Others have said this already but it is up to the individual. This obviously won't apply to all but some of those with a Focus RS, Golf R might be real car fans and have chosen to spend their money on something they are passionate about.

Temptation is leading young minds down a road to poverty in old age. Of course any young lad would want one of these monster hot hatches but they’re building up trouble for later life by not getting started on the property ladder instead. I understand totally why people who’re already in their own homes and can afford to buy a new car doing so however. But yes as you say it is down to the individual, I just don’t want to be keeping them later in life.

I forgot to mention that almost 20 years ago I put £6,000 into a unit trust. Today it is worth over £60,000 and growing. I also have a house with no mortgage. I've driven small basic cars until recently, as I wanted a decent retirement. Poverty in old age is not nice. And anyway, I'm not a car nut. I've been in Jaguar XJs, Mercedes and BMWs and been unimpressed.

<< Temptation is leading young minds down a road to poverty in old age. Of course any young lad would want one of these monster hot hatches but they’re building up trouble for later life by not getting started on the property ladder instead. >>

SLO - the important phrase is (or was) Delayed Gratification. Many of us on here, including me, are from the generation which grew up having learned to accept D-G, at least for the 'luxuries' of life. The advent of easy credit taught younger people that D-G was not really necessary, leading to the situations described in this thread. In fact D-G has its upside, as anticipation can increase the pleasure of ownership.

Apart from a mortgage (long ago paid off) I have never been in debt except while waiting to pay the monthly credit-card bill. I realise many are not fortunate enough to be able to do this, but je ne regrette rien, as was once famously said (or sung).

We have two newish (well 2014, one bought new one at 18 months old) cars that are modest, but suit our individual and family needs perfectly. Both are now owned outright. My wife is a 'high' mileage user (~18-20k per year) whereas I am not.

We are often asked by certain folk why we don't drive 'better' cars as we could easily afford it. Being fit for purpose, reliable, fun (in my case at least!) and cheap to run is lost on them, they simply see the wrong badge, small cars and four years old.

These people are similar ages, family setups and earners as us. One example took a sizeable loan out for the deposit on a PCP deal. I think I know who the crazy ones are and it isn't us...

There really is something special about a bought and paid for new car.

Indeed. Mr bigjohn and I have had two new cars over the years (the later Octavia bought at a huge discount!) and somehow they have been the better cars. The 84 polo was kept for 19 years and the 2001 Octavia is still on the go.

Saying that as mentioned above we've also had two nearly new Skoda Superbs that have been great

Edited by Big John on 16/06/2018 at 01:22

My wife left her handbag on the bus a few months back. Cue mad panic for a couple of hours, with me chasing buses trying to get the phone number of the depot.

After ringing the number and getting no response, I drove to the depot to ask whether anyone had handed in her bag, with spare car and house keys, credit and bank cards, phone, the lot, inside it.

I did notice that the bus depot car park was full of expensive motors, including several Focus and Fiesta STs. Blimey, thought I, these bus drivers must be getting lots of overtime. But maybe not, maybe its the curse of PCP, as suggested above. The idea of committing myself to that kind of debt on a modest income gives me the horrors.

Anyhow, she got her bag back intact, and I felt mighty relieved as I drove home in my 4 year old bog standard but reliable Jazz.

.

We must hope that cars of the future will still be fun to drive. The lively performance of most EVs is a good sign.

Sadly, hope in vain, Avant. Double -declutching down to second for a hairpin bend, calculated mild rear wheel spin on exit, perhaps with a little tail hang-out; hanging onto a corner at the tactile limit of non-power assisted steering adhesion; sliding round a damp greasy roundabout balancing acceleration to opposite lock; the exhaust music from slick gear changes; coasting down a long hill .....my TR7 might not be as lively as a Leaf but it's a darn sight more fun. But if I was commuting daily I would certainly want a car where you just pressed one pedal to go and another to stop.

They say money cannot buy happiness. My experience is that lack of money can cause considerable unhappiness, and money can indeed buy happiness, but using your logic.

Ah the clarion call of the extremely well heeled, espcially those who have never done a days work in their lives.

'Money doesn't buy you happiness'...only ever said by the well off who have every intention of staying rich.

'Hard work never killed anyone'..only ever said by those who don't ache from every joint after a lifetime of hard graft, and who have seen other hard workers drop dead long before their time.

Yes but - a lot depends on what makes you happy though. Some people spend more than they probably should on following a football team, or playing golf, or holidays, or eating out. Some on cars. I spend way too much on mountain bikes and their ancillary costs, but I'm never happier than when I'm on one in challenging terrain so I can justify it to myself. On the other hand, I do suspect some people think they can buy happiness in the form of material possessions which is often a mistake. Happiness usually comes from enjoyable experiences and activities rather than acquisition.

Research has proven that (in terms of happiness) money is best spent buying experiences rather than material possessions, though the latter is often needed to acquire the former of course.

They say money cannot buy happiness. My experience is that lack of money can cause considerable unhappiness, and money can indeed buy happiness, but using your logic.

They say money cannot buy happiness. My experience is that lack of money can cause considerable unhappiness, and money can indeed buy happiness, but using your logic.

That would appear to make sense however I have seen research that claims that people in poor countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia tend to be happier than those in rich countries. Perhaps they have just learnt to be content with their lot and not trying to keep up with the Jones.