Ditching the car?

laurasbump

Has anyone gone from being a car user to be car-less in order to save money?

I wouldn't do this at the moment as I have to get to work and back, however, when I go on maternity leave I was thinking of selling up. We'll still have OH's company car. To be honest, when I'm at home with my LO I tend not to use the car, instead we walk everywhere. I live about 10 mins from park and 15 mins from town centre. The only negative is that my family live 12 miles away and it would be hassle to get to them without a car - several train/bus changes.

I worked out that my car costs me just under £1000 per year. Which isn't a huge amount so I'm wondering whether it really is worth getting rid of something that most people see as a necessity. OH is worried about me getting somewhere in an emergency - GP's, hospital, etc.

lilac_lady

I have a friend who has never driven. She uses buses, trains and taxis (when necessary). She has a travel budget so doesn't mind using taxis for hospital visits etc. She does a monthly internet shop so that she doesn't have to carry heavy groceries.

I calculated that her annual travel budget was about one third of what it costs me to run my car so you would save a good deal if you can cope with the inconvenience.