To drive or not to drive

If there is any time that your foot can lose feeling, I am so so sorry to say, but you should not be driving.

Difficult to say if you live somewhere like I do being without a car would be tiresome there is just one local taxi service so hit or miss if you can get one
The bus service to the nearest city is OK but getting to a decent supermarket is hard work.
Saying that I use on line shopping for groceries and meat delivery and our local market for vegetables, but again this would be a mile or so walk.
I also go to regular meetings which need a car for access buses limited.

My mum is nearly 80 and I can’t ever imagine her not driving and was a passenger with her when she had to stop in an emergency and her reaction was amazing. We’ve talked about when she gives up and she says she will probably take a taxi as bus routes are non existent where she lives. She’s just spent a lot on her car and will never change it.

Sorry, GranySomerset, x posts.

Or great minds etc........

But what if there is not a taxi or bus when you need it. There are no taxis to be had in our village till 9.30 as they are busy taking children to school. The buses, currently are errati and being cancelled quite often.

It depends on where you live, too. Getting a taxi round us isn’t easy and in term time most of them do school runs so are not available at certain times, so that is a huge limitation. I too think it’s worth keeping a record of when and how you use the car to help you decide. I am not keen on having to depend on other people so will continue driving as long as my children think I am safe. They will be the first to suggest I hang up my car keys!

This comes up every so often, and there are so many factors to take into account. It is true that simply owning a car costs quite a lot of money that can be spent on taxis etc.
You definitely need to look at a typical month or two (not easy given the last 2 years!) and work out how you would get about and organise your life.
In principle, I agree with 'mothball it and see how much you miss it'. However, if it is already needing a lot of money to make it roadworthy, then that may not be a sensible option.

It depends on your local amenities if everything is nearby that’s handy for you. If you don’t drive when you are in pain you won’t miss the car. Maybe for shopping get a taxi or delivery you will be saving money not having a car. I think you sound already decided and don’t seem that bothered.
I like the independence but admit don’t drive far from home. Unless my arthritis hinders me driving as my joints seize up I will carry on with mine. We have to at some point give in and admit defeat I won’t be stubborn I will when I have too.

I would agree with AGAA4.

The money you would save on car maintenance, insurance etc. would pay for taxis.

Hopefully, you will have a bus stop close by and a free bus pass - depending on where you live

If money isn't an issue, why don't you keep it for another six months or a year and see how you feel then. I'm not 70 yet but I can't imagine giving up my car which I use, as you do, for short local journeys and general errands.

I'm a bit suspicious of taxis and prefer to be in my own space and to have the car there if I really need it. Once you've sold your car, it will be harder to find and buy another. That's my thoughts!

My mum gave up her car in her 70s as she wasn't using it much. She used buses and taxis and saved money as the car was costing her a lot to just keep it mostly on her driveway. The saving on MOTs, servicing, road tax and repairs was more than adequate to pay for a taxi when she needed one.