I think I might be bored of cars.
Discussion
I have always enjoyed cars, ever since being a child. I found great joy in everything I owned or messed about with from the lowliest to the greatest.
I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I will very shortly have £40k to spend on a toy and frankly am not really excited by any of it.
My first love was the big classic Aston V8's but they are well out of reach. That's part of the problem I think, I can't afford what I want.
Everything I can afford either comes with a litany of horror stories (E63 M6 rod failure, DB9 Tick and cat ingestion, Bentley Continental GT lots of things...) or it is stuff that I do like but had when it was £5k and really am not willing to pay £40k for something I sold 15 years ago for £5.
I can't do motorbikes because of an ankle articulation problem means I can't change gear, a friend suggested getting air shifters fitted but even so it's not a good idea to start motorbikes at 43 I think.
I think part of the problem is I have an R56 Mini Cooper S which is fun and my wife has a 320d X-Drive Tourer so we really have all the bases covered as far as 'need' goes. Maybe that's the issue?
The other thing that may be at work is I sold my BMW 530d (which was brilliant but dull) because it was boring. In hindsight some of the best times with cars was going on trans-continental adventures, maybe I need to think of how I would use car not the car itself?
I'm going to see if this passes, but has anyone else experienced this motoring ennui?
I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I will very shortly have £40k to spend on a toy and frankly am not really excited by any of it.
My first love was the big classic Aston V8's but they are well out of reach. That's part of the problem I think, I can't afford what I want.
Everything I can afford either comes with a litany of horror stories (E63 M6 rod failure, DB9 Tick and cat ingestion, Bentley Continental GT lots of things...) or it is stuff that I do like but had when it was £5k and really am not willing to pay £40k for something I sold 15 years ago for £5.
I can't do motorbikes because of an ankle articulation problem means I can't change gear, a friend suggested getting air shifters fitted but even so it's not a good idea to start motorbikes at 43 I think.
I think part of the problem is I have an R56 Mini Cooper S which is fun and my wife has a 320d X-Drive Tourer so we really have all the bases covered as far as 'need' goes. Maybe that's the issue?
The other thing that may be at work is I sold my BMW 530d (which was brilliant but dull) because it was boring. In hindsight some of the best times with cars was going on trans-continental adventures, maybe I need to think of how I would use car not the car itself?
I'm going to see if this passes, but has anyone else experienced this motoring ennui?
Yes, 47 basically feel the same as you. For me it was the realisation that I have to work to pay for these things and buying an expensive car is effectively going to delay my retirement by several years. Now I would much rather invest that £40K or just pay a chunk off the mortgage.
Plus where I live driving is no fun anymore, the roads are too busy and there are far too many selfish drivers on the road who don't care about giving way as they have a big SUV.
Unless £40K is nothing to you, for me having that sort of money tied up in a car is more of a worry and would far out weigh the pleasure it might give me.
Plus where I live driving is no fun anymore, the roads are too busy and there are far too many selfish drivers on the road who don't care about giving way as they have a big SUV.
Unless £40K is nothing to you, for me having that sort of money tied up in a car is more of a worry and would far out weigh the pleasure it might give me.
I got bored of owning nice cars about 10 years ago. Every so often I get the hankering for a 90s hot hatch, but then realise I won’t be 20 driving a nice new problem free example
I have cracked the code and that is to enjoy my many friends who own nice cars. More often than not, they will get pissed up or some such variant and ask me to drive
I have cracked the code
I have cracked the code and that is to enjoy my many friends who own nice cars. More often than not, they will get pissed up or some such variant and ask me to drive
I have cracked the code
Two options here, look for stuff that should be at the bottom of it's depreciation curve ( 10-15 years old ish)
Nothing bigger will be as fun as the Cooper S.
How about swapping your wife's 320 for a C63 Estate?
PS, on second thoughts get your MOD 1 and 2 done on and buy an auto bike ( you can get some with DCT nowadays)
Nothing bigger will be as fun as the Cooper S.
How about swapping your wife's 320 for a C63 Estate?
PS, on second thoughts get your MOD 1 and 2 done on and buy an auto bike ( you can get some with DCT nowadays)
If nothing will match what you really want, I'd get something moderately cheap and older with a similar feel then not worry about paying to keep whatever it is on the road with the spare change from £40k.
Might be worthwhile thinking about why you really want the car you can't afford.
Might be worthwhile thinking about why you really want the car you can't afford.
Joey Deacon said:
Plus where I live driving is no fun anymore, the roads are too busy and there are far too many selfish drivers on the road who don't care about giving way as they have a big SUV.
Must be where you live indeed, I never noticed that. There are morons in all sorts of cars. I don't find big SUV drivers particularly more selfish than anyone, but then again that's perhaps because of where I live, kind of semi rural. OP, buy a, say£15k/£20k car with some track ability and book a track day. That's where the proper fun is. You are likely to become addicted though.
talksthetorque said:
PS, on second thoughts get your MOD 1 and 2 done on and buy an auto bike ( you can get some with DCT nowadays)
This ^^^^^: https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/experience-hon...https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/news/best...
