Considering sacking off the car all together.

[Rob]

Am I mad?

To be honest, I'm totally fed up with how much money running a car costs these days, so I really am considering just getting rid.

I was going to get rid of the Clio in Feb (insurance runs out) and get a TT, but I'm seriously thinking of getting rid all together? I'd have to re-tax and MOT the Clio to sell it, but that's only £100.

At the moment I use the car for the following:

To get to work (I could get a train and I don't think it'd cost much more)
To pick the mrs up (which just annoys me as it's just wasting my money)
To do the weekly food shop with my housemates (they've both got rid of their cars and mine is the only one left)
Occasionally "for me" to go shopping or something or go see the few mates I have that live further away.
To take me and the mrs out (this is probably the most important one TBH, I quite like going out for dinner etc)
Oh and for college once a week, this would be a ball ache as it's a long way away but work would pay what's needed to get there.

Opinions?

 

[H182]

It would be a massive ball ache for me not to have a car. Even if I could get to work an alternative way, its hassle if you just want to nip out somewhere. If its the costs of running it, get something cheaper.

 

[Gally]

You'll miss having the car and want one again quicker than you think. I couldn't go without my car.

A TT is going to cost more but be a more mature car giving off a better image? I'd buy the TT... only because it's not my money.

Pics?

 

[AK]

I don't miss mine, living in London. Thought I would, but don't.

 

[sbridgey]

put the 172 in storage and get a DCi for a bit

 

[Naith]

its like the government (yes da wurkin class always blame dem) are trying to destroy the automative world or indeed price most out of it... i know where your coming from but I need a car and wont have it taken away form me. such is this i run the KA to save pennies and run the meg in the summer.

you are an enthusiast look at it this way a cars a vice, i dont smoke, take gear or drink much anymore... cars and motorsport are my indulgence and i'm not having that stripped from me!

 

[pendulumx]

It's been about 7 years since I passed my test, and I still enjoy getting in the driver's seat to drive, even if it's just down to the shops.

If you no longer enjoy driving (and it sounds like you're fed up of it) then perhaps a break would do you good, but I think you'll start to miss the car hysterically and buy another one in a few months.

 

[Revels]

You'll regret it. Late at night when you decide you need more adult nappies from Tesco. Or you need it in an emergency.

If that's all you use it for, it can't cost you that much? Insurance/tax/fixing and then a tank of petrol or two?

Keep it.

 

[bennno2005]

I'd just get a dead cheap car if you feel like that mate. Something that doesnt cost you much to buy or run. Pretty sure my 306 HDI used to run on fresh air

 

[Nickson]

its like the government (yes da wurkin class always blame dem) are trying to destroy the automative world or indeed price most out of it... i know where your coming from but I need a car and wont have it taken away form me. such is this i run the KA to save pennies and run the meg in the summer.

you are an enthusiast look at it this way a cars a vice, i dont smoke, take gear or drink much anymore... cars and motorsport are my indulgence and i'm not having that stripped from me!

Same with me with regards to drink etc. The only thing I really have to spend money on any more is the car.

I would miss it, and honestly could not go without it at the moment!

One of those things that you will realise just how much you relied on it, when you don't have it IMO.

 

[Craigus]

If you only used it for commuting I would say get rid, but it sounds like you use it a hell of a lot. I couldn't cope without a car, I need one for my work, but if I lived in London I 100% wouldn't have a car.

It is getting silly, and I see how much of my monthly money goes on petrol, insurance, tax, MOT/servicing/maintenance and I think I could be spending that on such better things.

 

[Djw John]

I don't miss mine, living in London. Thought I would, but don't.

You work in London now?! Rly? Kept that quiet big stuff Except for every post you've written since moving there :rasp:

its like the government (yes da wurkin class always blame dem) are trying to destroy the automative world or indeed price most out of it... i know where your coming from but I need a car and wont have it taken away form me. such is this i run the KA to save pennies and run the meg in the summer.

you are an enthusiast look at it this way a cars a vice, i dont smoke, take gear or drink much anymore... cars and motorsport are my indulgence and i'm not having that stripped from me!

I agree Naith, if you're into cars, not having one, no matter how much sense it makes, is always going to be hard and I reckon it wouldn't take long till you hated not having one and the tinkering that goes along with it.

 

[200 Alex]

You will miss it too much mate.

Keep it, it's a ball ache but your a car lover surely.

 

[at3k-]

Take it for a country road blast to refresh the smile.

 

[Rob]

Thing is, I feel like the only c**t with a car.

It's like every little thing that needs doing I have to do because I've got the car.

