To Buy or Not to Buy [a Car]

spychiatrist on 29/03/2016 - 21:00

The car mentioned from the other thread has now been donated to charity (Kids Under Cover). In the crossroads now whether it is worth buying a car (second hand, $5,000), or carry on without one - and use bus, train, cab, rental, uber, etc.

Considering a car budget of $5,000 INCLUDING any unforeseen repairs that will be done upon purchase (say a $4,000 car with $1,000 immediate repair budget) - the choices are limited.

Pros:
a. Savings on cost of: rego $600 pa (includes CTP), insurance $150 pa (TPPD only), servicing $200 pa (on average, OzB style of one service per year, averaged for four years), wear and tear $300 pa (brake pads, tyres, flush and fill fluids, averaged for four years)

Overall, cost savings of $1,500 (didn't include fuel cost as it will be offset by transport fares)

b. No parking fees to worry about

c. Go out anytime

Cons:
a. Public transport costs (offset with fuel costs)

b. Dependent on public transport times - no late nightouts (taxi will be $40 on average).

c. Time wasted waiting for the next bus/train during transfers

d. Visiting friends (weekends, public holidays) will have to be planned. Travelling on weekend and public holidays will be a PITA, especially if a bus was just missed - with the 1-hour interval between bus trips. Cab or hire car to be organised ($60 a pop for one day hire car, fuel cost, public transport to pick up the car and after car is returned)

Side note: any car recommendations based on budget mentioned will be appreciated

Poll Options

  • 23
    Yes! This is the 21st century, a car is essential to be mobile
  • 6
    No! Plan ahead and it'll be alright. Imagine the savings
Automotive

Comments

  • backno67 on 29/03/2016 - 21:15

    I believe buying a bike has most of the pros of both scenarios so I would go with that. The biggest drawback is not being able to take someone with you i guess (I guess you could always put them behind you but thats if they agree), which would be relevant if you are going on a date or out with a girl. When it rains, you could uber it.

    If thats not an option, I would definitely go for car. One con that I think you have missed or underestimated is the psychological freedom you will miss of being able to go anywhere anytime. When I have been without a car, it feels like you are trapped. And waiting for the bus or planning your trip doesnt really give you back that feeling.

    • the-mal on 30/03/2016 - 07:18
      +2

      A bike also comes with a lot of real additional dangers. Don't get me wrong, I'm a rider and love my bike, but I'm a supe careful rider and I've almost been driven off the road by cars that many times.

      Have a bingle in a car, you've got an insurance claim. Have a bingle on a bike, you're lucky if you don't break something.

      Also things like shopping (big grocery shops) and as you said passengers are out for bikes. I had dreams of ditching my car when I learned to ride all those years ago, but it's just never been practical for me to do it.

      • Euphemistic on 30/03/2016 - 10:44

        Bikes aren't that dangerous, its just a perception. Sure the risks are increased, but you can mitigate them fairly easily most of the time.

        Get some panniers or a trailer for shopping, use public transport when it suits. Don't get a car if you don't need/want one, they are just a big money pit.

        • the-mal on 30/03/2016 - 14:55
          +3

          Bikes aren't that dangerous, its just a perception

          Complete rubbish.

          Per distance travelled motorcycle riders are statistically speaking 30 times more likely to die and 40 times more likely to be seriously injured than car drivers/passengers in Australia.

          PDF link here but the stats are everywhere.

          I love my bike and I love riding, but it is a massively more dangerous activity than driving. It is not perception.

        • Euphemistic on 31/03/2016 - 09:22

          @the-mal: My Bad. to me bike = bicycle. didn't even occur to me that bike = moto.

  • toristo on 29/03/2016 - 22:31
    +2

    I'm in Sydney so having a car here is almost a joke. It's more inconvenient most days than bus/train/taxi/uber/car share/walking/push bike. If you have good public transport, I'd say go without. The money you save you can spend hiring a car for longer trips or uber/taxi as required. If you have a car share scheme near you, check that out too.

    When my car dies, I don't think I will bother replacing it now.

  • the-mal on 30/03/2016 - 07:22

    Depends how far you (and your friends, family and favourite places) are from city centres.

    I'd love to ditch my car but it's a necessary evil. Sure it's a money pit and a terrible investment dollar for dollar, but my lifestyle demands it. Family and friends spread over the state, sometimes I work outside the CBD, shops aren't in walking distance.

    If you can practically ditch your car without decimating your lifestyle, then go for it. Personally it's just not an option (and I'd say the same goes for most).

  • iforgotmysocks on 30/03/2016 - 08:57
    +1

    Motorbike!

  • miarn on 30/03/2016 - 09:01
    +1

    Try going for a week/month without using your current car, then see what you think. You'll probably save some money anyway, and you'll have a much better idea of whether it's feasible for you to live without.

    • tonyjzx on 30/03/2016 - 13:16

      The money you use on car is instead used on public transport and inconvenience.

      I hate waiting for the bus and train. If you can handle it, do it.

      • miarn on 30/03/2016 - 13:23

        Public transport is generally much cheaper than fuel + parking, at least in the CBD.

        The inconvenience is why I suggested OP should try it for a while… only way you'll find out is to try.

        • tonyjzx on 30/03/2016 - 13:42

          It then becomes how much is your time worth.

          I work in the CBD. I drop my car off at a train station and do that.

          You have to choose your battles.

          The other way you can go is get a job that requires a car. I claim everything car related to my job.

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