Giving up my car

I gave up my car after my DH retired - I was still working (about 10 years ago) but DH has taken it to mean I don't wont to drive and the family car is his!! I doubt if I have driven myself more than 10 times this year, consequently i am now quite nervous about taking it out, I certainly would drive DH because he criticises far more than necessary making me more nervous - big mistake giving up my car!!

I think I was 86 when I gave up my car. I had worked out that taxis were more economical. I also had difficulty turning my neck at junctions.

Covid happened and I felt I wanted to be a recluse in any case. I have two adult sons who support me with visit to dentist , dog to vet etc.

As regards keeping the battery charged, I recently had to have my battery replaced bythe AA after a period of non-use, and the AA man said a drive of 30min once a week is needed to keep it in good condition - the distance is not as important as the time.

Franbern thank you for sharing where you live, very helpful - sorry for the dealy, I've only just had a cha nce to revisit.

Where I live I'd struggle without a car but my plans to downsize include taking into consideration the time when I may no-longer be able to drive. You seem to have moved to have such facilities which I have thought of - public transport, proximity to shops, GP surgery, etc. As others have said I'd make the final decision when the insurance is near to being due. I like the idea of teabagwoman of putting the proceeds of the sale in an account with annual costs added to provide a 'taxi fund'. I'll try to remember that for when the time comes. Thanks teabagwoman.

effalump There is truth in that.

I don't use my car for shopping as I have a rucksack and a basket and even, if I really need it, a shopping trolley on wheels.
Going on holiday I have to pack carefully and light.
We once went to New Zealand for a month with only cabin luggage.
The worst bit was arriving in Singapore and sweltering in our outdoor clothes which we had to have for the journey to Glasgow airport in snow.

This summer I drove to Skye and took a carful of everything. I didn't need most of it.

I'm beginning to think I'm a closet 'prepper'. Whenever I go to the supermarket for '2 or 3' things, it usually ends up as 2 or 3 shopping bags. Perhaps all the talk of no petrol, no gas, no electricity, no Christmas dinners is making me stock up just in case. Maybe if I get rid of my car, I would be forced to only carry 2 or 3 things.

I realise I am wailing into the wind but I wish more resources were invested directly into improving public transport/rural transport etc.
I see there have been initiatives to offer cash incentives to people who give up their car but I can't see much future in that.
It isn't cash we want is it? but the independence and personal control we would miss which isn't measured in £££

I admire you Franbern for thinking about it and others who have already taken the plunge.

We gave ours up some years ago. It takes a bit of planning but it rapidly becomes second nature.

We did some calculations before we gave it up and we (and in fact some independent organisations) estimated the cost of having even a cheap car was around £50/week. We spend noting like that on other transport - including occasional taxis.

Yes public transport in South Somerset has deteriorated no buses after 7pm non on bank holidays or Sundays Still drive at night husband hates night driving Looked at getting to Solihull by train the cost is terrific I can do it from Bristol on a coach £7 return not £92

I'd always had a car since passing my test at 17 (a few old bangers to start with!). DH has never driven but his parents had cars. Just over 10 years ago we were on our uppers, the car - supposedly a good one - had had a number of problems then we needed an expensive repair so we sold it. Now that DH isn't well it would be lovely to have a car and have a day out but I haven't missed it otherwise. I walk as much as possible, have a bus pass and we have several buses we can catch, we use taxis when DH has medical appointments (he has a lot) but the DDs and retired SiL help with lifts whenever they can.

Franbern, I do hope you continue to have fun in your new home. We do meet more people as we explore our neighbourhood if we use public transport.

When our car started to cost more to get it through the MOT we decided to get rid and do without as we live close to most amenities and have bus passes. I'd say the only inconvenience has been that we can't offer help to the rest of the family: e.g picking up the grandchildren on our shift.

I would love to be in your position, with such great access to public transport. With all the costs associated with motoring eg insurance,mot's, servicing, fuel you could easily manage with public transport and a taxi if you needed a connection. Don't think twice, go for it.

Why not do a try out for a few months first. Leave your car in the garage and use only public transport or your mobility scooter. If, at the end of this period you haven’t missed your car then go ahead and sell it.

Apart from all these GNers who live in the depths of the country without public transport, I don't believe not owning a car is a big hardship.
When I broke my arm and couldnt drive I was amazed by the time I saved not picking up people from the airport, not stuck in traffic jams or trying to find a parking place and then trying to pay without cash...
Here my nearest city is Edinburgh where cars are penalised. Parking costs are high and narrow streets closed at weekends. I think we are being weaned off our addiction to personal cars by making it quite unattractive.
Public transport is good but could be better. Bus lanes operate during rush hour weekdays only.

If you decide to give up your car, think about the savings in running costs plus the possible proceeds from its sale. You could use that money to take a taxi occasionally.

I haven't gone through all the posts but one solution that's kind-of halfway, is to join a car club such as ZipCars so you can have access to one when you really need it. Or maybe rent one on occasion? (Though they might have some age limits - I haven't looked into that yet..)

Seem to remember some car hire companies have an age demarkation. Feel that maybe illegal (ageist?) but they can easily make it 'undesirable' by upping the insurance premium hugely. I'll be interested hear from someone who has current knowledge on this.

Although I am not in your position, I remember counselling my mother to stop driving (we felt she was an unsafe driver).

When she did so, she became dependent on us - I had no idea of quite how much we had taken away from her. It changed her daily life completely and now, being of a similar age, I am horrified that I encouraged her to stop driving.

If it is yours and others safety that is your main issue (and not cost) why not take a couple of driving lessons and ask for a driving assessment? Then you would know how safe your driving is and hopefully know you are safe on the road.

We took such a test some years ago when our grandchildren arrived. It gave us confidence that we were safe drivers.

I didn't think of it like that Franbern - the yearly cost. Insurance MOT etc my i10 must cost me £700 a year. Goodness. But I like the independence. I won't give up driving until I have to. (I love the i10, very dependable little car.)

you have to decide if you want to still carry on paying for fuel, insuring and taxing your car, would the money saved from getting rid of the car cover your bus and train fares or even partley cover, i still drive we have a car each but partner still works and we live in a rural village with limited bus service and at top of very steep hills and with no shops and having COPD i need a car other wise i maybe would of sold mine.

Just couldn't do without a car - NO transport nearby, nearest bus or train over 3 miles. Could get food shopping delivered - did try it but got weird substitutes!! As I live alone I do like to get out an about and take my dogs to new walking areas. Until she died recently, I also shopped for a friend and took her out and about.

As you seem to have transport options for most things, if you take the cost of petrol, servicing and insurance, for the few times you would need to drive, take a taxi. I'm sure if you added up the expense of a car there wouldn't be much in it cost wise.

10 months not 20