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

[juicychops]

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

When my car was in the garage recently myself and 2 kids got on the bus to go a 10min journey (walking would have taken us about 45mins at kids pace). I asked for a return ticket and it cost me £5.80!!!! I could have drove that 30 times and probably not have used that much petrol.

Also as much as I do like to walk I just wouldn't be able to do half the things I need to do.

What car did you have?! Have you looked into getting one of the super mini type cars. Cheap to buy, no tax, super cheap to run, very fuel efficient.

meow do you have a link to those? Great advice.

I live 17 miles from work, and would love to be able to walk in. Might eat into my flexi a bit though....

We are a family of 5, and don't have a car. We manage in a variety of ways - online food shops (with delivery), family railcard, bikes and scooters, good weatherproof coats and decent shoes / boots, and really quite a bit of walking. I agree buses are expensive, but sometimes you can get small deals like getting a ticket for 10 rides for the price of 8, etc. I also find that it is really important that I plan in the time it will take to get to places, and then give 15 minutes extra, so we don't have that stressed speed walk syndrome.
Also, we use a taxi when we really need to (eg 1x every 5 months or so) and don't feel guilty about the cost because we are saving so much not having a car! Streetcar is also a good hire car company, because it is very convenient and more economical if you only need it for a couple of hours.
Also some places have community car schemes, whereby you pay a membership and then can hire/borrow it when you need it.
Lift shares can help, and others have worked out a car share with friends.
It does take getting used to, and getting your head around, but it is possible.

Peugeot 107, SMART, Citroen C1, original mini upto abbot 1998-9 model (now Mini's are all at least 1.6L engine.), ford KA or Fiesta 1999 model is 1.25L (I learnt to drive in one).

These are just off the top of my head, but if you can get into a decent sized town that has car dealers.

And don't forget AutoTrader. Bought my beloved MG on AT 4 years ago.