I remember when I was a child of about 6 or 7 years old, seeing the coolest car EVER when someone’s mum picked them up from school. Beautiful shape, convertible and pop-up headlights (no jokes about the mother…) For years this memory was lost until a few years ago my thoughts turned to the fact that a second car would be incredibly useful to my girlfriend (now wife) and me. Looking around at all kinds of cars, some from a practical point of view, some for fantasy reasons, I spotted THAT car again. Turns out it was a Mazda MX-5, and there had been a couple of updates since I noticed my first. Still just as attractive to me nearly 30 years later, I read lots about it but dismissed it as impractical and likely too expensive. Other cars, even old bangers, were also expensive. Insurance for someone with no no-claims discount built up was extraordinary, even in their mid 30s. I just couldn’t decide. It was it this point my wife suggested I just get the MX-5 as that was what I really wanted, so I researched the price of insurance. I was ecstatic to find that on classic car insurance it would be about a THIRD of the price of that on your bog standard runabout. The hunt was on.

Less than a week later I found one in the spec I was looking for, checked it out, and I proceeded to buy my first car at the age of 32. For three years this was our fun car. It only seated us and was just amazing fun to drive. I was so proud of it and it signified something special between us. I don’t think it’s coincidence we ended up married!

Towards the end of this three year period it needed more maintenance and we were using it far less. Part of the reason was I had discovered motorbikes (there will surely be a post about bikes at some point!) The cost to benefit was getting too great but we thought we needed two cars. Two cars. And a motorbike. When we live by a railway station. I was so sad, but I didn’t want to resent what it was costing me. It had to go.

After a couple of false starts I managed to sell it to the first buyer for a price I was happy with. The chap seemed as enthusiastic about it as I was, so I was pleased it was going to a good home. I’ve since seen it being used in the good weather and they still look pleased!
The upshot is I had a great experience owning it but realising when to let it go was a valuable experience, and I have now cut out a drain on my income that can be going towards my savings.