Do you really need a car?

Beyondgone · 04-05-2017 12:37am

RoisinClare6 wrote: »

I don't drive, very lucky to be living bang in the centre of town in carlow. So when doing shopping etc I walk if it is light enough or the help of my neighbour who also doesn't drive will help me carry them back. If it's a large shop a quick taxi home. For work my boyfriends parents drop me out and pick me up (I only work 2 days a week) it's about a 20 min drive away from home and I pay them for petrol at the end of the month. Then if I'm heading to visit my family back home in wexford it's on the bus.

Manage very easily without it and don't plan on starting. If I could get a job in the town I'd be laughing!

I will say though sometimes on really nice days I get a notion to go somewhere for the day like glendalough or the beach etc and do not have the means to get there but it's grand!

I became cynical at that point. Many would cry "bs".

RoisinClare6 · 04-05-2017 12:49am

Beyondgone wrote: »

I became cynical at that point. Many would cry "bs".

Cry away my friend, tissue?

Jodotman · 04-05-2017 1:12am

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ljPFZrRD3J8

On a more serious note why would I want to cycle 40 mins to work in the pissing rain when I could be in work in 8 mins in a nice warm car and not smell like crap all day?

Ursus Horribilis · 04-05-2017 1:28am

RoisinClare6 wrote: »

Manage very easily without it and don't plan on starting. If I could get a job in the town I'd be laughing!

It's very easy talk like that when you're lucky to have people to ferry you around. I think every youngster in school (Transition year perhaps?) should be taught how to drive. It's an important life skill and one that can limit you later on if you can't drive. Even if you've no intention of ever owning a car, you're taking away your ability to hire one or to drive your OH's car. You're limiting your career opportunities and you're making your world very small.

FizzleSticks · 04-05-2017 1:35am

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RoisinClare6 · 04-05-2017 1:42am

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

It's very easy talk like that when you're lucky to have people to ferry you around. I think every youngster in school (Transition year perhaps?) should be taught how to drive. It's an important life skill and one that can limit you later on if you can't drive. Even if you've no intention of ever owning a car, you're taking away your ability to hire one or to drive your OH's car. You're limiting your career opportunities and you're making your world very small.

We don't need it right now so there's no real point for us to get a car etc and put extra bills into the mix, if the need ever arises it will be considered. As for now we are quite happy being carless!

gitzy16v · 04-05-2017 1:44am

anna080 wrote: »

I think it's more to do with people feeling more secure in their cars and free from observation. After a long day at work where you've been talking to people all day, the last thing you want to do is get on a bus and perhaps see someone you know, or risk someone sitting beside you talking crap. You want to sit in your car, turn on the radio, talk to yourself, sing, fart (not me, lol) and just take your mask off and be yourself. Public transport just prolonges the social charade that you've already been a part of all day.

Down to a tee!!!!!
I'll gladly sit in traffic,doing what I want,when I want in the privacy of my own transport.
Cars are freedom.
I won't be tamed by public transport,
I'd rather die!

Mrs OBumble · 04-05-2017 1:49am

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

It's very easy talk like that when you're lucky to have people to ferry you around. I think every youngster in school (Transition year perhaps?) should be taught how to drive. It's an important life skill and one that can limit you later on if you can't drive. Even if you've no intention of ever owning a car, you're taking away your ability to hire one or to drive your OH's car. You're limiting your career opportunities and you're making your world very small.

Agreed.

I don't own a car. When I need one, I catch a taxi or I rent a car.

I take jobs within walking or public transport distance - yes this can limit me a little in where I work. But who wants to be trapped in a car for hours each day commuting, I've better things to be doing with my time.

The only thing I miss is spontaneous trips out to nice places (beaches, parks etc) on fine days. But I don't miss it enough to pay thousands for insurance and parking, much less NCT, maintenance and the cost of having the capital tied up.

