Should I get a car or stick to commuting for now?
Hi everyone, I’m 23 years old, turning 24 soon and looking for some advice about whether it’s worth getting a car or if I should keep using public transport for now. Here's my current situation:
Work schedule: I work 5 days a week in an office.
Morning: It takes me about 35-40 minutes to get to work by train (1 stop C2C) and then a bus to work, which is manageable.
Evening: I finish work at 5:30 PM, but I sometimes wait 20-25 minutes for the bus if there are delays. While the bus stop is only a 30-second walk from my office, I don’t usually get home until 6:30 PM.
Driving: The drive to my office would only take 30 minutes.
Costs: My daily commute currently costs me around £9.10, which adds up to about £182 per month or £2200 per year.
I passed my driving test in August 2023, so I’ve only been driving for about a year.
I know there are costs involved with owning a car (insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc.), but I’m not sure how much of a difference it would make compared to public transport in terms of cost, time, and overall convenience.
What do you think? Should I make the switch or wait a bit longer? I’d love to hear your advice and experiences.
Thanks in advance!
Work schedule: I work 5 days a week in an office.
Morning: It takes me about 35-40 minutes to get to work by train (1 stop C2C) and then a bus to work, which is manageable.
Evening: I finish work at 5:30 PM, but I sometimes wait 20-25 minutes for the bus if there are delays. While the bus stop is only a 30-second walk from my office, I don’t usually get home until 6:30 PM.
Driving: The drive to my office would only take 30 minutes.
Costs: My daily commute currently costs me around £9.10, which adds up to about £182 per month or £2200 per year.
I passed my driving test in August 2023, so I’ve only been driving for about a year.
I know there are costs involved with owning a car (insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc.), but I’m not sure how much of a difference it would make compared to public transport in terms of cost, time, and overall convenience.
What do you think? Should I make the switch or wait a bit longer? I’d love to hear your advice and experiences.
Thanks in advance!
Reply 1
Buy a second hand Toyota and drive to work. You're going to have to get one eventually anyway.
Reply 2
19
Original post
by ErasistratusVBuy a second hand Toyota and drive to work. You're going to have to get one eventually anyway.
My salary is under 25k but over 20k. I don't know how worth it, it is.
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 3
My first question would be do you want a car? aside from the money/time side, do you enjoy driving?
In terms of cost and time you're going to find it likely similar as it can easily cost £200 a month to keep all a basic cars bills paid. You do obv have the use of the car for other things and are immune to public transport delays and strikes.
In terms of cost and time you're going to find it likely similar as it can easily cost £200 a month to keep all a basic cars bills paid. You do obv have the use of the car for other things and are immune to public transport delays and strikes.
Reply 4
19
Original post
by StriderHortMy first question would be do you want a car? aside from the money/time side, do you enjoy driving?
In terms of cost and time you're going to find it likely similar as it can easily cost £200 a month to keep all a basic cars bills paid. You do obv have the use of the car for other things and are immune to public transport delays and strikes.
In terms of cost and time you're going to find it likely similar as it can easily cost £200 a month to keep all a basic cars bills paid. You do obv have the use of the car for other things and are immune to public transport delays and strikes.
The thing is, I don't really go out much anyways that requires a car. I live local to everything and walk for anything I need groceries shoppign etc Its just for work purposes.
Reply 5
Original post
by MissCarter786The thing is, I don't really go out much anyways that requires a car. I live local to everything and walk for anything I need groceries shoppign etc Its just for work purposes.
Yeah if you don't really have an interest I doubt I'd bother just now. I don't think it would change a lot about your commute time or costs. On paper it might get you home quicker in the evenings but it'll still be rush hour.
Between insurance, tax, fuel and a bit aside for repairs/breakdown cover you'd struggle to keep it below £200 a month.
Reply 6
I think you're under-estimating the independence and freedom a car of your own will give you compared to relying on public transport.
Reply 7
19
Original post
by StriderHortYeah if you don't really have an interest I doubt I'd bother just now. I don't think it would change a lot about your commute time or costs. On paper it might get you home quicker in the evenings but it'll still be rush hour.
Between insurance, tax, fuel and a bit aside for repairs/breakdown cover you'd struggle to keep it below £200 a month.
Between insurance, tax, fuel and a bit aside for repairs/breakdown cover you'd struggle to keep it below £200 a month.
To be honest I agree.. commuting also forces me to walk and gets me active, as my job revolves sitting on a chair all day and at home, weekends sit.. Car will make me more lazy
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