I don't own one but I have tested a DCT Africa Twin and was pleasantly surprised...
Stick Legs said:
I will very shortly have £40k to spend on a toy and frankly am not really excited by any of it.
Don't bother then. It sounds as if you wouldn't get much enjoyment from it. Stick Legs said:
I think part of the problem is I have an R56 Mini Cooper S which is fun and my wife has a 320d X-Drive Tourer so we really have all the bases covered as far as 'need' goes. Maybe that's the issue?
Fun is fun and more expensive doesn't necessarily lead to more fun. I'd probably buy something cheaper. Small and light rather (Lotus, MX5, GT86?) than something big and powerful that will not be any more interesting than any number of other cars in use.Bikes can be great fun, and they don't need to be 200bhp monsters.
Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 12th July 10:56
Cars have defined who I am for so long. When I started work, I literally spent every spare penny on cars. Close friends are all (except for two) people I met through car things years ago. Holidays are often driving themed. Camping trips are more about the roads than the actual destination. Daily internet browsing is all PH/car forums/car chats. Most conversations with my dad are motoring related.
I've been in and out of "fun car" ownership over the years, and when I'm out I want back in, and when I'm in, I want out.
We have plans to spend on house extensions next year, which will definitely go a lot smoother if we release some car equity. I think that'll probably be it for me. I had planned to make the most of the car this summer for the final year. We're into a July and I've done 16 miles total this year. I think that says it all. I love cars, but I want to do other things. I think I'm going to sell the Lotus and buy a glider or something. Try to really move on to new things.
I've been in and out of "fun car" ownership over the years, and when I'm out I want back in, and when I'm in, I want out.
We have plans to spend on house extensions next year, which will definitely go a lot smoother if we release some car equity. I think that'll probably be it for me. I had planned to make the most of the car this summer for the final year. We're into a July and I've done 16 miles total this year. I think that says it all. I love cars, but I want to do other things. I think I'm going to sell the Lotus and buy a glider or something. Try to really move on to new things.
I thought it was just me!
I'm at exactly the same stage - late 50's always had 'interesting' cars, Caterhams, Lotus (currently have an Evora). I've no interest in modern cars - I will run my A4 Allroad into the ground and never buy another new car.
I'm on the cusp of selling the Evora as I simply don't get the buzz out of driving it - other things come into focus when you get older, simpler things like fell walking, enjoying nice food, spending time with wife or partner, walking with the dogs etc.
I still do really enjoy restoration though, more so that actually driving. I currently have an Elan Plus 2 in the early stages and the process is really enjoyable.
I recently tried the DAS motobike course as I thought that might re kindle the spark - I did not enjoy it (hated it in fact) and gave it up just before the MOD1.
It's just a stage in life I think.
I'm at exactly the same stage - late 50's always had 'interesting' cars, Caterhams, Lotus (currently have an Evora). I've no interest in modern cars - I will run my A4 Allroad into the ground and never buy another new car.
I'm on the cusp of selling the Evora as I simply don't get the buzz out of driving it - other things come into focus when you get older, simpler things like fell walking, enjoying nice food, spending time with wife or partner, walking with the dogs etc.
I still do really enjoy restoration though, more so that actually driving. I currently have an Elan Plus 2 in the early stages and the process is really enjoyable.
I recently tried the DAS motobike course as I thought that might re kindle the spark - I did not enjoy it (hated it in fact) and gave it up just before the MOD1.
It's just a stage in life I think.
Stick Legs said:
I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I'm not sure that cars like that have much of a USP these days, certainly not for the costs.Shirley the answer is buy a more fun/crazy car. I’d spend £10-20k on something you can leave in the garage and take out once a fortnight. Elise, tvr, caterham will feel amazing and special for a hit of endorphins now and then. Daily regular useage means any car stops feeling so fun or special. I’m saving up for a cayman as a weekend car.
Also get to Wales/Scotland and find some nice scenic roads.
Also get to Wales/Scotland and find some nice scenic roads.
Edited by browna on Monday 12th July 11:20
Similar position but to be honest it is mainly because I got back onto road bikes 6 years ago. I tried to reignite my interest in cars by buying a really nice 997 but any opportunity I had to go for a drive or ride…I took the bike.
I haven’t given up completely on cars. I haven’t got space in my garage for two cars and a bike but when I do I’m thinking of getting something like an Exige.
I haven’t given up completely on cars. I haven’t got space in my garage for two cars and a bike but when I do I’m thinking of getting something like an Exige.
Definitely try two wheels. As said, there are good auto bikes now (or electric ones with no gears) but even the big maxi scooters are a fun way to get about and the storage makes them pretty useful for getting about on errands particularly on a nice day. The appeal of bikes to me has been less about the speed and more about changing the way you use the roads - traffic is no problem, leaning into corners, and seeing the road whizz by your feet is always fun.
