What constitutes a 'real' friend?

I have known this friend for nearly 4 years, who is a little older than me. Unfortunately for him, he lives about 16 miles away, in a rural area, that has limited public transport. I live in the City of Norwich. I don't drive but am learning to drive. The situation is this - we both share a common interest in all kinds of music, we both enjoy the 'easy life', although I want a bit more out of life. This friend can't always get out and about, due to the lack of public transport. He enjoys all the home comforts - music, TV, good food etc, but more recently, when I have suggested places where we could go, he'll always use the buses (as real as they are) as an excuse, and with limited bus timetables, he genuinely can't get about, even more so in the evening. He doesn't drive either. He lives at home with his parents, who are in the 60-70 age bracket. He only has the options of paying an extortionate fare of £40 (!!??) for a taxi, relying on somebody who has their own car, or walk (which I wouldn't fancy walking all that way, anymore than he would!) He has been going out with a woman who is 38 years old. We are both, unfortunately, stuck on unemployment benefits for the time being, but I am trying very hard to get out of this 'trap' We both know each other's situations, but he will find crafty ways to avoid paying for things like meals and drinks etc. I have had words with him a few times on this occasion, I think the message has got through - hopefully. I find him very selfish as well, he alwayslikes to do things on his terms. He loves all music from the 1940s, through to the late 1970s, we both do, me, not so rigid there. I love various music right through to today. His girlfriend likes all 80s stuff (Madonna, Prince, Duran Duran, you know the rest!!) He won't let her listen to any of her music. He gets the sulks, as I say, as long as it suits him, then harmony is the buzz-word. When I've invited him round to my flat, he doesn't seem greatly sociable. If he's in the company of people that he likes, he will tell many blue jokes etc., but he doesn't like any one else getting a word in. We only meet briefly during the week, but other times, along come the excuses like - "I can't get home in the evening", "Things to do" "No buses running" "I can't get home in the morning" "I haven't got an overnight bag" Maybe it's just a complete selfishness complex. What do you all think?