Which is cheaper in the long run?

[StrawberryShake]

I have a serious fear of driving, I have my permit but no license and no car. I'm getting a job at the mall across from my new home so I can walk to my job easily (it's literally like a five minute walk)
I want to get my license and I'm slowly working on it.

But which would be cheaper, taking Uber and buses to places I need to go (excluding work and I also don't go out much) or buying a car and paying for insurance and gas?
My boyfriend obviously has a car so he takes me places I need to go sometimes.

A photo of my cat

Getting a car

Bus/Uber

[MrOracle]

Uber and the like are expensive, but if you have the discipline to use them only when really necessary - let's say grocery shopping once a week - then that's probably cheaper. If you have a bus/mass transit system that is actually useful for your situation, that's the most affordable option, though it will take more time and be less convenient than a door-to-door solution, so you'll have to factor that in. Plenty of people make due that way, though.

The big problem is that people quickly get lazy, and they run a bit late, so that their "only choice" to get to work is to Uber, and at the end of the month they've taken 40 rides and spent $1000 - that's no kind of savings.

This is a rough time to buy a car - the chip shortage and other supply-chain problems has meant that the supply of new cars is a tiny fraction of normal, so the cost of both new and used cars is WAY up right now. Plus there is the gas prices. Since you don't already own a car, and since you can walk to work, and since you can do many errands on the weekends with your boyfriend, I would just stick to walking or staying home during the week, except maybe for 1 day a week (as needed) for necessities, doctor visits, or whatever.

[zeitgeist057]

Bus and Uber are different ends of the spectrum on cost. Buses are public transportation, that where I live is close to free in cost. Uber is literally hiring a private driver with a private car to take you exclusively to your destination. It's the same as hiring a cab, and can cost even more.

So depending on your bus to Uber ratio, that's your best option. Bus is cheapest, having your own car is in the middle, and taking Uber everywhere is the most expensive. If you're afraid of driving, it seems a no brainer that you would take the bus. It's also safer than taking Uber as rape is common with the drivers.

[menina]

I would say it depends on where you live. In some places public transportation is free or very cheap. But you would have to share it with other people, you need to pay attention to their schedule and sometimes it will be crowded.
I don't advise you to use Uber because of all the horrible stories that I've heard about it and it will end up being more expensive in the long run.
As for a car, well that seems to be the best option since it would be private and it will be always ready to take you.
Overall I would say that if you're looking for the cheapest option, you should go for buses.

[RebeccaBI2000]

If you have decent public transportation, then ride the bus. Uber prices are going up, because of gas. At least where I am. Get your license and a car when you can. Save up, so you don’t have to get a loan.

[MysticDevice]

I think in the long run a car may be cheaper. Depending on make and model. Obviously uber and busses would be cheaper than a brand new Lexus. But a used Camery for 2,200-5,000$ would be pretty cost effective over a span of several years.

Out of curiosity, what's the fear with driving?
Did you have a bad experience or just live in a bigger city or something?

[HighValue]

Get a motorcycle license and buy a Honda Trail 125. It has a rack on the back to transport stuff you buy or need to take with you, plus it gets great gas mileage. The insurance is cheap too since the vehicle doesn't cost much from the start.
Or if you don't need to transport anything that can't fit in a backpack, get the new Honda Navi. It ets over 100mpg and starts at $1,800.

[Pudsmucker]

You can go places outside of town where Uber or public transportation does not go.
Where I live it takes two hours to go to work if I take public transportation. But if I have my own transportation it takes me 20 minutes. I can also go on dates.

[Mangospacho]

Right now? Gas is at an all time high and used car prices are at an all time high so, unless you absolutely need a car to survive, I would wait until prices come back to reality.

[EmbraceThePain]

So, I think you will be better served getting over this fear even though it can certainly be cheaper to NOT own a vehicle.


Obviously, it depends on where you live, your work, etc.

[UniquelyBasic]

If your boyfriend has a car then theirs not much of a reason to get another one.

[StrawberryShake]

He has a full time job that takes almost two hours to get to. So yeah, if I was to drive I would kind of need another car

[UniquelyBasic]

Just take the bus or walk as you live close to your job and only get a car if you can see yourself going far outside of where you live.

[ChiTownLov]

Usually bus routes or company sell a monthly pass. Maybe $80 a month. Definitely cheaper than buying a car right now, and gas prices

[Dinosaursandanime65]

Your cat is cute, they remind me of Louie but he got kicked out because he was bad or something

[skytatoe]

Aw cute cat! I think buses lol

[StrawberryShake]

Isn't he adorable 😍

[skytatoe]

totally asking for belly rubs!

[Jouth]

covid is a global pandemic

[StrawberryShake]

Ok and? Wtf does that have to do with this?

[Jouth]

Well you see

covid is a global pandemic.

Autonobile prices have risen during covid, even in the used market. Some models have over doubled in fair market value.

The world is changing again, it's time to pick a side.