We are buying a new car.

As ever in this process, the concept of NEED becomes a very elastic term. 

The council for the defence of this profligacy is something like this;

• We live in a rural area, where I have to provide a car for my work.
• Public transport is not an option, because where it exists, it is so infrequent that it is entirely impractical.
• Our old car is very tired, and needs a lot of money spending on it. It has done a lot of miles, and lonely country miles at that.
• Our cars have always been multi-purpose load luggers- house moves, PA gear, camping stuff, bikes, trips out with assorted kids, stone and logs for the fire.

The council for the prosecution is a little harsher of course.

• So you need a new car- why not get another old banger? Why a shiny posh one?
• Could it really be about strengthening your fragile ego?
• Think of all that money- and the better uses that you could put it to.
• It will break down anyway, and cost you a fortune!
• All that stuff you espouse about looking after the world God gave us, and turning away from consumerism- you are a fraud!

But, whatever the verdict, and whatever the personal angst- the deed is done.