[Drisser]

Thought it would be interesting to get an official definition.. here is my starter for 10..

serious or tongue in cheek definitions welcome !

Man Maths - "the act of artificially representing the cost of running or changing one's current vehicle to manipulate the answer to the extent that whatever the real figures tell you, there is always a clear case to change current vehicle for something faster, more expensive or more fun, regardless of money lost on trade it, extra deposit required or change in monthly payments. Particularly skilled man maths users have also adapted their conversations to convince other halfs /partners that said change of vehicle is a good deal and otherwise justifiable through the new vehicle being safer for the family, better as a long term investment or because the deal on offer is simply too good to turn down"

[Rukka]

Here you go.
.

[snipnoob86]

as above. pinching from one pot and adding it to another with the intention of refilling pot 1 at a later date

[TheLiverBird]

Convincing yourself and loved ones that you can afford something that either you either can't or shouldn't buy!

[Watsey]

I suggest man maths is best left undefined - illusion is the art of the magician

[stu14t]

The act of loosely guestimating whether a goal is achievable, often without fully thinking through the ramifications of achieving said goal.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by TheLiverBird

Convincing yourself and loved ones that you can afford something that either you either can't or shouldn't buy!

I think this is going too far, as there is a difference between whether something is affordable and whether it's financially sensible. Lots can be buying a sensible car and it be unaffordable to them and their family, and likewise lots on here can afford to do financially stupid things with car purchases, but tricking themselves (and partners) with man maths in justifying it.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Drisser

Thought it would be interesting to get an official definition.. here is my starter for 10..

serious or tongue in cheek definitions welcome !

Man Maths - "the act of artificially representing the cost of running or changing one's current vehicle to manipulate the answer to the extent that whatever the real figures tell you, there is always a clear case to change current vehicle for something faster, more expensive or more fun, regardless of money lost on trade it, extra deposit required or change in monthly payments. Particularly skilled man maths users have also adapted their conversations to convince other halfs /partners that said change of vehicle is a good deal and otherwise justifiable through the new vehicle being safer for the family, better as a long term investment or because the deal on offer is simply too good to turn down"

I think this is technically pretty much how I'd see it.

Maybe you should develop a man maths curriculum?...

Beginners:
1. How to use the monthly payment to disguise the true cost
2. Remember to ignore the deposit in all calculations
3. Negative equity doesn't count if the discount is big enough

And so on!

[sygazelle]

Leasing a car.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I think this is technically pretty much how I'd see it.

Maybe you should develop a man maths curriculum?...

Beginners:
1. How to use the monthly payment to disguise the true cost
2. Remember to ignore the deposit in all calculations
3. Negative equity doesn't count if the discount is big enough

And so on!

Taking point 3 a step further for the Advanced Class;

If discount is greater than or equal to the negative equity then you have not lost any money; in fact, you have gained and should purchase immediately before the dealer notices


.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Lobb

How do I check if my wife is a user of this forum???!!
I wouldn't want any "state secrets" getting out...

If she finds out just buy/lease her a new car using the same logic. She'll be okay. Anyway, if one car using man maths is a good deal then two cars must save even more money. Go for it..

[Ice Man]

Originally Posted by Lobb

How do I check if my wife is a user of this forum???!!
I wouldn't want any "state secrets" getting out...

You should be ok last time we checked there weren't any ladies present on this forum.

[Drisser]

Would be interested to know if the girls are discussing woman Maths ! Which interestingly is very negative re cars but when it comes to bags and shoes they apply their own woman Maths to justify it.. Had one this eve with a new top bought with a voucher.. When I questioned where the voucher came from she couldn't admit it was due to previously spent money !

[JustChris]

Man Maths.

You already know you want it, it's just how to rearrange numbers to make it happen.

LOVE > Logic

[Kal101]

Man maths

Making it happen.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I think this is technically pretty much how I'd see it.

Maybe you should develop a man maths curriculum?...

Beginners:
1. How to use the monthly payment to disguise the true cost
2. Remember to ignore the deposit in all calculations
3. Negative equity doesn't count if the discount is big enough

And so on!

Aided by the eager salesman who can use "smoke and mirrors" to make it happen.

Point 2 is a key part of the "black art" of man maths. It allows/funds the deal, but is of no consequence or a waste of money. Plus a deposit can be a depreciation "fudge factor" if you want (or need) it to be.

[bodtwo]

Unlike in normal maths were the formula, working out is the important bit, in man maths, the answer is the important bit, how you get there is irrelevant.

"I want that one" - points at shiny new thing.

[430GH]

Pointless exercise as one man's "man maths" is completely different to the next man's "man maths"

[goodbyalfa]

And the other justification for yet another new car... Oh I do loads loads of miles love, so I need to have a car that won't break down or cost much in maintainance. It comes with a 3 year Warranty so that's got to be worth paying £450 a month etc....

[Notechy]

Enjoyed this enough to share with wife. First post she has seen on the forum but I sometimes tell her about others so that she appreciates how unbonkers I am!

[ajfoggy]

You want something + you only live once = Buy it, you can always sell it.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by bodtwo

Unlike in normal maths were the formula, working out is the important bit, in man maths, the answer is the important bit, how you get there is irrelevant.

"I want that one" - points at shiny new thing.

I was thinking this way last evening regarding maths and formulas, constants, etc. I'll make a stab at a man maths formula, assuming that there is a man math constant, probably a myth to believe even man maths has a formula at all.

Acquisition = Affordability ÷ Desire + Justification x Smoke & Mirrors

The above calculation is based on the assumption the variables don't change "too much".

Acquisition: Finance Package, often referred to as "owning a car", or "my car".
Affordability: A sub formula of man maths based on a large fudge factor. Often based on the assumption any other 'reasoned' option must be flawed.
Desire: "I want one at all costs". That's the simple part of the equation, but changes in value the longer the test drive, or brochure/forum viewing.
Justification: A loose calculation of desire vs. affordability, based on the back of an envelope maths, or mental maths. Important not to get to deep into real running costs (definitely not pence per mile) or a mental 'error' occurs.
Smoke & Mirrors: The black art of salesman vs. customer 'both' feeling they have the upper hand in the final deal. In most cases the salesman understands man maths, giving him the upper hand.