Like picking up the mrs, if I got rid of my car, I'd NEVER have to do that again.
I'd never have to drive to food shopping (I'd order online).

You're all saying I'll miss it because I'm an enthusiast, but I don't think I am anymore, I just see it as a drain TBH.

It's filthy inside and out and quite frankly I don't give a flying f**k. Every time the petrol light comes on I'm just pissed off, the fact the insurance is still on my credit card pisses me off, my gf saying things like "can we just pop to my sisters" pisses me off....

I think it's time to go without for a while, even if I buy a TT in September or something, at least I've tried it.

I don't live in the city, but I do live in the 'burbs and quite close to decent buses and trains although I generally hate public transport (but an oyster card would cover all my needs).

 

[Rob]

I agree Naith, if you're into cars, not having one, no matter how much sense it makes, is always going to be hard and I reckon it wouldn't take long till you hated not having one and the tinkering that goes along with it.

That's the thing, what used to be "tinkering" is now just wasted money to me. Think I've turned into a "motorist" tbh.

Take it for a country road blast to refresh the smile.

Honestly see no point in wasting the petrol

 

[Naith]

shame you've lost that spark. time away might help with finding it again, but maybe you wont. toughy

 

[Revels]

You sound like me, Rob. I don't care anymore.

But you sound like you're pissed off being the driver, as opposed to being annoyed with the car/cost. Does your missus drive?

You can order food online now. Make her drive.

 

[Scoot]

f**k not having a car. I had to use public transport for 4 days when my clutch went on the DC5 clutch went and I hated every second of it. Theres alot to be said for finishing work and getting straight in your car and heading home. Don't you ever sit at home and just want to go somewhere for no real reason? I detested having to sit with the scummers that use public transport. (I think its slightly different in london as its almost the norm)

In summery could I be without a car? Could I f**k

 

[Ronnie R]

I have thought about this a million times.

I wish I had the guts to do it though. I use my car for pretty much the same as you other than my girlfriend does drive.

The only pita for me would be getting my puppy to my mums in the mornings (won't be for much longer) and my friends getting to my house Tuesdays and Fridays (The days I see my friends). I too see it as a waste of money, I'd be saving myself £350pm.

 

[LIL B]

Do it, I did.

I just share a car with the mrs.

But I do own a motorbike and crosser too.

 

[Tony Hunter]

Just bin it off ffs.

 

[Djw John]

Park it up for at least a week and dont touch it. Just try life without it and see how it goes before selling it.

 

[Rob]

shame you've lost that spark. time away might help with finding it again, but maybe you wont. toughy

Yeah I really have Naith, even I'm quite surprised tbh but I just get annoyed at it draining my wallet every damn day.

You sound like me, Rob. I don't care anymore.

But you sound like you're pissed off being the driver, as opposed to being annoyed with the car/cost. Does your missus drive?

You can order food online now. Make her drive.

Mrs doesn't drive, she needs to get glasses before she can even learn, I've been waiting three years for her to get glasses.

We ordered food online last week, was alright TBH.

It's not that I'm always the driver, it's that I'm the only driver, I'm the only one who's got this constant f**king drain on their wallet and everyone else just reaps the rewards.

f**k not having a car. I had to use public transport for 4 days when my clutch went on the DC5 clutch went and I hated every second of it. Theres alot to be said for finishing work and getting straight in your car and heading home. Don't you ever sit at home and just want to go somewhere for no real reason? I detested having to sit with the scummers that use public transport. (I think its slightly different in london as its almost the norm)

In summery could I be without a car? Could I f**k

Sitting in traffic for an hour isn't any worse than standing on a f**king packed train.

I have thought about this a million times.

I wish I had the guts to do it though. I use my car for pretty much the same as you other than my girlfriend does drive.

The only pita for me would be getting my puppy to my mums in the mornings (won't be for much longer) and my friends getting to my house Tuesdays and Fridays (The days I see my friends). I too see it as a waste of money, I'd be saving myself £350pm.

Yeah I now have the kittens, but I can walk to the vet TBH as it's only around the corner, so that's fine. I think I'd save 300pcm...

Do it, I did.

I just share a car with the mrs.

But I do own a motorbike and crosser too.

Mrs doesn't drive.

I have actually considered getting a ped.... Thoughts?

 

[Ronnie R]

Park it up for at least a week and dont touch it. Just try life without it and see how it goes before selling it.

I can see what you're saying but the temptation would always be there.

I think cold turkey would be the best way

 

[-J-]

I did without mine for 6 weeks whilst I had issues with the gear box, TBH I nearly had a breakdown lol

You quickly find out who your mates are, those that come to see you / invite you out still can count in for a lift.

Public transport is appalling the amount of times I was nearly late for work etc.

