One Car Families?

[Greg]

I just read Lauditio Si, and my car is now for sale.  I can carpool or take the bus, or better yet, bike! 

Even when its -15 below with a wind chill!

I leave my engine running, just to piss Bergoglio off.

[Frank]

Trouble with that idea is that the part which had broken or was worn out on your car would probably be in the same condition for the car in the field - unless the want was the result of a crash I suppose.

Wing mirrors, central locking, windscreen (windshield), headlamps, seat mechanisms, internal blower fan, seat belt retractors.....  There are dozens of parts that break, but don't wear out and most stuff is not handed.  So to repair the driver's worn out seat belt retractor you can nearly always use the less worn out passenger side one.

Then there are all those retaining clips and things that are expensive and a pain in the ass to buy at the main dealer.  Definitely worth having a spare car.

Together with a spare field to put it in. ;-)

[Gardener]

Back when I had more time, my buddy Sam and I would go to junkyards to strip whatever we wanted/needed/thought we might need in the future for our vehicles. One can learn a lot about car repair by destroying something which has no consequences if you strip a bolt, etc.

If a family only has one vehicle (or two or three), it would behoove the man of the family to invest in a tool kit and scour local junk yards for the models for which he is responsible. We had a 95 Accord in the first few years of our marriage. Radiator needed to be replaced once, so I told my wife what to get at the parts store. Salesman said, "Are you sure he can do this? It's a pretty big job." Did it in like 30 minutes with a flashlight, screwdriver, and 10mm wrench. Had never done it before.

[Carleendiane]

Living rural, requires that a stay at home mother have access to a car for many reasons that have nothing to do with materialism. Nothing. Everything to do with handling an emergency, taking a sick child in to hospItal if need be. Many times, when without a second car..  yes we went without for many years... I would have to borrow a car or ask for a lift. People were always charitable and helped me out, but some bad injuries, serious illnesses could have been seen to in quicker time if I had had a second car.

[Greg]

Trouble with that idea is that the part which had broken or was worn out on your car would probably be in the same condition for the car in the field - unless the want was the result of a crash I suppose.

Wing mirrors, central locking, windscreen (windshield), headlamps, seat mechanisms, internal blower fan, seat belt retractors.....  There are dozens of parts that break, but don't wear out and most stuff is not handed.  So to repair the driver's worn out seat belt retractor you can nearly always use the less worn out passenger side one.

Then there are all those retaining clips and things that are expensive and a pain in the ass to buy at the main dealer.  Definitely worth having a spare car.

Together with a spare field to put it in. ;-)

Try going to Hillbilly country (otherwise known as the rural midwest).  There is always a few houses in every stripmall town where their garden is full of old junkers.

You have bad memories of those Fiat 126 Bis, I know.

[PatienceAndLove]

QRM has a Prius, and I have a hybrid Highlander... the times we have been without one or the other because of needed repairs or oil changes have been heck. I have to make sure I reschedule things, and that I have already done all my shopping.

Thankfully, the 17 yo has a car now, and we can borrow hers if one of ours is in the shop. When she moves out and takes it with her, it's not going to be fun :-/

I don't see how a couple with children can be a one car family, especially if big city public transit isn't available. I'd end up spending all my money on taxis/lyft/uber- way more than I'd spend on gas and repairs.

[drummerboy]

Back when I had more time, my buddy Sam and I would go to junkyards to strip whatever we wanted/needed/thought we might need in the future for our vehicles. One can learn a lot about car repair by destroying something which has no consequences if you strip a bolt, etc.

If a family only has one vehicle (or two or three), it would behoove the man of the family to invest in a tool kit and scour local junk yards for the models for which he is responsible. We had a 95 Accord in the first few years of our marriage. Radiator needed to be replaced once, so I told my wife what to get at the parts store. Salesman said, "Are you sure he can do this? It's a pretty big job." Did it in like 30 minutes with a flashlight, screwdriver, and 10mm wrench. Had never done it before.

That's where youtube comes in handy.  I replaced my valve gasket covers from watching videos.  If you have time, common sense, and a basic understanding of mechanics you can do alot. 

Trouble with that idea is that the part which had broken or was worn out on your car would probably be in the same condition for the car in the field - unless the want was the result of a crash I suppose.

Wing mirrors, central locking, windscreen (windshield), headlamps, seat mechanisms, internal blower fan, seat belt retractors.....  There are dozens of parts that break, but don't wear out and most stuff is not handed.  So to repair the driver's worn out seat belt retractor you can nearly always use the less worn out passenger side one.

Then there are all those retaining clips and things that are expensive and a pain in the ass to buy at the main dealer.  Definitely worth having a spare car.

Together with a spare field to put it in. ;-)

Try going to Hillbilly country (otherwise known as the rural midwest).  There is always a few houses in every stripmall town where their garden is full of old junkers.

You have bad memories of those Fiat 126 Bis, I know.

Been there, seen that.  My brother had it going on (with snowmobiles too) until my dad firmly told him to get rid of them 

[GeorgeT]

We had one car for a while. It helped that I worked night shift. Not much need for a car from 1800-0800.

[LausTibiChriste]

0 cars.

Europe, baby.

[drummerboy]

0 cars.

Europe, baby.

That's the one thing I would like about European cities, they're built with pedestrians in mind, and I like taking strolls.  But I suppose you're crammed in closer too, and I need my space from people.

[LausTibiChriste]

0 cars.

Europe, baby.

That's the one thing I would like about European cities, they're built with pedestrians in mind, and I like taking strolls.  But I suppose you're crammed in closer too, and I need my space from people.

Doesn't feel that crammed, if you don't count my tiny apartment. I walk everywhere in town usually, and if not I take public transport. Quick, easy and cheap...and in the city, usually faster than taking a car.

I would like to be out in the country though. Much prefer that option.

[drummerboy]

Can't beat the country!  I grew up farming and know.  At least where I live now isn't bad, I'm literally on the last block of town and a short walk brings me to farmland.

[Heinrich]

We have one car.

[andy]

4 cars and 7 motorcycles here for 2 of us. Our son got his own car as well. My confessor said I need to stop it . But I do change oil and do other maintenance myself. Collectively we add 60k non commercial miles a year.