I’ve had more then one person ask why I don’t own a car, wondering why with my income nearing 5 figures each month, why I don’t just succumb and buy a car. I’m going to try to explain a few reason why not to own a car, and why even the fact that I could be making 7 figure a month I still might not buy one.
Why I don’t own a car
1) I travel often: I’ve found trying to travel overseas and between cities is more unpractical with a car. Try parking driving in New York City, it’s a pain. Rather getting around by bike and public transport is the easiest option for me. It causes less headaches.
2) No fixed place to live: I travel, alot. Due to this it doesn’t seem feasible to own a car. I have nowhere to store it considering I have no fixed location to live.
3) I like public transport: Sure you are restricted by public transport and have no flexibility, but still I somehow enjoy getting around from transport to transport. Sure it’s a challenge in the USA, but in Europe it’s easy.
Reasons Not To Own a Car
Besides or the reasons I don’t own a car as mentioned above, there are plenty of reasons not to own a car.
1) Socialness – It’s a way to get out and see the world. Slower, but you are around more people and I have a tendency to make more friends taking the “slow” route than driving alone in my car.
2) The Environment – You might try to set an example, showing that you can make a better impact on the environment.
3) Cost - If you can get by without a car, why buy one? The amount of cash you save is a lot even with the occasional taxi. No gas to buy, no insurance, no costs to fix your car and no depreciation costs from owning a car a long time.
I realize not everyone can get around without a car. Many places in the USA simply were not built with pedestrians in mind. Other times, public transport simply isn’t safe enough.
I’m only hoping that by the time I do decide to finally purchase a car that electric gas plugins are more prevelant (something I’d consider purchasing).
My Current Wheels (though mine is orange)
