Practical car or not?
Discussion
In May I spent an ungodly amount of money on an Abarth 124 Spider which I absolutely adore. I'm smiling, and even at points laughing out loud, every journey in it. Yes it's antisocial, impractical, expensive and makes no sense (all of which my work mates love to remind me of) but I love it and like my MGB will never leave my ownership. Character I think is what makes me love both.
However, I now own 2 cars. A 2 seater, convertible, rear wheel drive sports car and a 2+2 coupe, rear wheel drive (which doesn't work). I live 16 miles away from work, and I live in Scotland. Those last 3 words are very important.
My old car, a Citroen C1 was great in winter, but still got stuck a couple of times (admittingly my fault, being sensible had it working flawlessly) however I suspect the Abarth won't be quite as good. Plus, the Citroen after just 4 Scottish winters looked a bit sketchy underneath. The garage I traded it into (in Sussex) said he had never seen brake drums so rusty before, it was a phenomenon to him. Because of this I've been considering another car; here are the pros and cons I've come up with. Anyone else want to pitch in with other points, or even car suggestions?
Pros:
Would own 3 cars at 22, which is a major achievement. Already pinch myself on a semi-regular basis that I own what I do.
Make it a saloon or estate and I've got a larger practical car. For anytime I need (or want) a bigger car.
Can keep the Abarth off the worst of the roads, would still have to be driven as I don't have a garage and it can't sit stationery for months not being touched on the drive.Non-salty roads will keep an Italian car (known to not be great for rust protection) which is actually a Japanese car (known for the same thing) looking good underneath.
The roads deteriorate fast in bad weather, that pothole which would make me wince in the Citroen but ultimately be fine, will damage the Abarth, at the very least pop the tyre. Popping a tyre is major when I don't have access to another car, and public transport isn't viable when considering where I live and work.
Gives me something to spend money on, I don't smoke, or drink, or go on holiday. Nor do I go out with friends a lot (haven't seen any face to face for many many months, maybe not even this year at all)
Cons
Cost. I'm 22, insurance is killer, plus the MG is actually a restoration. Buying a third car would eat into disposable income, slowing (*ahem* stopping) the restoration
I live with my parents, the MG is already at my sister's, one large car, plus another medium sized car on my parents drive. There is space, but still.
Cost. 3 cars would be expensive. Being able to afford it is all fine and well, but still!
Image. How would I look to neighbours and acquaintances. Owning 3 cars, in my parents house. This is the one I least care about, still a factor though, albeit a small one.
Cost. I am still saving for a house, but another car could be the difference on a few hundred quid a month in house savings (already basically have a deposit though)
There you are, any further points or discussion?
For those who want to suggest cars;
Max budget of £4000, could stretch to £4500 for the perfect car.
Saloon or estate
Petrol
Looks good, don't want to be driving a wreck, need to be able to be proud of it.
However, I now own 2 cars. A 2 seater, convertible, rear wheel drive sports car and a 2+2 coupe, rear wheel drive (which doesn't work). I live 16 miles away from work, and I live in Scotland. Those last 3 words are very important.
My old car, a Citroen C1 was great in winter, but still got stuck a couple of times (admittingly my fault, being sensible had it working flawlessly) however I suspect the Abarth won't be quite as good. Plus, the Citroen after just 4 Scottish winters looked a bit sketchy underneath. The garage I traded it into (in Sussex) said he had never seen brake drums so rusty before, it was a phenomenon to him. Because of this I've been considering another car; here are the pros and cons I've come up with. Anyone else want to pitch in with other points, or even car suggestions?
Pros:
Would own 3 cars at 22, which is a major achievement. Already pinch myself on a semi-regular basis that I own what I do.
Make it a saloon or estate and I've got a larger practical car. For anytime I need (or want) a bigger car.
Can keep the Abarth off the worst of the roads, would still have to be driven as I don't have a garage and it can't sit stationery for months not being touched on the drive.Non-salty roads will keep an Italian car (known to not be great for rust protection) which is actually a Japanese car (known for the same thing) looking good underneath.
The roads deteriorate fast in bad weather, that pothole which would make me wince in the Citroen but ultimately be fine, will damage the Abarth, at the very least pop the tyre. Popping a tyre is major when I don't have access to another car, and public transport isn't viable when considering where I live and work.
