Would you live without a car?

[Godwynn]

I am actively trying to sell my car. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking are not worth it. I can get around just fine for $86 per month using the CTA.

Also, Chicago drivers are terrifying.

[scotland]

My wife drives but I dont.
I have always managed perfectly without a car.
Our house is 100 yards from the railway station.
We can do most of our shopping and travelling without the car.

[photo]

Also, Chicago drivers are terrifying.

I drive to Chicago 3-4 times per year and think that Chicago drivers are a lot more efficient than those in less metropolitan areas, at least in the midwest. It's true that a driver who is slow to move will quickly learn that he'd better not hesitate, which is somewhat amusing to witness.

Where I don't think Chicago drivers are efficient is with their huge SUVs (in a city?!) and with parking. If people would learn to park better, there would be more room for everyone.

If I lived in Chicago, though, I'd probably take the L a lot more than I would drive, and I'd only own a car (and guaranteed parking) for driving out-of-town or to the suburbs.

[dawnwes]

It would have to be the best public transportation ever to get me to even consider it.

I don't know what you drive, but it might be better to trade it for a small compact car that would get better mileage and have smaller payments attached to it.

Dawn

[riverwed070707]

While it wouldn't take away your car payment, would it be worth the savings for you to take public transportation/carpool to work to try to cut costs some? That seems like an awful lot to be spending monthly for an 03 car.

[Frugal]

I personally wish I could, but will never do it. Need a car to carry my large amounts of groceries home, since I stock up on food when the grocery stores have sales!!

[snafu]

I've lived in cities where I wouldn't drive a car because traffic and drivers were nuts! it was easier, safer and less stressful to take public transportation. In China I had to walk 25 minutes to the nearest bus stop but that was preferable to driving there! If I need to lug groceries or get somewhere in a hurry I could take a cab or hire a car & driver.

Back home I have a car and use a mix of public transportation. In this city it's faster and easier to take the train to most venues. A recent survey identified our city as the 2nd most expensive for parking in N America [if you can find a stall]. Roads are under construction all summer and driver's road rage is scary. In winter our roads are icier than a skating rink and there is no agreement on the best method of driving through blizzards.

it doesn't need to be an either/or. Why not try public transportation for the next four months Sept. - Dec. Write the days you needed the car for an event, emergency, groceries etc. Would it be more cost efficient to take a taxi?

If you're worried about security, call transit and ask their statistics on the route number you are most likely to use.

[snafu]

henrywilliam, how many 'emergency conditions' have you dealt with in 2011 that required your car? I certainly agree a car a lifestyle choice. In some cities it would be chaos if everyone drove their cars during rush hour. In some cities there is no or such poor public transit I can't imagine coping without a car. All your tax $$$ has gone to roads.

[dawnwes]

No, we would not live without a car.

Now, we might be able to go down to 1 car provided I don't go back to work. I would have to drive DH to the train station and back each day though, which would eat enough gas to cover an inexpensive car payment anyway though.

Dawn

[ThriftoRama]

Yes! I lived without a car for many years and didn't mind a bit. I rode my bike everywhere, or took the bus. But, I had no children at the time, and lived less than 4 miles from work. It was also an easy city-- kind of small-- to get around on a bike. It can work great, in those cases. But it isn't always practical.

[Frugal]

I am glad I saw this post this morning! I walked literally six miles yesterday, mainly to get exercise, but also to see how far up the street it was to mail a package (not far, a little over a mile both ways). If we had stuff nearby, most of us could at least save money by cutting down on car use.

Not recommending people normally walk that far, just on a diet! : ; lol

In addition to saving money, I think a lot of us that wanted to could lose weight and get healthier by walking close by for small errands....just an idea.

[minnie1928]

Where I used to live...no, no way I could live without a car.

Where I live now? Yep, could totally do it. I live within 1 mile walking to my work, bus station, Target, grocery stores, restaurants, you name it. Costco is only 2 miles away. The only negative is that I live up a VERY steep street and carrying shopping bags could get a bit tiring.

[Gary Barzel]

A lot of factors would have to be taken into account. Would it be really cheaper to give up a car and start spending money on public transportation, or do I live in a place where public transportation is an inconvenience and I would need to take cabs. Also what is the area in which you live, is it in middle of a bustling city where you can take care of most of your needs by just walking around the block or is it in a quiet suburb where the closest store is 2 miles away. If you can't give up you car, at least try to cut down on it's use by using public transportation when the option is available and convenient.

[Angelynne]

Between gas, tolls, maintenance, car registration, insurance I spend around $350 and I have a car payment of $300 so that is 650 a month. ugh

Would you live without a car? I have been toying with the idea lately, even if just for fun.
Of course I would need to calculate a transportation budget to use public transportation and taxis for emergencies...

what do you think (outside the box)

i could live even without one. but, it is a lot better if you bring a car with you should you decide to go on long trips. it'll be more convenient thinking how much energy would you spent on carrying those back packs on cutting trips.

[Radiance]

It is an 06 car , not 03 . I will be done with payments in 10 months!
And I am looking to commute less. registration and insurance wont go away though