Live in London - should I get a car?

Bravehearted_2

Is there any scenario where driving in London as opposed to using the tube/rail will cost me less in the long run?

If it matters, I live in zone 3 - work in the City?

Anyone evee done the maths?

dacouch

Try cycling, much cheaper than the tube and good for you

Lizling

I doubt driving is ever cheaper unless you're working nights, perhaps, because the congestion charge alone would put you over the daily Oyster cap. But here's the maths on riding a 125cc scooter or motorbike, based on my zone 4 to City commute.

No congestion charge
£5 a week for fuel
£13.5/month for Westminster parking
£16/year tax
£300/year fully comp insurance (in my first year)
Not sure what to add for servicing and maintenance but wouldn't think it's much (mine's mainly covered by the dealership.)

Before depreciation, that's about £750 annually instead of £1,672 for a 1-4 annual season ticket at 2012 prices: that's over £900/year saved.

To start out, you'd need:
Decent 2nd hand bike: £1500
CBT/training: £100
Gear: £150ish upwards

So you'd have saved enough to cover all that after about 2 years and still have a bike worth almost what you paid for it.

Not as cheap as cycling, obviously, but still good.

luckwudaveit

dacouch wrote: »

Try cycling, much cheaper than the tube and good for you

...and use a City Car Club where a car is essential.

http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/