We, more often than not, replace our second hand car with another. Occasionally we buy new, usually using savings to make up the difference. Those times have changed. Both new and secondhand are now very expensive.
Last time around, we decided on new, with interest free credit. That has almost finished and as is their want, we have been getting pestered to take out a new loan for another new car. There are a few problems with that.
1) Such a loan, even with part exchange, would now be nearly £100 more.
2) DB’s age. It is a sad fact to acknowledge, but we are both getting on, he more so than me. Whilst we have previously worked out I can financially manage without him, I couldn’t do so with a monthly car loan!
3) Should he survive me, he could manage without my pension, just, but would have no ability to save for unforeseen circumstances.
Somewhat of a dilemma. To get them off our backs, he keeps telling them he will shortly be giving up driving and for now, the calls have stopped.
We have decided to keep this car until it falls apart or gets scrapped due to governmental pressure regarding all electric vehicles. Yeah, right.
With regard to him having to give up driving, certainly long distance, that is only just over the horizon and we will cross that bridge when necessary. Whilst I do drive, I hate any journey longer than an hour or so. Anywhere new, forget it, I no longer have the confidence.
Those future problems will need much heart searching as it might involve us having to move. We haven’t decided yet.
Are you having to think about this?
Yes, we are. Husband, due to his health problems, is no longer able to drive long distances, although he's been declared fit to drive for the time being. Since I don't drive (never have) and certainly don't have the confidence to start taking lessons now, it was imperative that we moved somewhere with better access to facilities and buses, otherwise I would be completely stuck. It's unpleasant to have to contemplate the future, but very necessary.
ReplyDeleteVery true and at last you have moved somewhere more suitable. Time will tell.
DeleteFor us
DeleteI mean not you two!
Yes it is a dilemma isn't it? We are both getting on and still feel able to drive but have switched to an automatic. I can only drive for about an hour straight like you plus I don't drive once it is dark. Husband ok driving at night and can drive for longer than me but not up to Scotland to see my sister like we used to do. We now lease a car for three years and then get another new one saves on MOT 's. We would never have done this when we were younger but we are happy with it now. We think we will give up driving in the next three years it will be hard to accept I am sure as we have both driven since we were 17 (now both mid seventies). We do live in an area with a good community bus that stops and picks up on request which is very useful. Good luck with your decision Sue H.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to do and if/when to do so. We don’t drive at night either, can’t see properly.
DeleteWe have a four year old car and think we will keep it as we are over seventy and I don't drive so all the driving for us and our ninety year old uncle next door falls on my husband. Luckily as we are rural the bus which passes the end of our driveway will stop anywhere you wave it down so if he has to stop driving we will cope. I certainly don't want to take a bank loan at my time of life as it would be a big financial burden. It's funny looking back the things I thought would come with old age are very different from the reality
ReplyDeleteWe can only guess what the future holds but if we stay and son moves, he will be even further away. No visits, no grandchildren to see:(
DeleteThe distance from everything was one of my reasons for moving nearly three years ago. Here I have a post office and shop - although awful for fresh fruit and veg - and doctors within a few minutes walk .
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to keep the car which is 2017 reg. for a lot longer as it is free of road tax. Then I guess it will be electric and hope to keep driving for while longer but who knows.
We have a mini market, doctors, post office. Am in reach of a hospital, chiro and massage lady. Would be hard to beat. Buses are only 2 a day though. One out, one back later.
DeleteYes there are some things you have to consider as you age.. we keep a car for 10 years and then maybe buy another but like you now perhaps we'll reconsider? We've had it 4 years so ok for the moment, I can't drive with my arm injury so its all on my husband.
ReplyDeleteCertainly lots to consider. Certainly important to do a general financial check to see if either of you can survive without the others income.
DeleteWe have been contemplating a move to a bigger center. Not so much because we can no longer drive the distance, more because of specialist appointments in our closest big center. The car we are driving now was also one of those no interest loans and I believe with our low milage we can manage with this one for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
So much to consider and let’s admit, because we all are considering these questions, we are ahead of the game, hopefully!
DeleteSince my back breaks two years ago, and now in chronic pain I can no longer manage to drive for more than half an hour. I did push this a bit when Alan couldn't drive and needed to get to various hospitals and clinics for appointments a couple of months back, but it took me days to get over. Now he's back fully driving again, his car is automatic but I hate it so never drive it, preferring my small manual Fiat. Our plan once he retires next year, is to downsize to one car and buy a new hybrid/automatic car that suits us both. We will also be moving nearer to the town centre so walking to the shops will be easier for me.
ReplyDeleteEverything just seems to make me feel old, downright depressing at times.
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