It's not THAT crazy, is it? No car . . .

**lilac_city_mommy** · 10-07-2008, 03:52 PM

Last week we got in a car accident. Fortunately no one was hurt, but the car was a total loss. While we are getting more than we had expected from the insurance company, DH and I feel like it's the prudent choice for us to not replace the car at the moment. Before this we were paying about $500 each month for the privelege of driving, between the note, gas, insurance and maintenence. Bus passes for DH and I will cost $66 a month.

Everyone we have told seems to think this is the most ridiculous thing we could do. Comments have ranged from "you can't do that, it's just not possible" to "you are being irresponsible parents". I'm a bit confused. We are choosing to be car-less to save money, work on getting out of debt, etc. Since when is choosing financial stability an irresponsible choice?

Am I missing something here? All the negative comments make me feel like I am being naive about this. I know it will be difficult and inconvenient at times. But I also think that in our current position a car is simply a luxury we cannot afford to have.

**Cricketlegs** · 10-07-2008, 03:56 PM

I suggest you don't talk about it.

If you have a plan for your future then so be it.

No one knows what works for your family and your situation more than YOU.

I am pretty sure no one ever got accused of child abuse by bus....crazy!

**Fotobug** · 10-07-2008, 03:57 PM

Nope, not crazy at all IMO! I wish I could do it but we don't have public transportation in our small town so pretty much have to keep a vehicle. (I do use it as little as possible though - everything I need to do *in* town I can usually walk or bike to.)

My dd lives in a city and had no car for years (until she married a man who already had one). If she wanted to go away for a weekend, e.g., she could rent one for far less than it would cost her for payments, insurance, parking, gas, etc.

I say Hooray for you!!

**GM97** · 10-07-2008, 04:01 PM

It depends, if you can easily go around from work to home, work to school (if you have kids in school) home to stores, I would give up my car but if that means waiting for the bus for 1 hour I would get a beat up car. I always think of the worst case scenario, i.e. emergency, would you be able to get help right away, well maybe 911. You are just being frugal. You can always save $250 and use the other half paying your bills, maybe in 10 months you'll be able to buy a beat up car, cash.

**lilac_city_mommy** · 10-07-2008, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by GM97

It depends, if you can easily go around from work to home, work to school (if you have kids in school) home to stores, I would give up my car but if that means waiting for the bus for 1 hour I would get a beat up car. I always think of the worst case scenario, i.e. emergency, would you be able to get help right away, well maybe 911. You are just being frugal. You can always save $250 and use the other half paying your bills, maybe in 10 months you'll be able to buy a beat up car, cash.

We live within five blocks of grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, our doctor's office, church, our son's school. The only place we go that is too far to walk is work, and that is a quick 20 minute bike ride or bus ride in poor weather. I can't imagine why it never occured to us to sell the stupid thing months ago when we were beating our heads against the wall trying desperately to come up with payments LOL

We have more than enough money out of the insurance check to buy a reasonable used car right now. I'm just not inclined to spend money on insurance and gas at the moment. I think we have decided to set about $75 aside each month to rent a car for the 1-2 times per year that we go out of town and the odd cab fare for things that the bus just won't work for. Seems reasonable to me.

**Persimmon Lace** · 10-07-2008, 04:21 PM

I think you are quite wise!

**Greebo** · 10-07-2008, 04:23 PM

I think its a great idea!

I mean, $500/month - you could buy a $2k beater in 4 months just to have for long trips where the bus doesn't go and have a dirt cheap insurance policy, liability only, and save yourself thousands a year if you decide you NEED some kind of car...

But if you have local bus service, you might want to check out zipcar.

**Cricketlegs** · 10-07-2008, 04:29 PM

Wow, if you are that close to shopping and schools etc I say GO FOR IT!

Invest in a shopping cart thingy from walmart for groceries and you are all set.

**FrugalMomof3** · 10-07-2008, 05:42 PM

I dont think your crazy one bit! If you can go carless and take the bus AND save all the money per month I say do it!

No one knows whats best for you and your DH than you both do! Dont talk about that stuff because most times when we expect others to understand (family & friends) they just think either how crazy we are or how stupid we are, which I think that none are the case.... it's being smart and managing money... so go for it!

**TinyDancer** · 10-07-2008, 05:57 PM

It's not crazy at all!

I haven't had a car in over a year and to be honest, I don't miss it all. If you're able to get around by public transportation, then I say go for it! It's cheaper and more eco-friendly. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to get to your appointments - it does take a little bit longer.

**DonnainME** · 10-07-2008, 06:02 PM

I wish I could go carless. We just live too far from EVERYTHING and being a high risk pregnancy is another thing too. We do have a small car that gets over 30 mpg. I will have to get a van just before this baby is born because when my younger 2 children are here (they live with their dad) there will be 6 of us and we just won't fit in my "Hot Wheels Car". LOL

If you can do it -then do it. Your bank account will thank you for it later.

**nvmommyx6** · 10-07-2008, 06:45 PM

I think it is an awesome idea on your part, we could not do it as we live out in the sticks and hubby's job is 63 miles one way!!
But, you could look on your local craigslist and get a beater that will get you from point A to point B for a few hundred bucks....you can also (this is what we did) look into "operators insurance" in your area.
Here is the link to our carrier, http://www.sentry.com/DairylandInsurance/Default.aspx
You have to be a better driver, because it is actually insurance on YOU, it insures you to drive anything! We got it to save $ of course but also, my hubby does so much bartering we go through cars faster than underwear HAHAHAAAAAA
Good luck!
Mommy

**reginaastralis** · 10-07-2008, 07:27 PM

I agree. If you are able to go carless, than do it! I live in a smallish town where there isn't really great public transportation, so it's not doable for us. How I wish it was!

Good luck, I think you will be able to handle it.

**frugal_cavy** · 10-07-2008, 08:11 PM

I've lived without a car my whole adult life. I actually just got my full licence last year at age 35 (graduated licensing in Ontario) and I do not own a car. The amount I spend on a bus pass+cab fares at night+ the odd weekend car rental is well below what owning a car fulltime would cost me per month.

Car people will tell you you are crazy for this because they can see no other way. Bus people will assure you you can do this and will enjoy the savings. I have no children but I am friends with two families that rely solely on the bus for transportation and they have no problems getting around with their kids no worse for wear.

Taking the bus requires a little more planning, that's all. You will do fine. Don't let the naysayers get to you. There will always be naysayers...do what's right for you and your family!

frugal_cavy

**beks37** · 10-07-2008, 08:48 PM

I think it's a great idea. I would consider doing without a car, but I live too far from everything and public transportation is horrible here. Good for you! Just tell all those nay sayers how much you'll be saving!!!