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Is a car worth it ?

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venomx
venomx Posts: 1,142 Forumite
Eighth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper

Not considering seriously buying one but just looking at the future

Currently unemployed but do some volunteering work. Good bus service round here, got a bike and an electric scooter . Family live local too

As I take medication for mental health problems I’d need to consult and declare it to my psychiatrist and the DVLA

I had a car back in 2013 but due to mental health problems I got it taken off me by my parents

I have a clean license but as i don’t have a job and have to rely on benefits it’s probably not necessary at the moment

I think the best option would be to keep saving until I get a job then consider it

Comments

  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    How can you afford to finance and run a car in your present financial position?
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 18,195 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It sounds like the OP is lucky to have a good bus service in the area and can continue to use that.
  • Jonesya
    Jonesya Posts: 1,823 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Cars can be useful but they are a constant stream of costs - car payments, insurance, MOT, road tax, servicing and repairs which you have to meet, and if you find yourself struggling or unable to meet them then it will be stressful.

    If your financial situation is currently tough, you don't need the car to get to work and public transport meets your needs, then I'd think it would be easier to hold-off getting a car until you find a job, get some savings to give you a safety net and have that regular income to meet the payments.
  • Herzlos
    Herzlos Posts: 15,802 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I suspect that for a huge percentage of car owners, it'd be cheaper for them to just use taxis and public transport.
    I'd only be looking at getting a car if you find you can't get somewhere without it.
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