To New or not to New

Well, since the last mention, we have somewhat convinced ourselves (or maybe just I and myself) that we (I) need a new BMW 118d. In Sparkling Graphite Metallic, with orange/ black cloth/ leather upholstery. And 17" broad 5 spoke alloys, 6-speed manual transmission and possibly leather steering wheel and sports seats and sports suspension. And MSport badges a-plenty. (To MSport Package or not to MSport Package...). However, this will make a significant dent in the Jongenelen savings account, as well as in my future pay packets.

O yeah, I got a new job! My contract came in the mail today so I need to have a good read of it and then sign and send it back. I was offered both the Youth Education Tutor at YMCA Greater Wellington and Research Assistant at IRL. It was a really hard decision and in usual Claire style I completely overthunk it, and took some of the excitement out of the fact that I HAVE A NEW JOB!!! Anyway, I took the Research Assistant job. Somewhat ashamedly, I don't exactly know what it entails yet, but it appears to have a lot of scope for development, both personal and career. One of the best things about it is it comes with a decent pay increase compared to my current job, which means we can afford to buy the new BMW.

Which brings me back to the BMW. Now I have decided which model, paint colour, interior and options I would like if we do buy a brand new one, we also have to consider the advantages and disadvantages compared with buying a new car. Here's what I've come up with so far:

Advantages of buying a brand new car (disadvantages of used):

• being able to choose the options and interior etc.
  
• BMW 3-year warranty included
• free package (until June) which includes insurance, fuel vouchers and accessories
• it's cool
• it's guaranteed to be in good shape physicially (as opposed to a used car) i.e. no rust in places where normal people can't see, no dents in dodgy places, engine in prisitine condition etc.
• new cars have better fuel economy than a lot of older ones
• I get to choose a manual (if we buy used, it will be very hard to find one)

Disadvantages of buying a brand new car (advantages of used):

• used car a couple of years old with less than 60000km for under half the price of a new one (think what else we could do with the money...)
• dodgy car salespeople not telling you about the bad rust spot in the far left hand corner under the bonnet
• no (or at least less) mechanical warranty
• not getting to choose exactly what you want
• it's still cool, but not as cool.

My thinking at the moment is... if we want to buy a new, styley and fun-to-drive brand new car, now is the time to do it. We are in a decent position financially, still young, no mortgage, no family. I always think of something I read once: "Spend money on experiences, not things". I figure if the car you buy is fun to drive and makes you smile (as the manual 116i I drove yesterday did), it is an experience every time you drive, as well as being a 'thing'. But on the other hand, we are still young and we don't have a family... think of all the travel we could do by saving half of the amount of the brand new car. Or leaving it invested, for a house deposit or money for future family prospects (let's not go there right now).

Can anyone offer any advice? My thinking at the moment is:
The 118d is so cool. I want one, a brand new one so I can choose stuff.

Please leave comments to help a poor Claire with her decision. They would be greatly appreciated.