NIMAN · 04-05-2017 2:33am

We have 2 and need both.

learn_more · 04-05-2017 2:37am

There is only one thing worse than cyclists and that's motorists.

soups05 · 04-05-2017 2:49am

funny enough my car broke down at the start of march, worked out it was costing too much per week to run so i took it off the road. An hour on bus to college rather than 10 mins by car. waiting around in all kinds of weather never knowing if you will even get a seat. Bus into town for shopping then requires lots of walking around town plus avoiding going to certain shops cos they are 15 mins walk out of the way.
More standing around waiting for a taxi home. lots and lots of walking during the bus strike. Not really able to pop to local retail park to grab something cos its either a taxi, an hour bus or hour and a bit walk.

so basically am kicking myself for not keeping car on the road, will be saving to get it repaired and back on road asap and will never, ever do without it again.

04-05-2017 10:54am

I'd be completely lost without a car, its a absolute requirement for many aspects of my life and would cause considerable hardship to others aspects not having it.

Aside from all that I just don't like public transport, or getting wet/exerting massive effort etc that would be required for cycling (if it was practical).

Ush1 · 04-05-2017 11:09am

Yes, I move around for work. If I didn't need one, I wouldn't have one.

D0NNELLY · 04-05-2017 11:11am

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Wonderful contributions so far, keep them coming

You set the standard.

choons · 04-05-2017 11:12am

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Do you really need a car?

No. Do I want a car? Yes.

Save so much time commuting and can time arrival perfectly.
Can wear a suit and have hair looking sharp for work.
Warm and dry, can listen to podcasts or music.
Can pop to the shops whenever needed.
Can visit different parts of the country on a whim.
Can go on a night out and drive home afterwards.

Besides all of the practicality issues, some people enjoy driving and their car is a hobby and extension of their personality.

Would you cut your grass with a scissors? I don't think so. Cars, just like any technology make life so much easier . . . get over it. :pac:

Permabear · 04-05-2017 11:15am

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OldMrBrennan83 · 04-05-2017 11:16am

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Wanderer78 · 04-05-2017 11:19am

Probably don't but it would dramatically change my life for the worst I'd imagine if I didn't have it

moonlighting · 04-05-2017 11:23am

last year when my insurance went to a grand. I decided to call it a day and cycle everywhere. Problem is I lived out the the country side and my commute was 32km so that was 64km a day just to cycle to work. I was fit so did it no problem. although I struggled on windy days.
The real problem with cycling is how long it takes. took me 1 to 1.5 hours to cycle that distance 20 min to setup in the morning all my equipment. then 20 min to get setup in work (shower). so i was getting up at 6.15 in the morning when I used my car i got up at 7.30 am.
did it for 6 months but back to car now sadly. hated getting up so early and going to bed early as-well.

bmwguy · 04-05-2017 11:26am

I do genuinely need one. Self employed with many clients that I visit in their homes or places of work. Hate when someone wants to meet me in city. Nightmare. Hardly ever drive in unless I have to be somewhere else straight after.

whoopsadoodles · 04-05-2017 11:30am

Pac1Man wrote: »

Get yourself a Mk.1 MR2 and head up to the Sally Gap OP. Up and back for your sins.

Mk2 ftw

I wouldn't be able to live without a car no. I rely on it heavily.

I probably don't need more than one but hey, I like cars

andekwarhola · 04-05-2017 11:36am

The AH take on things is generally I live half an hour bike ride to college, exist on the local takeaway and never want kids.

Therefore cars are evil and everybody should cycle everywhere.

Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 11:39am

anna080 wrote: »

I think it's more to do with people feeling more secure in their cars and free from observation. After a long day at work where you've been talking to people all day, the last thing you want to do is get on a bus and perhaps see someone you know, or risk someone sitting beside you talking crap. You want to sit in your car, turn on the radio, talk to yourself, sing, and just take your mask off and be yourself. Public transport just prolonges the social charade that you've already been a part of all day.

Public transport makes you that uncomfortable? I guess it depends what type it is but the Dart is fine, I used to enjoy the tube in London when I lived there too, weirdo that I am. I can understand long bus journeys being uncomfortable though.

andekwarhola · 04-05-2017 11:43am

I used to get public transport to work and prefered it to driving. It was a handy time to listen to music, read and daydream - in fact, it was one of the few times in the day you weren't surrounded by colleagues, friends or family.

Not sure how a 'social charade' comes into it unless you are busking or preaching on it everyday.

Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 11:45am

andekwarhola wrote: »

Not sure how a 'social charade' comes into it unless you are busking or preaching on it everyday.

