First car for boyfriend...totally confused!!

Bibbitybob

Your age and the likelihood of your relationship lasting aside, I really wouldn't recommend spending that amount of money on anyone, especially when you've already got debts. And the "I'll be able to pay it off when X happens" mentality is how most people get into debt in the first place. Wouldn't it be more sensible to offer to buy/pay towards a car for him once your debt is cleared? Or even once you've saved some money, if you really can't wait that long.

All that aside, I think taking him with you to buy it is a really good idea. If he knows cars he's probably got an idea in his head of what he'd like, and I know I'd certainly want a say in something as big as that.

sillylittlejill

First of all, I don't appreciate that you assume that because we are younger than most people we aren't going to last that long, I am not stupid when it comes to things like these, this is an IDEA for his birthday, it is his 21st and we have both been through a lot together and he really deserves something good for once. We have been through a lot more than most couples and I am so sick of people talking to us like we are kids, we have been together for a long time and I am sick of middle aged grumbly people having a go at our relationship. We know our relationship and we are so incredibly strong, which seems to be something you have missed out of a relationship and therefore are bitter about it.

I have came across this kind of treatment before and it has caused me to leave other forums. I am not going to let it drive me out again!!

Hope you understand that it hurts me when people have a go at a relationship that has saved both of us from a lot! I love him more than anything and I hope never to run into you on this forum again

ailuro2

update your signature, then!

Seriously, for anyoen of any age I'd suggest they get their debt under control, then save up the monthly amount they have been sheeling out to cover their debt and use it to save up for a year.

Cheaper than getting a car loan, and the amount you can save in a year should cover the cost of a small car, remember it has running costs too, so your budget needs to be in order to cover those costs.

Look up insurance groups online, try inputting a few different cars to see how much it would cost to insure, then wwigh up taxing it and replacement spare parts. Paying someone to fix cars is also very expensive, so don't rush into it.

If it were me, I'd buy him the model version of the car I'd want to get him, and say you can buy one once the debts are gone.;)

Hintza

My idea of a 21st present is something that he will have and cherish for a long time. To me a car doen't fit that description.

If you both need a car then personally you should save up together for it. A car is not special (especially a banger) it is just anther potential money pit.

Your point about middle aged grumbly people did make me laugh. I'm one but the reason we tend to be like that is we have seen all this before.

You also make the point that he would like a very expensive watch so would I but unfortunately I have decided in my life it is not something I would really care to spend my money on. And obviously at this stage you can't afford to.

Jill go and buy him something nice that suits his lifestyle and give him a great 21st.

CHR15

The problem is that one here, as soon as someone reads your post they immediately see your signature.

A large proportion of people came here due to financial stress and to find a way out of the downward spiral.

Here you are as a young person/couple, almost crippled in debt but looking to borrow more.
The statement Proud to be dealing with my debts in your sig could not be more inappropriate.

With the budget you have, you could clear TWO overdrafts completely.

If your Sig wasn't there, people wouldn't go off on a tangent like this post has.

gilbert_and_sullivan

I offer a piece of advice told to me by my Dad before i bought my first car.

'Once you have a car you'll never have any money in your pocket.'

Never heard anything truer, trouble is with cars there's always something that needs repairing, and thats why 99% of the cars for sale are for sale, very few people sell a good un.

Its worth a browse on fleabay...not to buy, perish the thought, though if you have your wits about you some good bargains can be had, but you really need to be mechanically knowledgable to do it safely.
But its worth reading some of the amazing write ups these people give their cars...pride and joy...cherished...owned by me for at least 4 months and i now know just what a bag of rubbish the thing really is (this is one sentence you don't see)...maintained regardless of cost (and the first thing you'll find is Chinese ditchfinder tyres that may well cost you dear) etc etc.

If you read enough, you can get the feel for the genuine over the fast talking chavs who are in the majority.

If you really want to buy a car for the chap; lucky chap i hope he realises what sort of girl he's got...
Go with him to look at cars and take someone with good mechanical knowledge....the best cars are usually but not always owned by the more mature driver and they usually look after their cars too.
The biggest headache will be insurance, so you will probably have to limit yourselves to a car less of less than group 3 or so, even so its most likely the first years insurance will be up to £1000.

My suggestion would be to forget a specific model, but to keep your ears and eyes open for that elusive well looked after motor that an older person has owned from new, ask around your friends and at work, somebody will know about a nice little motor coming up.
Then ask quickly on here or maybe Honestjohn or similar for specific views on the particular car.

jmc160

OP, I have two suggestions for you:

1 - as others have said, let him choose the car. Make a day of it. Budget for lunch/dinner out somewhere and spend the day looking at possible cars and test driving. You could even try keeping the actual plan to buy one a suprise until you know which one he wants...

2 - If he really likes cars (and watches thing like Top Gear), why not buy him an experience track day instead? I think you can do Ferrari or Aston Martin days at places like Brands Hatch. Something he'll really appreciate and remember for many years. This should come in way under budget and leave you cash to do other things too. I keep dropping hints but the wife hasn't taken notice yet..

By the way, I think a car as a 21st present is a great idea.

amcluesent

I'd suggest getting a mini-MPV, sensible and room for baby-seats in due course.