The pain in the ass it is lugging a weeks shopping to the bus / train / taxi etc

The loss of complete freedom relying on others and public transport.

I couldn't and wouldn't do without a car.

 

[.Adam.]

Why can't you just use it less?

Tell your housemates to f**k off and shop online?

Get your missus to walk/cycle/bus/train?

 

[Ronnie R]

+1 for being the idiot who has a car and gets asked to do everything.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

If it makes sense to get rid then sell up. You can always get another one. Although I'd imagine a TT will cost more to run as a permanent car. For me it's actually cheaper to use a bus each day to get to work than pay solely for fuel (insurance/purchase/servicing/tax etc all extra). But F that.

 

[Ronnie R]

How much are Oysters now days?

I know Trams are £1.20, buses are £1.20. Don't they cap the spending in one day?

 

[Sir_Dave]

It's not that I'm always the driver, it's that I'm the only driver, I'm the only one who's got this constant f**king drain on their wallet and everyone else just reaps the rewards.

I had a similar problem in my 2nd year at uni actually, everyone always wanting me to drive to the shops/town/pick them up, etc.

So what did i do? I removed all the seats, bar the drivers one. Scrounging c*nts.

To be honest, im having almost similar thoughts at the moment, not re: having no car, but perhaps getting one that isnt quite such a drain on my wallet. My two, including fuel, insurance, tax & loan cost me £800 a month (cheaper to have the clio as well than use the M everyday!).

Now, as Sarah is going on about buying a house, & im rapidly becoming an adult/more sensible, im really not sure how much longer i can justify that kind of expenditure. But for the moment, its still my passion, & tbh, comes 1st before everything else.

If that wasnt that case (as it may may will be with you), i would sell up. Its a hell of a lot of money to be throwing down the toilet.

 

[Naith]

minute my bird mentions something about the car she'll get binned off. f**k love, i got trafford park at 4am in the meg for that...

luckily she wants her mk6 fiesta lowering and wheels done so she's keen.

 

[Wick]

You're all saying I'll miss it because I'm an enthusiast, but I don't think I am anymore, I just see it as a drain TBH.

YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!

I'm free from 5-8 tonight if you fancy a hoon lol!

 

[Scrooge]

Rob, sort yourself out. No car is the biggest pain in the ass ever, it's not like you earn f**k all.

 

[AK]

Depends massively on location though.

Hi John !

 

[Nick172Cup]

I think that your just annoyed at the fact others are using you for your car. Just man up and tell them to f**k off!

My mrs didn't drive for a while and I got fed up of being a taxi, so I made her get public transport to come and see me! Running costs on a car for me aren't a problem, but i'm guessing I was saving at least £100 by stopping that one thing. Amazing what cutting a few things out can do to make a reasonable difference on costs.

I couldn't deal without having a car myself, there's a million different scenarios for needing one like holidays/trips to see people further away etc etc. That would a royal pain in the arse to do without a car. Having a bike would be alright, but not when it's cold or wet.

As others have said just try not using it for a week or two, see how you feel and go from there.

Nick

 

[Charlie.]

Feel exactly the same Rob.

Wanna move more south east so i can just f**k the car off completely and get on the train that goes to Elstree & Borehamwood through London Bridge and get the tube to Shepherds Bush.

Sick of tax, insurance, MOT, petrol, traffic etc,

 

[Toastfrenzy]

Mrs doesn't drive.

I have actually considered getting a ped.... Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

I now cycle 2\3rd's of the way to work....love it, done 3500 miles since last November and use the Passat apart from the short 5 miles to the pub each day (where I park and cycle the other 10 miles, 20 in total rtn trip) to take the Cup to track days. Oh and the occassion family trip out, holiday to France. So would never get rid totally.

Mate bought a Ped and saves loads, 100 miles per £5 of fuel. £600 brand new ped and £70 insurance. No need for a bike licence too. But he looks a right c%ck riding it....thinking about it no more so than me in my cycling get up.......

Looking at the amount of times you've brought up NEVER having to give a lift to the mrs\GF perhaps it's not the car that needs changing? Outsiders view thats all.

Get a bike, the girls love lycra (so I keep telling myself).....you'll never look back...well, untill you hear the screech of brakes behind you as the driver trying to pass realises, to late that he can't get between you and the oncoming traffic....

 

[200 Alex]

The mrs is the biggest pain in the ass. Most of the drain.

Trust me, tell her to find her own way and you'll feel a lot better. YOU should choose when she gets a lift. its YOUR car.

Stamp some authority on her ass.

Period.

 

[Djw John]

Depends massively on location though.

Hi John !

:butt: