Advise about downsizing and only having one car. - Page 2

bowlicious · ‎03-10-2010

We have only had one car for several yrs. We usually go everywhere together and I really don't know what we would do with two cars. We just have to be sure to not make Dr apts etc at the same time . I do have a sister who lives close in an emergency.

MoJoV · ‎10-01-2010

@bonnielu wrote:
We will celebrate our 50th. And we have always had two cars. But since our retirement we travel everywhere together. I was thinking of turning in both cars to the dealer and buying one new one. Not sure that is why I asked. It will be cheaper, less expense, less maintenance.

It's funny that same thought has been running through my head lately. It makes sense for us. But on the other hand,I don't want to be 'stranded' if he's out with the car. Decisions keep getting harder and harder. Sigh...

Happy Anniversary!! Bravo to you both.

Trees are the lungs of the Earth

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

If you make a decision to go down to one car, it's not an irrevocable decision .... if you find it just doesn't work out, the worst that can happen is you buy another car, probably slightly used.

Try it for a period of time and see if it works for you.

just bee · ‎03-10-2010

This is interesting because there was a time in which families had one car: The family car. I was raised by a mother who didn’t drive and we had no car. We walked, took a bus or L train. Today I live in a neighborhood where families have multiple cars and I have friends who are single and even they have multiple vehicles. I think it’s possible for you to live with one car. I would familiarize myself with your city’s transportation system and find out if you have services like Uber available. It can be done. It’s an interesting idea if your motivation is to save money. How many times do we jump into the car and go somewhere when we’re bored and end up spending money? To me, a car represents freedom. I can get into my car and go if I need to. I have options. I can escape. But it requires responsibility and money to keep a car. If you do downsize you may discover that you really don’t need a second car. You may end up saving more than you expected. You may find that you are capable of coming up with more creative solutions. Hold onto the money you save. If you discover you do need a second vehicle, you’ll have a down payment.

~My philosophy: Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels, here on Earth, who teach us to be better human beings.~

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

We just went down to one car this year. First I'd say, be sure you both aren't going to be making appointments at the same time. Other than that little speed bump we like it and not any real adjustment to it. He's so glad this year, his/our vehicle will be in the garage and he won't have to clean off his car from snow or ice. It's also protected from tree branches, or whatever else a tree drops off. I just saw no sense in two and both of ours were Toyota's too. We can always rent a car (see your insurance) if we have to and sometimes your dealership will give you a loner car if yours is in for maintenance. It really was a good thing. Due to both being fairly new, we combined them and got a more current year one and it should do us to THE END. LOL. Last Aug. we had our 49th anniversary. At this point, more and more makes sense.

Nataliesgramma · ‎03-28-2015

We went down to one car when I retired.......at first I didn't like being alone at home with no car....but After a few months I was glad we did it. Hubby even has a part time job 1 or 2 days a week to keep him busy. It is close and I can always drop him off if I want the car. Then our daughter lives 10 min away and I can get her to give me a ride. Most of the time hubby and I are going out together and we really don't need a second car... ...

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

@bonnielu

I think that sounds like a great idea! You both are home now and do most things together. When you have appointments you can work it out. My sister and her husband have one car and they have a lot of appointments and they have no problems with one car. If and when I ever get to retire, DH and I have already talked about it and we will definitely go to one car. We do nearly everything together and I only like to drive locally. When we have slightly longer trips, he always drives and I am with him. We could save money on insurance, gas, tires, repairs, getting inspected, license renewal, etc.

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

chiclet · ‎03-19-2010

We are in the same situation as OP. I would love to have the extra space in garage but cannot imagine not having my car. I don't go much by myself but it still freaks me out to imagine myself here without my car. I dont plan to go back to work part time but if I did I would need my car. My husband would not like being left here at the house without one.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

We have gone from 2 cars and a pickup when we were working to just one car and we are happy we did. It took us a while , we did it in steps. Saves a LOT of money. DH can ride his baike to anywhere in this small town and I have my golfcart if he is out with the car and I want to go to the Y or the pool or clubhouse. If I need to go to my volunteer job and he wants the car , he drops me off and makes certain he is there to pick me up.

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

I personally could not live without my own car. My DH and I both go our own ways during the day many times. Also I have an elderly parent in a nursing home and one who still lives at her home who can't drive. It would never work for our situation and, for me, it is part of being independent. Every situation is different of course.