New MCS

JB17 said:

Hello, Sytner have been harassing me as they had a sales event over the weekend. They’ve drawn up a spec for a Cooper S Sport in melting silver which comes with Premium Plus pack as standard. Different options to what I have now:

• Panoramic sunroof
• HK sound system
• Comfort access (still dubious on getting a car with this!)
• Large infotainment screen
• Intelligent adaptive suspension - any thoughts on this and if it substantially improves the ride?
• Piano black exterior
• Digital cockpit
  
  I’m seriously considering it for an extra £30 per month, given they’ve magically increased the valuation since my feedback and I don’t have to put a deposit down. Any thoughts here whether to go for it or is it a no brainer? I’ll miss having thunder grey as it’s pretty unique round here.

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From a numbers point of view what you are contemplating doesn't make sense. Depreciation is the biggest expense of car ownership and by moving to a newer/more expensive car you increase what you will lose to depreciation.

Of course numbers alone don't determine what we drive.

Also, I have to point out your current car has spent most of its time in your garage or on your drive way. Why buy a newer/more expensive car to just see its value going down as it sits mostly unused?

But like numbers vehicle use or lack of doesn't determine what we choose to drive.

To be honest a number of times I have moved from a little used less expensive car to a more expensive car and used it even less. Most recent example: April 14 I traded in an 11 month old 2022 BMW 230i with just over 7K miles for a 2023 BMW M2 and so far the M2 is being driven less than the 230i. Being retired means most of my driving is strictly for pleasure and so far this doesn't have me putting big miles on my cars. It hasn't helped though my area has seen a bit of rain for some time and I don't drive the M2 in the rain.

And Feb. of this year traded in a 2022 MINI Cooper S (bought last Dec and with just over 7K miles) for a 2023 MINI Cooper JCW. Now the JCW has racked up nearly 4K miles since I bought it. But ~900 miles were added to it on the drive home from the distant MINI dealer and another 400+ miles added to the car when I drove it the distant BMW dealer to view the M2 I eventually bought. And the JCW is my daily driver but also I use it when chauffeuring a family member to where she needs to go. Ok and sticking to the honesty theme occasionally -- once or twice a week -- I just drive the JCW because it is so fun to drive.