I know, you sit down and shut the f*ck up. Unless you've some serious neurosis I don't get the problem with that.

retro:electro · 04-05-2017 11:46am

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Public transport makes you that uncomfortable? I guess it depends what type it is but the Dart is fine, I used to enjoy the tube in London when I lived there too, weirdo that I am. I can understand long bus journeys being uncomfortable though.

When I'd get the bus it was usually a 40min journey which stopped every ten mins to collect people/drop people off. I now make that journey in about 25mins. I'd almost always meet someone from school or see a friend of my parents or something, and after a long days slog where you're fed up talking sh!t, it used to put the dreds in me to the point where this was the sole motivation for me learning to drive. Once in your car, you retreat back into your most natural, uncivil and animalistic self. It's just human behaviour. And I'd say this is the sole reason why some people will always forgo public transport for private ownership.

Boom_Bap · 04-05-2017 11:49am

If I lived near water I'd be selling my car and getting one of these.

04-05-2017 11:49am

I absolutely do need a car but never use it for commuting, I'd hate to. Much better switching off on the bus and having a nap

Permabear · 04-05-2017 11:50am

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Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 11:51am

anna080 wrote: »

And I'd say this is the sole reason why some people will always forgo public transport for private ownership.

No way, I never ever meet people on either bus route or Dart. It could be just the route you're on or something. Anyway even if I did it wouldn't bother me.

Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 11:52am

Permabear wrote: »

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That sounds a bit OTT to me. I mean if every family had that many cars the place would be an even bigger mess. You can barely drive down many estates because the roads are clogged with parked cars.
Do you really think it's sustainable for families to have 2 or 3 cars?

CoolHandBandit · 04-05-2017 11:55am

Buy a motorbike/scooter and turn that 2 hrs commute into 30 minutes.

Permabear · 04-05-2017 12:02pm

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Kimbot · 04-05-2017 12:04pm

My commute is approx 70 miles to work, If I was to get public transport it would take me nearly 4+ hours just to get to work and thats if I am lucky so I dont have a choice but to have a car.

Shenshen · 04-05-2017 12:06pm

Do I REALLY need it? No.
While I live outside of Cork, I do have public transport available and can get to work without a car. However, the journey on public transport is 1.5 hours each way, a total of 3 hours a day.
The journey in the car is half an hour each way.
It's not really a journey I could easily cycle, either, unfortunately.

But I do try and minimise impact : I drive an electric car, and I drive myself, my husband and a neighbour to work as we all work in pretty much the same area.

That said, I do miss the comfort of public transport. After a long day at work, you can just sit back, get a book out of your bag and lose yourself in it until you get home. You don't have to face the madness and terror that is Irish rush-hour every day.
If the public transport journey time was a little more reasonable, I would not bother with the car.

retro:electro · 04-05-2017 12:06pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

No way, I never ever meet people on either bus route or Dart. It could be just the route you're on or something. Anyway even if I did it wouldn't bother me.

I guess you are not as anti social as I am! :pac:

Maximus Alexander · 04-05-2017 12:07pm

I've a car and would rather not be without it, but I don't need it. It probably gets used on average once a week. I'd rather use pretty much any other method of transport than my car to commute. But then I live on the LUAS line, work in the city, and prefer to run or cycle into town anyway. It would be a bit silly to apply my own circumstances to everyone else and conclude that they don't need cars.

I have no doubt that there are people who drive into work out of pure laziness, when there are quicker, cheaper alternatives. But I'd be hard pressed to believe that this is the cause of the majority of traffic on the roads or even close to it. Most people are perfectly capable of choosing the most appropriate method of transport for their circumstances. If you want to get people out of cars (which I'd fully support), then you need to provide a better alternative. For many people, there isn't one.

Bitches Be Trypsin · 04-05-2017 12:07pm

I could do with a car, it would be handy, but it's definitely not a necessity as the busses in Cork city pass college and the city. Sometimes I walk the 3km to college and get soaked when the busses are delayed. Days like that I wouldn't mind a little mini for myself

Glenster · 04-05-2017 12:09pm

I feel as though I should get one.

But the bus to work is as fast as a car, and I'm on the Dart line, and I have no nippers to ferry about. So practically I'm fine.

