Can anyone knock some sense into my DH? (long)

horizon1322

OK, a bit of backstory first: DH had a horrible car that he stupidly bought at auction. Since he was commuting 1.5 hrs a day for grad school, my parents decided he needed a better car (we were engaged but not married at this point). They decided to "sell" him my brothers' old car, which was in fantastic shape with ridiculously low mileage. In exchange, he wouldn't get Christmas presents for 5 years. So basically, my parents gave him a great car since his was barely running.

Two years later, he's decided he wants to buy a new car. His car is still in good shape, running fine, with no major repairs. However, there are some minor cosmetic issues, like interior trim coming up and a broken door handle. Because of the minor cosmetic issues and his conviction that eventually the car will start having troubles so it's better to sell it when it's still good, he wants to buy a new (used) car.

My issues:

- His car is still working great. Why buy something you don't need? And why buy a used car that might have more issues than his current car? At least we know the full history of this car and know it's been well taken care of.

- We just bought a house 3 months ago, so we don't need to make another huge purchase.

- We have a fair amount in savings, but that's savings for starting a family. He's talking about taking out a loan, but to make the car payment, we'd either have to put less into savings or scrimp elsewhere, something I'm not wanting to do when he doesn't need a new car. Plus, we're debt-free other than a mortgage, and I'd like to keep it that way.

- My parents gave him this car 2 years ago. My brothers loved this car and weren't happy about them giving it away. He hasn't even "paid" it off yet. It will not go over well with my family for him to ditch it for no good reason.

He thinks I'm being completely irrational and is pissed that my family would have any impact on his decision. So, BOTB, am I being irrational?

LucyAnnie

I would convince him to fix up the minor cosemetic problems the car is having. 

There is zero need in buying something new because of a few scratches. 

Melaneigh1

I'm semi-embarassed of the car I drive most of the time, becuase it's old and ugly.  But it's paid for and it runs, so we're keeping it.  I think you should keep the car you have. 

My husband is the same way, though.  We'll pay our other car off in the spring, and he already wants to shop for something elese.  Hate to break it to him, but it's not gonna happen.

fabbate13

From someone who drove her last car for over 12 years until it literally didn't drive anymore.....I say he doesn't 'need' a new car.  And I'm all about not having monthly payments when not necessary.

So end result....you are NOT being irrational.

Anna&Matt

I would explain that your parents/family will be pissed if he sells it already to get a newer car. Maybe take it to get fixed/detailed instead?

two-pink-shoes

I think he's being irrational.  It's silly to take a loan on a car when you have a perfectly good one.  A car is not an investment, it's a liability that will only decrease in value.

terbear_86

I am sorry, I am just lurking-- but I would tell him that he "cant" sell it because technically its not paid off. He still owes Christmases without presents. Technically your parents can file a small claims lawsuit against him. Tell him to buck up and deal until it's paid off. He made the deal, and Christmas won't come any faster. Unless there is a major reason which it doesn't sound like. Also ( this is just me and what I have had to do in my life/how I was brought up, you may not agree) I would tell him that our savings were for a mutually decided upon start of a family. A new car is not a mutually decided upon item. If HE wants it, then HE can take on another job to pay for it and NOT change anything else about your current bills, monthly payments, debt, savings.

 

* Going back to my corner lurking from TK*