Do I need to buy a car

[anonymous-user]

So I was looking at cars. As the work van that was given to me has been given to another engineer as his van broke. So my Dad who works from home has put me on insurance. It’s a Nissan Leaf but as he doesn’t work from home all the time, he does have to attend work from time to time. I could ask one of the Engineers to collect and drop me off at home, so do you think it’s worth me getting a car?

[MikeM6]

Depends if you would miss the money you otherwise would have saved I guess. A car will always cost money, how much would like that money to spend on something else?

For me saving money would be so I could spend more on the car, so it would be. For you it may not be

[A500leroy]

Would a 50cc scooter work for the days your dad need the car?

[anonymous-user]

I understand what your saying. At the moment I am trying to save for my first house. I just don’t want to become completely reliable on my Dad and his car. At the moment it’s fine but I suppose if he had to go back to work then I could get something. It’s the thought of using his car to lug tools in and out is upsetting to say the least especially as there is a a Bose sub in the boot.

[anonymous-user]

A500leroy said:

Would a 50cc scooter work for the days your dad need the car?

I need to carry a fair amount of hand tools and power tools unfortunately.

[Glosphil]

If you need a vehicle to carry out your job sounds like your employer should supply a van/car, a car allowance or at least pay you a vehicle milage allowance.

[joshleb]

So you had a works vehicle but they took it away?

Surely you need one...

Confused as to why they didn't give the other engineer a replacement.

[anonymous-user]

Our work only has a handful of engineers. I did used to have my own car. But sold it. They then gave me a van, but it’s to help me out as they put it. I’m not a fully qualified engineer yet so they gave my van to a qualified engineer. Our boss won’t pay for mileage or anything.

My Dad thinks that I should just use his car. It’s not much to change and the insurance is not bad. It’s the wear and tear on his car that’s annoying. But if I buy something cheap say £1000. Would I just be wasting money, as it only has to get me to the office. I then go out to jobs with other engineers. It’s more off putting for them as they then have to drop me off which they have moaned about a few times.

[samoht]

I think it's a bit unclear from this whether you need the car purely for commuting (home to office and back) or also to go out to various jobs as part of your work?

Mr.Nobody said:

I need to carry a fair amount of hand tools and power tools unfortunately.

Mr.Nobody said:

Would I just be wasting money, as it only has to get me to the office. I then go out to jobs with other engineers.

Is it the case that you like to be able to go straight home from a job site, and back to the site in the morning, without having to go home->office->site->office->home? And thus you need to keep your tools in the car/van that you go home in?

Another question, how far is the office from your house?

[anonymous-user]

samoht said:

Is it the case that you like to be able to go straight home from a job site, and back to the site in the morning, without having to go home->office->site->office->home? And thus you need to keep your tools in the car/van that you go home in?

Another question, how far is the office from your house?

Sorry I will try and clear things up. The car would just be for commuting to the office. As it’s not insured for business use. Plus they won’t pay for insurance, fuel or tax. We usually go the office of a morning then off to the job. If it’s a one day job then you go the office. If it’s a few days then it’s go straight to the job. I empty the car or van of any tools as there is no tool insurance on the van.

The office is about 5 miles away from my home.

[ReverendCounter]

Mr.Nobody said:

But if I buy something cheap say £1000. Would I just be wasting money, as it only has to get me to the office.

Yep, £1k is enough to get into something that would easily fit the bill - buying privately at that price would get you a better car for your money than one from a dealer/car yard IMO.

And I would avoid a diesel, personally, as at that price as there will be the high pressure pump, DPF, EGR valve, DMF/clutch and possibly the turbo to consider as one/more of those *might* be on their way out due to high mileage. A petrol will only have the clutch, poss. flywheel to consider from that list.

[mcflurry]

How much is a cab for the days you don't get a lift or can't use your father's car?

[anonymous-user]

mcflurry said:

How much is a cab for the days you don't get a lift or can't use your father's car?

Probably less than £10.

[anonymous-user]

So I’m still not sure what to do. My Dad thinks buying another car would be a waste of money. Although buying it outright it’s the everyday running costs that add up plus maintenance and parts if anything breaks. I don’t think a taxi would be practical. Train is not really an option as I’ve too much to carry.

I don’t also want to use his car. Just incase he may need it. Plus it’s rather nice to have tools put in it.

[ChrisH72]

Mr.Nobody said:

So I’m still not sure what to do. My Dad thinks buying another car would be a waste of money. Although buying it outright it’s the everyday running costs that add up plus maintenance and parts if anything breaks. I don’t think a taxi would be practical. Train is not really an option as I’ve too much to carry.

I don’t also want to use his car. Just incase he may need it. Plus it’s rather nice to have tools put in it.

Then yes, it's worth you buying a car.

I'd just get something cheap and reliable with enough space for your gear.

[anonymous-user]

I just need some convince my dad that it’s a good idea. That I’m not throwing money away.

[ReverendCounter]

Mr.Nobody said:

I just need some convince my dad that it’s a good idea. That I’m not throwing money away.

Well to be blunt, it's your tools/rquipment you need to carry, your commute you need to undertake to get to your job, from which you earn your money which you are free to spend as you please!

Get yourself a car and enjoy the independence. He might be concerned you're going to, ooh I don't know, go out and have some fun?

All cars need to be maintained at some point, it's inevitable.

[M.F.D]

Sounds like a decision only you can make..... you clearly don't NEED a car. But if you want one to make your life easier then do it.

Most people on here don't need an excuse to buy a car.

[ChrisH72]

Mr.Nobody said:

I just need some convince my dad that it’s a good idea. That I’m not throwing money away.

Looking back at the threads you've started over the past few weeks I can kind of see his point.

So far you have mentioned spending around 8k on....

Honda Legend
Infiniti
Shogun
RCZ

All very different but all fairly expensive cars to run and certainly not necessary for what you need.

Get a Fiesta or similar.

[anonymous-user]

ChrisH72 said:

Looking back at the threads you've started over the past few weeks I can kind of see his point.

So far you have mentioned spending around 8k on....

Honda Legend
Infiniti
Shogun
RCZ

All very different but all fairly expensive cars to run and certainly not necessary for what you need.

Get a Fiesta or similar.

Ford is not a bad idea. The RCZ was not for me. The Infiniti was for a family member. Who has since bought a Mercedes E Class and the Shogun, was an idea. In reality it’s quite expensive to run and maintain. I did consider the Legend as they are quite rare, very well built. But a lot to fuel and tax.

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 6th February 17:26