I-Like-To-Bike

Clearly written by someone who hasn't a clue about fixed and variable car expenses (or the difference), or what anyone who isn't voluntarily earning just enough to survive at a subsistence level can afford.

My current fixed car costs for a 14 year old Sentra are under $600/year; full car insurance at around $500 and registration at $50. No car payments in the last 14 years. Cash payment spread over the last 14 years is about $950 and becomes a smaller number each year. I chose not to work part time for subsistence wages, and because I prefer not to live like a monk or a beggar, sneaking around looking for a free place to sleep, the money spent is not only affordable but also money well spent.

Tires, repairs, maintenance, fuel and other variable costs are minimal for the less than 9000 miles/yr driven per year for the last 14 years. Of course those variable costs are close to zero when the car is not being used for something my wife or I find useful.

tandempower

I don't consider it living like a monk or a beggar to roam free and sleep where I want. It is just freedom. What is pathetic is that people have become so desperate for money and control that they impede the freedom to go and sleep wherever for free. If you can only 'subsist' on 'subsistence' wages, then it says more about your failure (and society's failure) to achieve the ability to live free and independently without spending money than it does about your failure to make enough money to pay for your dependencies.

loky1179

OK, today's ride was the opposite - it POURED rain for the first 20 miles, stopped when I was 2 miles from home. No way is this just coincidence.

Don't start to think you've outrun Car Lite Karma

Walter S

Since when has that been a goal of "society"?

tandempower

Arguably, the republic has always been split between the ethic of free and independent existence and the ethic of strengthening one's position in global capitalist markets via trade. If you want to discuss this further, better start a thread in P&R because big brother.

1989Pre 

I give you credit for caring. A lot of people would opt for the car at times when it is cool and rainy. Thanks for posting your story, because it will help other riders to take a deep breath and put their good gloves on. Keep the fire burnin', and lean into it.

ZMC888

I like to bike and Matchka.
What the hell is your problem?
Why must people trying to discuss living car free be attacked and derided at every turn? They have every right to be here.

RPK79

I think you're using the wrong meaning of free.

cooker

He said he hardly ever drives, so not much in fuel, tires or maintenance costs.

tandempower

When someone describes the cost of something in terms of dollars/day, it makes it sound like they use it daily or almost daily. If something is used once a month or a few times a year, I would describe it in terms of monthly cost, cost per six-months, or cost per use; not cost per day.