privately, which I usually have to do as I tend to buy odd/rare cars which don't do so well in p/x valuations. Just easier to hold on to what I've got...

robsco

7,875 posts

205 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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I'd have a lot more cars if it wasn't for the hassle of private sales and getting raped on PXs. Had the new addition a month now. Been looking for its replacement for the last 3 weeks. Love the car, but fancy another upgrade smile

Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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thanks everyone - At least it not just me with this hideous affliction!

jbi

12,700 posts

233 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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Happy with my V8...

would only swap it for another one smile

Ry_B

2,256 posts

230 months

Sunday 19th September 2010
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I am the same, I love my current car but fancy a change after 6 months. Have always done this!

BadgerBill

274 posts

268 months

Monday 20th September 2010
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Normally hours, with the odd exception which I normally have to move on when life gets in the way/need money. Average lifespan of a motor in the BB household is 12 months.

Right now, I have just bought an MX5. On paper and in the write ups it should be everything that I am after, so why, only a week after I have bought it, am I looking in the ads for the next one?

I can't wait until I have the funds and garage space for a car that I actually want to keep for the long run.

BB

GT03ROB

14,023 posts

250 months

Monday 20th September 2010
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Well just to break the trend....

...I've had one for 18yrs...2 others for 5 years...and the last for a year. Not bored with any of them! Maybe thats the key if I get bored with one drive one of the others.

To be honest the hassle & grief that can come with buying & selling means I can't be bothered with chopping & changing.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

219 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
Four Litre said:
Trying to work out if I have a problem here! I seem to keep cars for around 1yr and even that seems like a long while. Always thinking of what I could buy next. The longest Ive ever kept a car was my 2 years (Z4), only as the finance deal meant it would of cost me to get out....

So do I have a problem or is this normal!?
I suppose a question to ask is

"What do you get bored off?"

I don't think its unnatural to want to change and always be looking.

But if you find even a years ownership difficult, then the only logical answer is

you are buying the wrong cars


Buy with your heart and not your head. And say to hell with what others might think or what is perceived as a cool or good image by some.

BadgerBill

274 posts

268 months

Monday 20th September 2010
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GT03ROB,

If I had the cars that you have in your garage, I'd bloomin' keep the buggers for a while too!tongue out

I'm sure that had you the choice between a diesel rolleyes or a petrol scratchchin 9-5 estate, you'd be in the market for a replacement for one of them quick fast yes

BBbiggrin

Edited by BadgerBill on Monday 20th September 09:19

alfa pint

3,856 posts

240 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
GT03ROB said:
Well just to break the trend....

...I've had one for 18yrs...2 others for 5 years...and the last for a year. Not bored with any of them! Maybe thats the key if I get bored with one drive one of the others.

To be honest the hassle & grief that can come with buying & selling means I can't be bothered with chopping & changing.
^^^^ same thing, can't be arsed with selling my car and hate tramping all over the country trying to find the next one. Had first MG B for 10 years, had the Alfa for 3, a Capri for 2, an MR2 for 2 years, current MG B has been in the family since 1986.

Not planning to replace the Alfa until 2012, when a Chimaera itch should finally be satisfied.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

219 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
Jem0911 said:
A year you say?

I start looking weeks after the purchase.

The current has been better, so far 8 months with only quick looks in the for sale section.
No offense, but your garage is hardly the pinnacle of automotive fun. And I'm willing to wager that the Land Rover's you've had have been more tarmac limo worriers than mud plugging 4x4's.

So using this rational, is it surprising that you are not finding long term enjoyment in your car purchases?

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

219 months

Monday 20th September 2010
quotequote all
BadgerBill said:
Normally hours, with the odd exception which I normally have to move on when life gets in the way/need money. Average lifespan of a motor in the BB household is 12 months.

Right now, I have just bought an MX5. On paper and in the write ups it should be everything that I am after, so why, only a week after I have bought it, am I looking in the ads for the next one?

I can't wait until I have the funds and garage space for a car that I actually want to keep for the long run.

BB
Maybe because an MX-5 is not always the best. Ok it's nippy and handles ok. But if that doesn't suit your driving style or local roads then it's a lost cause from day 1. It's also very mass produced feeling and looking inside and isn't fast.

Maybe a supercharger/turbo conversion on the MX would make a difference to how you view it??