As you like BMWs, try an i3 for a few hours. They're different and you might like that take on modern motoring.
As you like BMWs, try an i3 for a few hours. They're different and you might like that take on modern motoring.
Stick Legs said:
I have always enjoyed cars, ever since being a child. I found great joy in everything I owned or messed about with from the lowliest to the greatest.
I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I will very shortly have £40k to spend on a toy and frankly am not really excited by any of it.
My first love was the big classic Aston V8's but they are well out of reach. That's part of the problem I think, I can't afford what I want.
Everything I can afford either comes with a litany of horror stories (E63 M6 rod failure, DB9 Tick and cat ingestion, Bentley Continental GT lots of things...) or it is stuff that I do like but had when it was £5k and really am not willing to pay £40k for something I sold 15 years ago for £5.
I can't do motorbikes because of an ankle articulation problem means I can't change gear, a friend suggested getting air shifters fitted but even so it's not a good idea to start motorbikes at 43 I think.
I think part of the problem is I have an R56 Mini Cooper S which is fun and my wife has a 320d X-Drive Tourer so we really have all the bases covered as far as 'need' goes. Maybe that's the issue?
The other thing that may be at work is I sold my BMW 530d (which was brilliant but dull) because it was boring.
In hindsight some of the best times with cars was going on trans-continental adventures, maybe I need to think of how I would use car not the car itself?
I'm going to see if this passes, but has anyone else experienced this motoring ennui?
Key point highlighted in bold! I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I will very shortly have £40k to spend on a toy and frankly am not really excited by any of it.
My first love was the big classic Aston V8's but they are well out of reach. That's part of the problem I think, I can't afford what I want.
Everything I can afford either comes with a litany of horror stories (E63 M6 rod failure, DB9 Tick and cat ingestion, Bentley Continental GT lots of things...) or it is stuff that I do like but had when it was £5k and really am not willing to pay £40k for something I sold 15 years ago for £5.
I can't do motorbikes because of an ankle articulation problem means I can't change gear, a friend suggested getting air shifters fitted but even so it's not a good idea to start motorbikes at 43 I think.
I think part of the problem is I have an R56 Mini Cooper S which is fun and my wife has a 320d X-Drive Tourer so we really have all the bases covered as far as 'need' goes. Maybe that's the issue?
The other thing that may be at work is I sold my BMW 530d (which was brilliant but dull) because it was boring.
In hindsight some of the best times with cars was going on trans-continental adventures, maybe I need to think of how I would use car not the car itself?
I'm going to see if this passes, but has anyone else experienced this motoring ennui?
Cars as 'objects to own' get boring for many of us.. they're big, take up room and you need a spreadsheet to manage the money they keep sucking out of your wallet. As we get older we have less free time, so they just sit there as functional mini-cost centres.
I've found the fun in owning them is doing fun things with them.
I had more fun and better memories in taking a £1,500 MX5 on a European jaunt than cars worth x10 more than came and went.. and it's because I didn't do the fun things with them!
Yes the MX5 had a weird knocking sound over bumps, yes the roof leaked when it rained, no my phone couldn't connect to it, no it didn't have aircon and the radio would pick up Medium Wave only.. but it was fun and each evening as it rolled up to the next AirB&B without needing a breakdown truck I said thanks whilst unpacking the bags!
Remember that old girlfriend from your past.. you knew early she wasn't 'the one' because she was a bit too crazy, completely random, totally unpredictable and a bit too far to the right of the weird scale? But she was a right laugh, got her freak on in the sack and you still remember the adventures you had with her 20 years later? It's kind of like that.
Get some mate together, buy a banger and have some fun.
You'll look back with affection on that hand-painted pink KIA Picanto that you tied to wind the speedo off the clocks on a downhill section of autobhan at midnight whilst all yelling that you were going to die
https://www.twoballbangerrally.co.uk/
Similar for me, a couple of years older, commuting for 20 odd years, so been 330d which has and is a great car for commuting. Other half' car is a Mini Cooper S, great little car.
Always planned to buy something "for me" and have hummed, hayed, stalled until I bought a GR Yaris, had it near 4 months now and I just cant get into it..................so looks like its going to be sold on.
Think I am getting old and with no commuting for the last year I am not missing driving one bit.............
Always planned to buy something "for me" and have hummed, hayed, stalled until I bought a GR Yaris, had it near 4 months now and I just cant get into it..................so looks like its going to be sold on.
Think I am getting old
and with no commuting for the last year I am not missing driving one bit.............
MC Bodge said:
Stick Legs said:
I have always promised myself I would one day buy an Aston Martin or a Bentley or something of that ilk and as that day approaches I am finding everything increasingly 'meh'.
I'm not sure that cars like that have much of a USP these days, certainly not for the costs.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff