The carfree curveball
Posted on 30. Jun, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in Featured, News
The elevator pitch for my blog goes something like this…
“I report on what’s happening along the METRO light rail in Phoenix and how our new mass transit system helps me experiment with living carfree.”
Recently, I’ve talked about the lease maturing on my car and how I’m facing a difficult decision. Do I continue to make payments on a car I maybe use once a month? Or do I turn my car in and save some money? Will I be able to get by living completely carfree? (Read related post here)
I’ve talked to my mom about this. Many times.
In fact, the reason why this has been such a difficult decision is because my mom threw me a curve ball when I told her about my plan. She said I should keep my car.
I thought for sure she would take my side and encourage me to save some money, especially right now when we everyone is facing such tough economic times.
I now found myself at the intersection of Indecisive and Oh crap, what do I do??? This seed of doubt was planted in my head. Am I making a mistake? Maybe I do need a car?
Ugh..
Paying hundreds of dollars every month seems so stupid when my car just sits in the garage. Then again, what if I really miss having a ride at my disposal.
Back in December I went carfree for this blog. Maybe now I should take that experience and think about what’s good for me.
I think I’ve made my decision…
I’m on my way to drop off my car at the dealership. For good.
This is kind of a weird feeling. I’ve had a car since I was 16 years old. I’m kind of nervous to let go of the wheel…
But then again, I already did six months ago.
Christin Koel
30. Jun, 2009
WOO HOO!!! You made the right decision based on the past 6 months going wheel free for the most part!!!
AND…you can always get another car if you really need one, right??
Good luck!!!!
Tony
30. Jun, 2009
Thanks Christin! Yes, I can get another one, and that’s what I was forgetting about. It just seemed so…odd…thinking about not having a car.
Ellen
01. Jul, 2009
Congratulations!!! I dream of the day when I can live without a car. Unfortunately, I’m in a sales job that has me covering the entire state and carrying beaucoup work stuff in my car. But someday…
For now, I’ll just have to be jealous of you.
Tony
02. Jul, 2009
Hey Ellen! Thanks for the comment!! My first day was like any other over the last six months. I walked into the garage, grabbed my bike and took off for work. Sure, my car was missing, but using my bike was just another day. I saw this now…
Check back when I’m stuck in monsoon!
BeyondDC
02. Jul, 2009
Car-sharing services like ZipCar make this a much easier decision. Giving up ownership of a seldom-used car becomes a no-brainer when there are a dozen ZipCars you can rent at any time within a couple blocks of your home.
Hopefully as Phoenix and other sunbelt cities grow a transit culture, car-sharing won’t be too far behind.
Tony
02. Jul, 2009
Very true! I checked into the ZipCar alternative already – and as it turns out – there’s one at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus which is next to a light rail stop. In addition, there’s a Hertz rental place a block away. They’re only open during the day, so I would have to plan ahead. Thanks for your comment!
WesleyTech
08. Jul, 2009
Congrats on taking the car free plunge! I’d like to do it, but only if I lived near the lightrail (which I don’t).