My year of living dangerously

HairyHandofDartmoor

Not having a car is a big decision because not having one restricts where you can go and what you can do. I know you already know this as you've only recently got one. But we found we couldn't take large items to the recycling centre, couldn't bring large purchases home so had to pay to have them delivered, couldn't go for a day in the country or a NT place without begging a lift (and I hate asking favours). These are just a few examples of the restrictions not having a car places upon you. But cars are very expensive to run. We decided it was worth the money for the value it added to our lifestyle but it's a very individual decision .

What an amazing bargain for the tulips, I love them. Good luck with getting the fellowship.

beanielou

Wow, lucky you.
I adore tulips.
What a absolute bargain

another_casualty

You're still plodding along nicely DIA . Things are still moving ..
Can't really say much about the car situation , as I don't drive .
Living in London when I did , I took the one test and failed .
Lots of x's . Like doing the football pools . I got all the Highway Code questions right tho .. I realised being in London wasn't a big deal without a car.
I suppose it depends where you move to, and how far the shops are.etc.

doingitanyway

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

Not having a car is a big decision because not having one restricts where you can go and what you can do. I know you already know this as you've only recently got one. But we found we couldn't take large items to the recycling centre, couldn't bring large purchases home so had to pay to have them delivered, couldn't go for a day in the country or a NT place without begging a lift (and I hate asking favours). These are just a few examples of the restrictions not having a car places upon you. But cars are very expensive to run. We decided it was worth the money for the value it added to our lifestyle but it's a very individual decision .

What an amazing bargain for the tulips, I love them. Good luck with getting the fellowship.

another_casualty wrote: »

You're still plodding along nicely DIA . Things are still moving ..
Can't really say much about the car situation , as I don't drive .
Living in London when I did , I took the one test and failed .
Lots of x's . Like doing the football pools . I got all the Highway Code questions right tho .. I realised being in London wasn't a big deal without a car.
I suppose it depends where you move to, and how far the shops are.etc.

Thanks both Your posts made me think and review my car ownership...

You are right HH a car is very expensive to run and a luxury. When I took on a car I had more income! If I had little ones, needed a car for work, or disability was an issue I would make a different decision and prioritise driving for independence, but in my situation and with excellent transport links nearby, I don’t have to drive.

AC, you make a good point. Your driving test made me laugh! I plan to move to a town or a city and ‘walkability’ to lovely places and essential services will be criteria for me.

So after a year and a half on the road:

Most of my trips are to enable shopping, but I could easily do online shops and then top-up for fresh stuff.

I imagined I would drive at night and my social life would improve, but I don’t like night driving, parking in cities is difficult, and if I want a glass or two of wine I cannot.

I wanted to be able to get to my voluntary work location over Christmas but I have since resigned!

Bulky items are an issue, but not that often, and I might have to suck up delivery costs occasionally.

I have been to the recycling centre about 6 times but my council takes large items: 3 for £30.

For long journeys I have always preferred to take a train, partly so I don’t have to worry about parking. There used to be an advert ‘let the train take the strain’ and I’m all for that

I have a NT property nearby (I could even walk there in 45 minutes if I wanted to) and despite having a car I have only been once. So although I thought driving was the barrier in reality it was not. (note to self, go there more often)

I might join the young people (who rarely drive for environmental reasons) or I might buy again in the future, when I can buy something better. I might wait for my old age and get a self driving thingy. Who knows? But once I get to ins renewal (if not before) I will probably let it go...

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Well done DIY on your progress. All good stuff.
I know there is a cut off with cars. You may be able to find it with an internet search. I know we used to quote an certain amount of mileage where it was cheaper to get public transport. Under 3000 miles a year seems to ring a bell. Sounds like you have already made a decision about it.

Have a good weekend.

mark55man

I think your decision on the car is a good one.

Occasional Taxis are not outrageous compared to car costs

If you are moving to somewhere more urban, then there is an increasing trend for joining clubs with cars you can hire for short periods (zipcar??), although I have no idea how expensive they are.

Small hire cars from traditional hire firms can be reasonable, but watch out for all the T&C

Seasidegal58

Hi DIA - just caught up with your diary. Congratulations on your new job and your PB win!:j

Re the car debate - I've never had a car. I finally took some lessons when I was in my forties but didn't like it so I gave it up. Tbh I've never lived in a rural area, always had good commuting connections for work, and managed outside of work with public transport and taxis (I have a monthly budget for taxis and Oyster card etc and it's certainly cheaper than running a car!). Some of my friends drive and if I go out in their cars I give something towards the petrol. I often go to the cinema with one of my friends - I get the tickets via my Times 2 for 1 offers and she drives us there and gets the drinks (the cinema is only around a 10 minute drive with no traffic on the road). I can honestly say I've never missed having a car.

Have a good evening!

in_need_of_direction

Agree with what’s been said plus getting rid would kill off a life cluttering frog

doingitanyway

Mrs_Boo_Boo wrote: »

Well done DIY on your progress. All good stuff.
I know there is a cut off with cars. You may be able to find it with an internet search. I know we used to quote an certain amount of mileage where it was cheaper to get public transport. Under 3000 miles a year seems to ring a bell. Sounds like you have already made a decision about it.

Have a good weekend.

Thanks Mrs Boo Boo

mark88man wrote: »

I think your decision on the car is a good one.

Occasional Taxis are not outrageous compared to car costs

If you are moving to somewhere more urban, then there is an increasing trend for joining clubs with cars you can hire for short periods (zipcar??), although I have no idea how expensive they are.

Small hire cars from traditional hire firms can be reasonable, but watch out for all the T&C

Thanks Mark88man I agree.

Seasidegal58 wrote: »

Hi DIA - just caught up with your diary. Congratulations on your new job and your PB win!:j

Re the car debate - I've never had a car. I finally took some lessons when I was in my forties but didn't like it so I gave it up. Tbh I've never lived in a rural area, always had good commuting connections for work, and managed outside of work with public transport and taxis (I have a monthly budget for taxis and Oyster card etc and it's certainly cheaper than running a car!). Some of my friends drive and if I go out in their cars I give something towards the petrol. I often go to the cinema with one of my friends - I get the tickets via my Times 2 for 1 offers and she drives us there and gets the drinks (the cinema is only around a 10 minute drive with no traffic on the road). I can honestly say I've never missed having a car.

Have a good evening!

Really useful thanks SSG58. Do you use Ube* or other taxis?

doingitanyway

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

Agree with what’s been said plus getting rid would kill off a life cluttering frog

So true INOD There is so much 'life clutter' associated with driving!