not necessarily ... but it really proves that she loves ya ! ;)
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I would think that keeping the Subaru and selling the Defender would be the cheapest and most comfortable option for the short term. In the long term it might swing the other way.
As Dave said, the Defender isn't likely to lose much more value (provided it is well maintained) whereas the Subaru will keep depreciating. However, I think the Subaru will cost a lot less to maintain.
I guess it depends on what you want from a family car and how long you intend to keep it.
Personally I would keep the Defender. Our family car for 12 years was a Defender 110 200 tdi and it was loved by all. Wife learned how to drive in it and passed her driving test first time in it.It was and is easy to service. The interior is very family friendly as it is easily cleaned etc. I replaced the original flat backed middle row seats with some high backs from Exmoor trim. We never had a "normal" car and my wife has never driven a "normal" car. It has lost as much value as it will lose and will always be worth something. In 2008 we got a Defender Tdci Puma which the wife promptly confiscated after her first drive in it. This is now the family car. The 200 tdi has been relegated to yours truly to use for my own needs. Have been asked to sell it but it is worth more to use than we would get in monetary terms for it. 17 years old 160,000 miles on the clock, 30 mpg+. What other vehicle can match that. Definately part of the family.
"but this decision can’t be based on emotion alone!"
It can. As long as you're honest and recognise what you're doing, you can do exactly what you want, not what you think you should do.
If your wife hated the Defender then you'd be selling it on emotion alone and fair enough too. Your dream car and she likes it, then keep it, pretty simple really.
Keep the Defender,
My Mrs's went from BF GT Falcon to Disco 3 and now she has got a Puma ! (it was suppose to be mine).
Drives it every day, every where, kids to school - work - shopping .....
Loves it to tears.
Your wife will love it more and more, the more she drives it.
You know the answer don't you??