I've always read other forum members posting about their partner/wives defying all logic when it comes to decisions about cars, until recently i haven't really experienced it.
When i first met my now wife, she had a 2004 Vauxhall Corsa. I could think of much worse cars to own but when our son was born there was next to no room for the push chair etc so we pretty much traded a straight swap against a late 2003 Astra. Its not a pretty car (although in great condition) but its served us well. Its never broken down, never needed anything replacing apart from some drop links, a thermostat and a track rod end. Every MOT its has its passed without quibble, its a brilliant run around and if it wasn't for the cost of the tax it would be reasonably cheap to run.
So, its at that magical 100K miles mark and she's now looking to exchange it for something a little newer with fewer miles on. A new job is on the horizon which means mileage would go up a bit, probably around 8-10k a year.
She did like the Ford Focus, but 'logic' tells her that because my mum has a 2009 model and we're not looking at something that new, it won't be as good and therefore is ruled out. Second choice was a VW Beetle. No reason other than they look 'cute'. 2.0 8v isn't a great engine, 1.6 would be underpowered and 1.9 TDI's hold their money extremely well, coupled with the fact the boot just about holds a packet of crisps, it doesn't make it a wise choice.
That leads us on to a "practical" choice. We don't use my son's push chair much any more so boot space isn't an issue. We have my Octavia for when we go away so bags etc aren't a problem. The second choice? A Vauxhall Zafira. An oversized version of what she already has which apparantly is good, because it has 7 seats, which is vital for that one or two occasions a year when we go out for a family day trip as it means all going in one car.
Rotty got off lightly with a 206CC
When i first met my now wife, she had a 2004 Vauxhall Corsa. I could think of much worse cars to own but when our son was born there was next to no room for the push chair etc so we pretty much traded a straight swap against a late 2003 Astra. Its not a pretty car (although in great condition) but its served us well. Its never broken down, never needed anything replacing apart from some drop links, a thermostat and a track rod end. Every MOT its has its passed without quibble, its a brilliant run around and if it wasn't for the cost of the tax it would be reasonably cheap to run.
So, its at that magical 100K miles mark and she's now looking to exchange it for something a little newer with fewer miles on. A new job is on the horizon which means mileage would go up a bit, probably around 8-10k a year.
She did like the Ford Focus, but 'logic' tells her that because my mum has a 2009 model and we're not looking at something that new, it won't be as good and therefore is ruled out. Second choice was a VW Beetle. No reason other than they look 'cute'. 2.0 8v isn't a great engine, 1.6 would be underpowered and 1.9 TDI's hold their money extremely well, coupled with the fact the boot just about holds a packet of crisps, it doesn't make it a wise choice.
That leads us on to a "practical" choice. We don't use my son's push chair much any more so boot space isn't an issue. We have my Octavia for when we go away so bags etc aren't a problem. The second choice? A Vauxhall Zafira. An oversized version of what she already has which apparantly is good, because it has 7 seats, which is vital for that one or two occasions a year when we go out for a family day trip as it means all going in one car.
Rotty got off lightly with a 206CC
