How do you currently afford your car?

motorguy

MEM62 said:

Deleted_User said:

I really, really, want a BMW 3 Series. I earn around £50k a year but some of these PCP/loan deals for these cars are like £500 a month, WITH a deposit. I just couldn't see myself paying that for 3-5 years for any car.

Neither could I.  

Deleted_User said:

Even when my nursery fees are out of the way and I have an extra £1,300 in the bank each month, I just could not see how I could justify spending so much on such a car. Yet, most people I know who drive these car earn less than me! Would be interested to know how others here afford their cars. 

I too love the 3-series.  I afforded mine because I bought a 5-year old example in really nice condition and paid cash. I didn't borrow money to purchase a car that I could not otherwise afford (and with a value that falls like a stone)  Mine served me well for 3 years and 60,000 miles with minimal expense and I got something back when I sold it. 

That's how you afford a 3-series.      

+1

Loads of very nice examples available used, pretty much to suit any budget.

Also if someone wants to finance part of it, theres cheap loans available from 2.9% APR.

DB1904

dipsomaniac said:

Herzlos said:

dipsomaniac said:

Herzlos said:

"

dipsomaniac said:

I am not preaching to anyone just sharing my experience.  I am not bitter or jealous, another couple of traits that people like to use on here if you don't want to follow the pcp/leasing fraternity

Edit: What kind of fuel economy are you getting from the Galaxy? 

Interestingly, the wikipedia page for the Galaxy says:

"In 1999, the MkI Ford Galaxy was rated in a Top Gear magazine survey as the least satisfying car in the United Kingdom"

So I don't buy for a second that you actually think it's better to drive than a Golf that's 25 years newer.

Around 28mpg. That's why I am driving the focus

So you're not even driving the Galaxy you are raving about?

You wouldn't use a Ferrari on a daily basis would you?

The focus is the runaround, the galaxy for special occasions🙂

Wow, you really live the high life. It's a special occasion when you got out in a 20 years old van.  

iwb100

Living a life where you don’t ever indulge in things you enjoy doesn’t really seem a good plan to me. If people have the money and can afford nice cars and want them then I suggest they go and get them because you only live once. Money saving to me is about getting the best deal for what you want to enjoy your life. Not denying yourself any enjoyment like some sort of martyr. You only live once, spend, enjoy life. Just don’t spend more than you need to in order to get what you want. 

Ibrahim5

I've got everything I want. Driving along trying to work out how much charge I have and wondering if the next charger is working or not is one of life's pleasures that I am willing to forgo for the time being. I like things that work.

Herzlos

Ibrahim5 said:

I've got everything I want. Driving along trying to work out how much charge I have and wondering if the next charger is working or not is one of life's pleasures that I am willing to forgo for the time being. I like things that work.

You do realize that electric cars have a fuel gauge, like a phone, and don't just cut off like a drill, right?

That people who actually know about electric cars don't have the same irrational concern?

Most EV's have enough range for the average person to get to work and back a few times, so it's really not the issue you're trying to make it. Of course, you could be one of the few people doing a 200 mile non-stop commute away from infrastructure, but I doubt it's even as much as 40.

Ibrahim5

I don't do any commuting. I drive on holidays to places like the South of France/Spain/Italy/Germany/Scandinavia.

motorguy

iwb100 said:

Living a life where you don’t ever indulge in things you enjoy doesn’t really seem a good plan to me. If people have the money and can afford nice cars and want them then I suggest they go and get them because you only live once. Money saving to me is about getting the best deal for what you want to enjoy your life. Not denying yourself any enjoyment like some sort of martyr. You only live once, spend, enjoy life. Just don’t spend more than you need to in order to get what you want. 

+1

Thats totally it.

Find the balance - and save money on this forum on the things you want.

surfer91919

I afford my car the same way I always have. I do 95% of repairs and servicing myself, electronics is my weak point but I've been getting better at that. It's a 1990s mercedes benz and is very reliable, parts are cheaper than you'd think. Zero depreciation, possibly some appreciation recently.
I run it on recycled waste chip fat (been doing this over 10 yrs now) which I filter myself in a shed. The road tax bill is kinda hefty at £300 a year or so (why am I paying a carbon based tax when I'm running largely carbon neutral fuel?) but I save around £2000 a year on fuel plus zero depreciation and low repair / servicing costs.

DB1904

surfer91919 said:

I afford my car the same way I always have. I do 95% of repairs and servicing myself, electronics is my weak point but I've been getting better at that. It's a 1990s mercedes benz and is very reliable, parts are cheaper than you'd think. Zero depreciation, possibly some appreciation recently.
I run it on recycled waste chip fat (been doing this over 10 yrs now) which I filter myself in a shed. The road tax bill is kinda hefty at £300 a year or so (why am I paying a carbon based tax when I'm running largely carbon neutral fuel?) but I save around £2000 a year on fuel plus zero depreciation and low repair / servicing costs.

What tax do they charge on that these days?

surfer91919

DB1904 said:

surfer91919 said:

I afford my car the same way I always have. I do 95% of repairs and servicing myself, electronics is my weak point but I've been getting better at that. It's a 1990s mercedes benz and is very reliable, parts are cheaper than you'd think. Zero depreciation, possibly some appreciation recently.
I run it on recycled waste chip fat (been doing this over 10 yrs now) which I filter myself in a shed. The road tax bill is kinda hefty at £300 a year or so (why am I paying a carbon based tax when I'm running largely carbon neutral fuel?) but I save around £2000 a year on fuel plus zero depreciation and low repair / servicing costs.

What tax do they charge on that these days?

Nothing as long as you produce less than 2500 litres per year. You don't have to register with anyone, just keep basic records of what you have "set aside" for use in the car.