But Its a bit emasculating to be almost thirty and not a motorist.

Winterlong · 04-05-2017 12:10pm

I went without a car for about a year once upon a time a long time ago.
It sucked. Never again.
My car makes my life easier. Life without it is miserable. So yeah -I need my car.

Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 12:10pm

Permabear wrote: »

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Oh you're in America. That explains it. The whole country is geared towards driving. If everyone had a similar setup to you here in Ireland you'd be in a traffic jam as soon as you left your driveway however!

whoopsadoodles · 04-05-2017 12:13pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Oh you're in America. That explains it. The whole country is geared towards driving. If everyone had a similar setup to you here in Ireland you'd be in a traffic jam as soon as you left your driveway however!

Someone said to me once "you must spend a fortune on petrol".

I laughed heartily while I explained that I can only drive one car at a time so no. I spend the same amount on petrol.

Parchment · 04-05-2017 12:15pm

I dont need a car really. We have considered getting rid of ours and just renting one when/if we need one at the weekends.

My partner and i cycle to work each day so the car rarely gets used Mon-Friday. We do use it for bringing groceries home but i suppose you could get a taxi for that once a week.

It is depressing seeing lots of people in cars stuck in traffic at rush hour and all the cars have one person in them. I know some people i work with are in and out of the office so need their car for that but i'm sure many office based people could avoid using a car to get to work.

erica74 · 04-05-2017 12:22pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

So could you do without your car? And how are people willing to pay these mental insurance prices?

I don't have a car, I drive a motorbike. I live in rural Ireland and where I am, there's no public transport and it's at least a 2 hour walk to the nearest town, which takes 20 minutes on the bike. My bike is actually in the shop at the moment and I am stranded at home until I get it back.

My insurance price is good. One of the bike insurers in Ireland is after pulling out of the market this year though so I'm hoping that won't impact the price too much.

When I lived in Dublin, I cycled everywhere as I get travel sick on the bus.

smurfyirl · 04-05-2017 12:22pm

Spent 8,400 on vrt for mine three years ago. 600 on insurance and 250 tax a year. No way am i gonna let that sit in a driveway and take a bus to work after having to spend that much for the privilege. (Personal choice to spend that I know. But I'm a car nut)

Plus I work shifts so buses aren't an option most days. I have to bring a few kgs of gear each day so bikes out. Also long drives to family and not being stuck to a rigid timetable etc etc

Permabear · 04-05-2017 12:23pm

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Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 12:29pm

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

I have no doubt that there are people who drive into work out of pure laziness, when there are quicker, cheaper alternatives. But I'd be hard pressed to believe that this is the cause of the majority of traffic on the roads or even close to it. Most people are perfectly capable of choosing the most appropriate method of transport for their circumstances. If you want to get people out of cars (which I'd fully support), then you need to provide a better alternative. For many people, there isn't one.

I think schools have a massive effect on the awful traffic in the mornings. I can only speak for my own route but it's a car park when the schools are on, and free flowing and peaceful when they're off. I don't know if this is purely down to school runs clogging up the arteries, or people taking time off when the kids are off, or a mixture of both. But surely this is something that needs to be looked at to improve the flow.

Dr Crayfish · 04-05-2017 12:31pm

Permabear wrote: »

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Footpaths are extremely limited too in some places! It's like they try to discourage walking. I was stopped by the police at least once when walking around Indianapolis, more like they were checking to see if I was ok, as I wasn't black or homeless looking!

Permabear · 04-05-2017 12:33pm

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Parchment · 04-05-2017 12:34pm

erica74 wrote: »

I don't have a car, I drive a motorbike. I live in rural Ireland and where I am, there's no public transport and it's at least a 2 hour walk to the nearest town, which takes 20 minutes on the bike. My bike is actually in the shop at the moment and I am stranded at home until I get it back.

My insurance price is good. One of the bike insurers in Ireland is after pulling out of the market this year though so I'm hoping that won't impact the price too much.

When I lived in Dublin, I cycled everywhere as I get travel sick on the bus.

I drove a motorbike for years and i am considering one again - so much quicker to get everywhere, cheaper to run than a car and far more fun.

Do you really need a car?

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