I think cars are such
personal things that it's hard to advise anyone on the 'correct' choice to be made.... :chin:
To
me, there are
two components to the decision (...and I used to work in marketing -- so you can either take the following as gospel, or with a pinch of sodium chloride):
- Head -- i.e. doing the research that Andy sensibly suggests; being pragmatic about setting a budget, and sticking to it; comparing various makes and models; listing pros and cons for each; test-driving; looking underneath (and under carpets, etc.) for rust; scanning the documentation (especially MOTs and service history); kicking the tyres... -- you get the gist...!
- Heart -- where you ignore everything in the point above: because it's a "cute and fun car"; it's a convertible; the paintwork matches your eyes/nail varnish/secret tattoo/suspenders; you can call it a silly girl's name (e.g. Samantha Smart); it makes a nice noise; you've always wanted a Ferrari; the dealer called you 'madam', and made you a nice coffee, and fed you custard creams... -- ditto...!
This is the classic
need vs. want argument, in a nutshell; and -- in
my experience... -- it is very difficult
not letting your heart (want) rule your head (need): it's why advertisers use puppies, and car designers give their creations faces.... :spin:
After coming to the ever-so logical conclusion that what I
really should buy was a Honda Civic, I ended up with a
Punto -- which wasn't even on my original shortlist (even though I'd just ordered a new Panda...)! And, so far, it's turned out
pretty well...!
What I'm trying to say -- in too many words... -- is: if something
grabs you; it's
compelling (for whatever reason) enough; and it makes you
smile... -- then
buy the darned thing (or, if it's human,
marry it...). Unless of course, on the Smart forum, it says that all convertibles self-combust at 50,000 miles....
Anyhoo... -- so what's wrong with a second-hand Panda or 500, eh...? :hug:
PS: I think you're only asking us all (with your head), because you need some way of justifying the decision you've already made (with your heart)! But that's me just being cynical, after too many years at the coalface of the acquisitive virus.... :shakehead: