Is a car worth having?

[Niahm]

I always really wanted one when I was younger but couldn’t afford it. By the time I could I had major health anxiety and was terrified. I think I’ve calmed down a bit now so I’m considering going for it, but not sure if it’s worth the cost?

For context I don’t have to travel for work or do school runs. I’m not rural but I’m in a fairly basic, small town were everything is at least a 20 minute walk away and I do have some mobility issues. My sons Dad is happy to take him to all his clubs etc for me but Son has been complaining lately that busses are hard work and he’s too tired after clubs to mess about walking to the bus stop and waiting about for the bus.

I don’t go out that much and just get my shopping delivered so it’s kind of hard to justify shelling out £1,200+ for lessons, £1,000s for a car, £60+ a month for petrol and maintenance costs etc. What difference has it made to your life? Do you feel life’s better with a car?

I’d also love to hear from anyone who was or is anxious about driving, as I’m still pretty nervous!

Being without a car makes me feel anxious, for me it's the freedom to be able to go anywhere at any time. I do live rurally but always had a car living in London and other major cities.

Is it right for you? Are your mobility issues likely to worsen with lots of walking or improve?

I don’t drive and have never needed to but I chose to live somewhere with good buses. It depends how much of a hassle you find not having a car vs how much hassle it is to have one (lessons, maintenance, parking etc).

Worth every penny as far as I am concerned. It represents freedom. Freedom to go where you want when you want without having to rely on bus routes, bus timetables, or even taxis.

They are a safe haven. You can drop your DC off, and then hang around in your car reading a book, or nip to the shops while they are occupied then come back. It doesn't mater if it is throwing it down with rain or boiling hot. They are a refuge.

I know they are expensive, bad for the environment etc. But I would never be without one.

@PragmaticWench

Being without a car makes me feel anxious, for me it's the freedom to be able to go anywhere at any time. I do live rurally but always had a car living in London and other major cities.

Is it right for you? Are your mobility issues likely to worsen with lots of walking or improve?

I understand that, I used to feel the same and felt really trapped that I couldn’t drive. But since becoming a parent the health anxiety is so much stronger!

My mobility issues get worse with walking unfortunately. Very good point to bring up!

My car gives me freedom so yes its changed my life for the better.

Yes a car is absolutely worth it even at today's crazy prices. I couldn't manage a day without my car. As has been said already, it's gives so much flexibility and freedom and means you don't have to carry everything you need with you. I just keep basic essentials in the car so we always have wellies, coats, umbrella etc., a bottle of water, wipes. A bus is not a substitute for a car even in a big city. I just wish they would stop trying to make it difficult for cars to be in city centres, but I just use retail parks instead.

Don't forget tax and insurance.

It has made all the difference to me tbh. I hated fucking bus stops and waiting around in the cold and rain. And the planning! Now if I want to take the kids to the beach at short notice we just go.

Plus it's my space. Gets me to and from my therapists house which wouldn't be possible if I didn't drive and he is one of the only things keeping me sane right now.

I don’t walk anywhere really and always use the car, I have the opposite anxiety to you and don’t like walking as my mind wonders too much and I haven’t been on a bus since it was 40p a child 😂
If a car makes you anxious and you don’t mind what your already doing then I don’t see the point in you getting a car. It would probably be cheaper for you to taxi your son home.
Get a car if you want one though, you won’t be nervous driving it after a few goes around on your own.

It running a car can pay for a lot of taxi trips!

I've never owned a car in my life. I find the whole "car gives you freedom" thing weird, I feel pretty free in life. Surely you're not free if you cannot cope without a car?