The worst thing I ever did was sell my car

[MrsSnape]

My beloved Corsa failed its MOT for the first time last year and it was going to cost me £400 to fix. I just didn't have the money at the time so I sold the car thinking "I'll be ok without it"

It was the worst thing I ever did. Since then (a year ago) I have spent a fortune on taxi's just to get my shopping home from asda (no credit card so couldnt do online), spent an absolute fortune on busfares getting to mums and various other places...have had 30 minute walks at 8pm on a night to the kids karate (when in car it was a 5 minute drive!), I was isolated all through the last summer holidays as the bus fares were unaffordable with 2 kids in tow.

I have felt trapped, lonely, bored....we used to go for a drive to the seaside on sundays, a drive to the park (2 bus rides away or a 10 minute drive) but since I sold the car we have been stuck in the house every weekend...

Anyway, last week I got an unexpected payout and now have £1k that I just wasn't expecting...I am planning to buy a car and I'm just so excited!!! but the thought of handing over £1k in one purchase is a little daunting for someone who is always skint

Tell me I'm doing the right thing...

You're doing the right thing

Definatly doing the right thing, after what you have described in your post.

Can you not find a slightly cheaper car then have a little left in hand?

what car are you going to buy? buy a low engine car so cheap tax & cheap petrol.

your doing the right thing I cannot live without my car

I know this sounds awful but its my lifeline I dont care about holidays havnt had one for years or how old my car is as long as I have one

Buy a car! You managed before didn't you?

Sounds as if it would make a big difference for you. Have you done any research into best make/model, reliable local dealer etc?

or do you have anyone around who knows about cars and can give you a hand buying?

yes, definitely get small-engine car for cheap running, and a reliable make/model.

Thank god you all agree with me! I am looking to buy something like a Vectra, I've seen some decent ones for around £700.

Another thing is I am desperate to move house but need to keep the kids at the same school so I need a car before I can move so I can still get them to school.

Also, I have become quite depressed since not having a car as I've been stuck in this stupid house, my relationship with the kids has suffered too, I used to drive them to a resteraunt by the river on a weekend and they loved it but of course all that has stopped since too.