Disadvantages and advantages of not owning a car

[saltyman]

I can live without a car now I live back with my parents, 3 mile from the city and I never do weekly shops and my local gym is half a mile away and I cycle most days.

Saying that my backs bad (8 months and counting) off work and my parents are elderly, so I chopped in my 2012 polo tdi and now own an old £750 bmw 5 series.



Rock solid, reliable 26mpg but what I use it for I'd rather sit in this and cruise than be in the cramped polo....it's like an armchair with wheels but silent and smooth.

I can't afford nice cars like I used to, and can't even afford to drive about just for the hell of it like old days, if I'm going to the coast I go alone on my bike....same with the countryside and visiting places.

Modern world means you can get everything delivered to your house but I still like having a car, I tried to live with a scooter for a bit but rain, wind, crazy drivers and state of the roads meant it was too risky.....though saying that I'm still recovering from my most recent cycling accident where I got hit by a bus!

 

[TGR]

And motorcycling?

Where does it fit in the Grand Scheme?

Richard

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Me? I blummin LOVE driving. I have 3 of the cars, and they're all modified and all Awesome.

TBH, modified and high performance cars are pretty pointless where i am (empty roads, minimal traffic, minimal police presence, minimal risk). In the UK, unless you have access to a track, they have even less point.

And this comes from someone who has spent a lot of time (Track and public roads) in some properly mental "production" cars.

I never said performance cars! customised, is perhaps what I should have said? My point was that I treat cars the same way I treat bikes - they're mine, I make them mine.

 

[David B]

I've never driven or owned a car. I safe an enormous amount of money with it. Money I can use on bikes and travelling. I've hardly ever sensed that it limits me. I can get nearly anywhere, of course I own a Brompton for the most efficient combination of rail & bike.
OK, I do live near to railwaystations, but that's a choice. Just like living in a village of living near a motorway is a choice for a lot of people.

This post I can definitely relate to (ditto lumos2000 - the only major gripe of being a non-driver is people badgering you to start); train + bike is a pretty effective way to travel, as a seasoned rail traveller although fares can admittedly be steep unless you shop around, I've found that the network is more reliable than the media makes out (although FCC/Thameslink's timekeeping is genuinely a bit shabby almost every time I've used 'em), especially if you consider how hard-worked it is in some places.
I have had lessons, took a test, failed and gave it up as a bad job after I realised how much valuable time and cash I'd (IMHO) wasted after listening to the advice of others saying it was A Good Thing that I needed to do. I may get back into it one day if it does become necessary, but seem to be getting on fine having lived in both built-up and semi-rural areas. I'm about to start a new job which will be within easy cycling (and at a push, walking) distance from my new flat so driving is on the back burner for now. I'm more fussed about using my hard-earned dosh to save up for a mortgage.

David

 

[TGR]

Another 2p (i must be rich)

To summarize this thread -

If you need a car - you need a car
If you don't need one, count yourself very lucky - you are avoiding loads of expense and hassle

Richard

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re:

I can envisage a future without a car. Once we retire to St.Lucia we could happily use taxis for the occasions where the horses wouldn't be appropriate, or the boat wouldn't be practical.

For now though, I am loving every inch of the thousand odd miles I personally put in every week. Loving it.

 

[TGR]

St Lucia? Hmmmmm Ailsa Craig perhaps!

Richard

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re:

The only downside to that alternative would be the lack of mangos and coconuts from the garden; though I suppose one could construct a bio-dome! A couple of 'holidays' each year in the UK will suffice. In the summer, when my bones can take the weather. A week in London and a week up here would do the job.

Now I really must go and put on some miles. I love the smell of petrol fumes on a sunny evening!

 

[brocklanders023]

Another 2p (i must be rich)

To summarize this thread -

If you need a car - you need a car
If you don't need one, count yourself very lucky - you are avoiding loads of expense and hassle

Richard

Nah, even if I didn't need a car I'd still want one. The right road, at the right time is very enjoyable.

 

[feetabix]

I learned to drive as quickly as I could at 17, motivated as much by my parents telling me I would need it as I was by my own urges.....

From the age of about 20 possession of a licence has been a pivotal part of my career. That career offered me the privelidge of learning to drive to an advanced level, and then pass on those skills to others.

Owning cars, taking pride in them, and polishing my driving for purely personal pleasure has been a really important part of my adult life that hopefully will continue for years to come.......probably my most heartfelt form of self expression.

I can see the financial advantages of not running a car, but to not have a car would leave a significant gap in my life. For years, when the mood was right I have taken the long route home from work. I've never achieved my 'perfect' drive, but I've come close on occasions, and when it clicks then it's just great........

The financial costs are outweighed by the pleasures........

Just my point of view.......