Moving from 2 cars to 1 - anyone got insights?

leftieM

We're a family of 4 with 2 cars. We live in the city and are close to public transport that connects to both our workplaces and the children's school. I commute and lift share. He does the school drop and collect. In terms of convenience, it is obviously nicer to hop into a car whenever but I think it is a luxury we can no longer afford.
Has anyone else gone to one car and what did you think about it? We had one car until 5 years ago and were fine but now we've become hooked on two! Is giving up a car really saving money, given that we'll have to use public transport anyway? My sums suggest savings north of £1000 a year. Is it worth it? I think a sneaky motivation is to get us all a bit more active and out there.
Any opinions and experiences welcome.

angelil

Are your children old enough to get themselves to school by public transport?

I ask because I work in a city where hardly anyone owns a car (public transport is so good/cheap and parking is at such a premium that it's barely worth it), and children take themselves to school on the train from roughly age 11 virtually without incident. When children are younger than this, parents usually accompany them on public transport - so perhaps you need to factor this into your sums if this is going to be part of your lifestyle changes. If your children are of an age to get themselves to school, though, I think it would be great for them to start cultivating independence in this way.

peachyprice

We went from 2 cars to one, no probs. One car spend most of it's time sat outside and was used 1-2 times a week if OH popped to the shops in his day off.

We haven't missed it at all, and certainly haven't missed the expense of insurance, petrol, breakdown cover, servicing, mot, tyres.

Rebecca01

Yes we did this, it meant us all waking up at 6am to take OH to the station. So we are always up and sorted at the crack of dawn, so I have the car for the school run or if I have work that day.

When DD was younger OH took the car to work, so DD and I relied on the bus. We lived out ina country village at the time. So it was few and far between.

Its not ideal and at times you feel a bit stuck. Sometimes Shank's pony has to travel too far but it is possible but at times difficult.

Brighton_belle

leftieM wrote: »

My sums suggest savings north of £1000 a year. Is it worth it?

So in 10 years, that's £10,000 you could pay off your mtg (plus cost of second car replacement when it wears out) (assuming your savings calc makes an allowance for bus fares etc.):D

carefullycautious

I did it many years ago and my world shrunk, as I don't enjoy going on public transport much

So after many many years I have succumbed

leftieM

My kids are too young to travel alone yet (8 and 10). The oldest is going to big school next September so we picture her travelling by bus then. There are loads of secondaries near us.
I have factored in bus fares but I'll have to check that I haven't been too naive with my sums.

Spendless

We could go down to one car as kids live within walking distance/school bus of their schools. Drs is within walking distance and a 2nd surgery and dentist on bus route plus I live near a railway station and could commute to work by train BUT difficulties would come in when /if daughter wanted to visist friend who has moved into countryside 5 miles away, I wanted/needed to take Grandmother who has dementia shopping or to any appt and husband was at work inc overnight with his (company) car.

Have you tried a trial run? Park one up for a week/fortnight/month, see how you manage without it.

angelil

carefullycautious wrote: »

I did it many years ago and my world shrunk, as I don't enjoy going on public transport much

You cannot imagine that anyone ENJOYS using public transport though...sometimes needs must! Believe me, if I could drive to work I would...but as it would take just as long and be far more expensive, it just isn't realistic.

System

I had to butt in and reply to that - of course people enjoy using public transport, I do!
I always choose the train over the car to visit mum 90 miles away if I can - I can read and have a sneaky coffee instead of sitting on the M25 getting more & more stressed.
I have a car now as a luxury I can afford, but only use it for giving lifts really and to get to the vet.
When I first got divorced I couldn't afford a car so I did without for a few years, walked to work, kids got buses to school, it was fine.

Goldiegirl

We currently have 2 cars, and have done for many years.

We needed them when we were both working full time in different towns.

But there have been changes in our life. I was made redundant nearly 4 years ago, and got a part time job for two days a week.

Also, I now work near my husbands office, so he gives me a lift to work.

Plus he now only works 4 days a week.

Really, we could, and probably should, go down to one car, as I only use my car when I'm home alone on Monday and Tuesday.

I don't mind using the train for leisure activities, but I really don't want to be waiting around for a bus when I need to go somewhere locally. It's too inconvenient, when we can afford two cars at this point.

This situation won't last for ever, we'll be retiring at some point in the next three years, and will go down to one car then.

But in the meantime, I'm not willing to give up the convenience of a second car.