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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be getting so so sick now of not being able to afford a car?

31 replies

juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:22

had to sell my car at the beginning of the year as could no longer afford to run it what with moving house and paying a higher rent. I have lasted until now and struggled through the summer holidays. i am dreading the winter and the 20 minute walk to ds's school, and then the further half hour walk from the school to work - then the walk back again when its all cold and rainy

how do people get by without a car? and even more importantly, how do people who are used to having a car then get by without a car? its not getting any easier Sad

OP posts:
PickleSarnie · 30/08/2011 21:30

I've managed until the age of 34 without a car and even now that I have a car I'm sure I must be known as "that strange woman that walks everywhere" by the people on my street.

It helps that I hate driving though.

TheFeministsWife · 30/08/2011 21:36

YANBU! I feel for you I really do. We were without a car for years and then eventually DH passed his test (I'm still trying Blush). We bought a 23 year old banger, that got us from A to B, then eventually DH inherited some money and we bought a decent car. Couldn't be without it. The funny thing is it's actually cheaper for us to run a car than for 4 of us to get around to work and school on public transport!

AandK · 30/08/2011 21:36

I'm the same I can't drive always thought there were more important things to pay for.

I'm a single mum too but I manage its buses and walking and warm clothes in the winter and the magic thing called a family railcard :)

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 30/08/2011 21:37

It's strange that you've posted this because after just paying nearly £200 car tax and the MOT on my 10 year old car coming up next month, then the insurance (around £400) due in Nov, I'm seriously considering getting rid of mine too. Not sure if you've put me off or not. The main thing for me would be getting to work because it's at the other side of town. However, if it fails the MOT the decision will be made for me!

Tee2072 · 30/08/2011 21:38

Well, there's the bus and taxis and walking is good for you.

Don't have a car. Don't see any need for one.

squeakytoy · 30/08/2011 21:43

A 20 minute walk to school is only a short journey, and another half hour after that for you isnt really that much of a mission if you are a healthy adult.

AandK · 30/08/2011 21:45

I agree about being walking distance to work thats great just purchase some snow boots and ice grippers and you'll be fine :)

Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:46

but its different if you've had a car for years then had to give it up because you come to rely on it and its hard to remember how you used to cope without one!

softkitty, i suppose its not been the end of the world for me and ds, i have managed, its just hard. and even though i used to pay over £100 per month running a car, i still begrudge paying a few quid on the bus each time!

im fine walking but do not enjoy walking to work on a time limit. plus i get really sweaty!! If i had the choice i would have my car, but it has been nice having a little bit of money free each month not having the car. and im fitter!

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 30/08/2011 21:47

Get a bike. That will take most of the time off the journey.

Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:48

and i get travel sick so dont do well on buses or as a passenger in other people's cars. its horrible

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 30/08/2011 21:49

If it is a 30 minute walk, you would only be on the bus for a few minutes!!

RandomMess · 30/08/2011 21:49

Get a bike?

I have a car but unless it's absolutely peeing with rain the dc and I or dh take them to school and then go to work it would be a 25 minute walk followed by a 35 minute walk. I have a huge cycle basket, they scooter and wear a back pack each.

BEcause of the traffic it is actually just as quick to cycle as to drive.

AandK · 30/08/2011 21:50

The only thing I don't like about not having a car is going to places like Alton Towers. How do you get there without a car???

Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:50

i did have a bike and rode to work for the first 2 months after my car was sold but i got so sweaty that i had to have a shower when i got to work and by the time i had had a shower it was taking longer to get sorted than it would if i had walked and i work on flexi time so it was eating into that

since ive not had my car im only just doing my 16 hours per week as it takes me that much longer but can't drop ds off at school earlier than i do

OP posts:
fivegomadindorset · 30/08/2011 21:50

You can walk, you don't need a car, think about the savings you make or get a bike/scooter for DS/you.

Tee lucky you not needing one.

RedHelenB · 30/08/2011 21:51

Just think how fit & healthy you & your ds will be!

Not much fun in the winter but how about a taxi with some of the money you are saving on the really bad days?

RandomMess · 30/08/2011 21:53

Hmmm if I cycle slowly/leisurely and use that 48 hour deoderant I'm not hot and sweaty?

Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:53

did manage to get to chessington this summer hols as my sis took us. but didn't make it to the beach or many other places we were hoping to go to

there is one bus that goes in the direction of my work, but its a 10 min walk in the opposite direction from the school then its a further 10 minute walk when i get off the bus at the other end so not really beneficial unless its pouring down

OP posts:
Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:55

im a super sweaty person!! Blush

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/08/2011 21:55

If you set up a regular mini cab arrangement how much would it cost?

Original poster
juicychops · 30/08/2011 21:56

no idea. i recon it would cost at least £6 each way to work so that would cost quite a lot

OP posts:
lachesis · 30/08/2011 21:58

I'd rather forgo any meat, booze or takeaways forever than go without a car.

RandomMess · 30/08/2011 21:59

Hmm for regular journeys it can be quite cheap? 5 miles in the evening is £10 (I live near Chessington!) would be less during the day and less if it were a regular slot???

Marney · 30/08/2011 22:16

Sorry you cant afford a car ive never been able to and probably never will.We cant afford buses the least the goverment should do is make public transport affordable .If i get a bus to town and back with my daughter its about 8 pounds so she walks usually and i use a bike whatever the weather.The only good thing is you get more exersise.
It limits your job prospects though and leaves you with no social life sorry you are in this situation though its not easy

youarekidding · 30/08/2011 22:19

I am watching this with interest. My car is 13 years old, failed MOT and cost a lot to fix. Will not be MOT next July and financially atm can't see how I will afford another.

I was looking at changing now, had a rough few days as my car has been damaged too, but just cannot find the money. Well I can as long it it never breaks. Grin

I am on a mission to increase my spare cash so I can get another old banger older car next year.

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