Gives me something to spend money on, I don't smoke, or drink, or go on holiday. Nor do I go out with friends a lot (haven't seen any face to face for many many months, maybe not even this year at all)
Cons
Cost. I'm 22, insurance is killer, plus the MG is actually a restoration. Buying a third car would eat into disposable income, slowing (*ahem* stopping) the restoration
I live with my parents, the MG is already at my sister's, one large car, plus another medium sized car on my parents drive. There is space, but still.
Cost. 3 cars would be expensive. Being able to afford it is all fine and well, but still!
Image. How would I look to neighbours and acquaintances. Owning 3 cars, in my parents house. This is the one I least care about, still a factor though, albeit a small one.
Cost. I am still saving for a house, but another car could be the difference on a few hundred quid a month in house savings (already basically have a deposit though)
There you are, any further points or discussion?
For those who want to suggest cars;
Max budget of £4000, could stretch to £4500 for the perfect car.
Saloon or estate
Petrol
Looks good, don't want to be driving a wreck, need to be able to be proud of it.
Interesting couple of cars you have, but I think you might need to consider what you need a car for and your future plans. If money for own place, etc isn't a concern then that's great but if you need a car for travelling to work then consider the sort of travel you'll be doing in this third car. And ask your parents advice, check they are happy with the rent they get from you (some assumptions here but ignore those that aren't relevant). Extra insurance, tax, maintenance all mounts up.
I do think you might be looking at this third car thing the wrong way though. It's going to cost you whatever you choose but if the weather and deterioration are a concern then I'd drop budget to under two grand and buy a car that meets your needs and that you won't worry too much about if it gets rusty underneath.
I do think you might be looking at this third car thing the wrong way though. It's going to cost you whatever you choose but if the weather and deterioration are a concern then I'd drop budget to under two grand and buy a car that meets your needs and that you won't worry too much about if it gets rusty underneath.
Edited by mikeyr on Friday 10th September 08:21
I’m slightly older than you at 25 so do understand your issues regarding insurance.
I really like the Abarth Spider a lot but I don’t see it as a car that you are going to make money owning. Therefore I’d just use it and accept its short comings. If it really that bad buy another one for a few grand in 6 years.
I’d maybe consider a spare set of alloys with winter tyres and drive sensible then see how you get on. Spend what you planned to spend on the third cars insurance on maintaining the Abarth.
Owning your own house is far more impressive than what car you own. I know plenty of guys who maxed their budget on a PCP deal on the best car they could afford at the time and are now renting their house and a car and can’t break the cycle (Nothing wrong if you want to live this way, they don’t anymore).
I held onto my GTI while they switched every year wasting money and saved for my house deposit and paying my wedding off upfront. Now I’m placing an order for a new Golf R this week.
A few key financial decisions at our age really make a massive difference to the lifestyle you will have later on with a key factor being don’t piss your money away on cars.
I really like the Abarth Spider a lot but I don’t see it as a car that you are going to make money owning. Therefore I’d just use it and accept its short comings. If it really that bad buy another one for a few grand in 6 years.
I’d maybe consider a spare set of alloys with winter tyres and drive sensible then see how you get on. Spend what you planned to spend on the third cars insurance on maintaining the Abarth.
Owning your own house is far more impressive than what car you own. I know plenty of guys who maxed their budget on a PCP deal on the best car they could afford at the time and are now renting their house and a car and can’t break the cycle (Nothing wrong if you want to live this way, they don’t anymore).
I held onto my GTI while they switched every year wasting money and saved for my house deposit and paying my wedding off upfront. Now I’m placing an order for a new Golf R this week.
A few key financial decisions at our age really make a massive difference to the lifestyle you will have later on with a key factor being don’t piss your money away on cars.
It's simple get the underside wax oiled/rust proofed buy some winter tyres clean the Abarth regularly & you'll be able to just carry on enjoying the car. I have some clients in Scotland who've had this service carried on current & classic cars, they used a company called Preserve & Protect who all were happy with the service they received so it may well be worth looking them up.
Not only for the Abarth but the MG too.
Not only for the Abarth but the MG too.
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