cars

Look, I can start off by saying that everyone should walk because of blah blah blah good for you blah blah blah it’s the best in the world etc… you don’t need me to tell you that – you already know that. You also know that we’ve got these giant machines called buses that we should take instead of personal cars simply because it’s just one machine taking a slew of people to where they need to go… it’s simply more efficient.

Let's do a quick reality check of what we generally have here in the Unites States. We’ve got cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, riding-lawnmowers, and everything in between with an engine. I’ll start off by stating the principle: use what you think you need… and then I’ll follow up by asking – do you know what you need? This is where it gets tricky.

This is part psychology, part reality, part economy, part environment, and part fun factor. The psychology involves what you’re used to, where you live, what your background is – as these things probably determined what you’re driving now! If it’s because it was cheap – that’s a huge reason in itself! If you had a choice and money was not that big of an issue, you’re reading this looking for a possible solution that works. Well, we can help.

We're still talking personal vehicles here - when all other transportation-options are non-existent. Answer some key questions to yourself (write it on a scratch paper if you have to):

How often do you need to use your car
What do you generally use it for (say 90% of the time)
If you have to carry something &/or someone, how many/how big/how often?
How much do you spend on gas every month?
Maintenance?
Repairs?
Payments / Insurance / parking passes? (these add up quick, don't they?)
How much do you like your car and why? (be honest with yourself)
If you really love your car, does the amount of time you spend in it every day warrant the costs you've tabulated above? (It's OK if it does!) For fun, calculate it $/hr and see what that would run you - call it fun-rent! You've never looked at it that way have you - pretty interesting stuff!
How is your neighborhood? Traditional, more urban, rural, city-center?
And lastly, what kind of person are you? Reserved, outgoing, free-spirited, traditional, adventurous... this will also affect car choice - very important.

Alright, now that you have all that written down, we can go through the items to give you insights you may not have been aware of:

If you drive every-day with non-consistent hours, a reliable and gas-efficient car will save you time and money over the long term. By long-term we mean 7 years or more as experts indicate that a car's value will not be at break even point until you own it for 7 years or more. The longer you own it, the more it was worth it. If you only use it sporadically, perhaps a used car from a friend or relative which they don't use that often may be a good choice - perhaps a car-sharing scenario with a neighbor or co-worker?
If you drive it alone most of the time to go to work, a small car is advisable - no need to spend the gas money and energy on something which just carries our little body from here to there. If you need to carry kids and people often, a larger car will have to do but even then, no need to go full behemoth for a few extra bodies - remember, it's just transportation - not a fully-stocked limo.
Here is where you can get creative. If you need to carry large but light items, you would ordinarily say station-wagon or SUV for its carrying capacity. How about an enclosed roof-rack? You get the savings and flat cargo space! For carrying furniture a few times (or the convenience for an ability to carry furniture a few times), how about a tow-hitch flat bed for that occasional use. You see, we're accustomed to think that we buy for the unknown (just in case we need it) when in reality we should buy for the known (how we use it every day) and adapt when necessary. You could always rent a large truck the day you need it - far cheaper than paying for it everyday when you're not using it for its intended purpose. If you are a construction worker - of course the truck is necessary - no doubt about it. We'd then recommend the smallest one that fits your needs - no need to get a Turbo V-8 double-axle for carrying pvc-pipes.
Collect the receipts and see your expenditure. We've seen a run-up on gas prices over the past several years and we don't expect it to come down - ever. Why? Not to get into politics or business here but let's just say that a commodity such as oil is as market-driven and valuated like the diamond-industry. You like diamonds and they're expensive, you need oil and they know it - and it's expensive. Unlike diamonds, we need oil, so all most can do (for now) is drive and use something that uses the least amount possible. It's good for you, good for us, and bad for them - sorry.
We do need to maintain our things better in general. The more "stuff" we have the more we have to take care of. If we don't, they die sooner or won't work properly very long - then we wasted our money. From cleaning the house gutters, to the occasional vacuuming, to the car oil changes, all are necessary for proper-care. Oil changes and regular check-ups (like humans) are required for longevity and healthy life. In cars, they also maintain good mileage as mechanical parts rub against each other continually and eventually it will take more work (and gas) to get the same power as it used to when running smooth. Yes, maintenance costs money - write down how much - estimate if you have to.
Repairs are a necessity if it ever comes up. It's like a doctors office visit for your car. In essence, it's sick, needs medication to get back on its feet. Generally its cheaper to get the car fixed than trading it in, but if you need to take it in once a month, you may want to look at other options. A bad car costs you more than just repair costs - your time is expensive, the hassle is expensive, and you didn't buy that car to sit in a mechanic's shop all the time. Write down how much.
Car payments are terrible - that's like another mortgage or rent payment you have to deal with. Insurance on top of that and you could have spent that money on an amazing vacation (every year!) Parking passes and other fees and now you slowly realize that car, THAT CAR is not just the price of the vehicle - but so much more! write it down and calculate a total. GULP! Yes, it's a lot but we need it to get through our day or else we'd be lost, right? "BUT ALL THAT MONEY!" Yes, it's a lot.
You're looking at the total and are second guessing how much you love that box with 4 tires and a steering wheel. That metal and plastic contraption that moves here and there and comes in all sorts of shiny colors and shapes. No? It's the best thing ever since sliced bread? The feelings you get as you sit behind the wheel of a true sports-machine compares to nothing you've ever felt? That's OK too.
You get the idea - Everything's got a price - just have to determine yours. Sometimes we forget all the costs involved in owning something when we're at the store - we just look at the sticker-price and say "Hey, I can afford that!" Houses are very similar in this phenomenon. Most everything we buy or do carries this phenomenon.
Neighborhood is a little relevant because it may affect the car you're driving. You will not find giant cars in places where there's little places to park it, nice cars or exposed (removable) car appendages (roof-racks) in bad neighborhoods, and really small cars in rural areas where it may get stuck due to road conditions or constant bad weather. It does matter - we can't deny that.
The type of person you are determines how "adventurous" you can be with your purchase. There is no right answer to this - it merely coincides with your comfort level. Since we humans are very unique, we have unique tastes and individual identities - and we act, shop, perform accordingly. Some examples of how personality affects car choice:

Most of the cars on your block are large sedans, but being that you have a slight rebellious nature, you purchase the smallest one possible - in bright yellow!
Most of the cars on your block are SUVs and generally large cars, being that you are the head of community meetings, you feel it's important not to stand out.
Most of the cars in your neighborhood are compact cars and even a few electric-hybrids but you have a large family or haul heavy things often, are you the type that is rebellious or one who doesn't like to "make waves"?

There is no one solution (right now) - but there are more correct ones. With creativity and proper choices, you could achieve the larger goals while in keeping with your personality. We've created an up-to-date area of current models as well as options based on what you need / can handle. Again, look at ALL the costs involved in car-ownership - it's not cheap so we have to choose wisely.

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