I recently asked a question about the pros and cons of owning a vehicle. Credit goes to those who responded as this take is largely based off their responses, plus a few others things I added in.
Pros
1. Mobility
With a car you can go anywhere you want, whenever you want, and for how often you want.
2. Ability to help others out
If you're not selfish and want to make a difference then you can help out a lot of people, whether its for getting groceries, getting to work, or something else.
3. Convenience
With a car it is easier to get groceries - having to carry them around as you walk home or take the bus can be difficult and tiresome. Also, you can get where you're going a lot quicker than if you walked or took public transit. And it beats walking in the rain/snow.
4. Independence
You don't have to beg someone for a ride somewhere.
5. Accessibility
If you live in a rural area where there's no public transport then having a vehicle would really help your mobility; it may even be a necessity.
6. Helps with dating
Perhaps its not right, but if you're a guy its help if you have whatever leverage you can get. It also comes in handy picking up dates and bringing them home.
Cons
1. Costs
Aside from the upfront cost of buying a vehicle there's also costs associated with gas, maintenance, insurance, and perhaps also parking. Sure you can have greater mobility but once you get wherever you're going you won't have as much money left to spend.
2. Pollution
Taking the bus, walking, or carpooling reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Creates laziness
People may be more inclined to drive to the corner store instead of walking there.
4. Opportunists/free-loaders
People may use you for your vehicle or asking to borrow it. People will constantly bug you for free rides. This can be a bad spot to be in because if you say no then you may seem like a jackass.
5. Accessibility
If you live in an urban area then a vehicle could prove to be more of a hindrance if there is difficulty finding parking. Also, having a vehicle can be unnecessary if public transport if sufficient.
6. Can't multitask
Driving demands your full attention so you shouldn't be applying makeup, eating, texting, brushing your teeth, reading a book, or playing pokemon-go while driving. However, if you take public transit then you can do these things while traveling to your destination.
Personally, I'm choosing to forego buying a car right now. I could afford it but then I won't have much money left to spend once I get wherever I'm going. I'd rather pay off my student loans, save up some money, and perhaps go back to school for a master's degree.
Hopefully this take will help you come to a decision too.
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
1Opinion
I live in the sf bay area and I have no idea why I own a car. the bart is faster no toll fees or gas. in town use is faster on a bike. I mainly use a car for grocery shopping when I get lots of items but I'm sure a taxi would be cheaper then owning a whole car. cars are for the suburbs they shouldn't exist in cities.
I agree with the pros and cons. I know about this cause I own a car. It's a little 2012 Ford Focus. I admit it. I love it.
I love how it drives, the size, the color, everything.
My parents pay for the gas and insurance rn, but as soon as I get a job I'll be paying for it. Thank heaven it gets great gas mileage. Well, so long as I don't do so many hard take offs lol