No Longer Car-Free
Two years ago I sold the 2004 Toyota Corolla I bought after my stroke, switching to transit for all my trips. I’ve saved tons of money, reduced my carbon footprint, learned how to get around the city by public transit, and had fun doing it.
In February last year my then boyfriend, now fiancé, moved in with me. We became a one-car couple, sort of. We never added me to his insurance policy, so I haven’t driven his car. Though I still take public transit, mostly MetroBus, there are many times he’d drive us places (store, dinner, etc). This week we bought a newer car together; we’re both on the loan, the registration, and insurance. He’ll be the primary driver since he works 5-7 days per week, but I’ll likely drive when we go places together.
Finding a car we liked that was eligible for a loan through our credit union wasn’t easy, they required it to be 2007 or newer or the interest rate would be substantially higher. They also wouldn’t lend on a car with more than 100,000 miles. We wanted a Honda or Toyota, but didn’t want to spend more than $9,000. With 90,000 miles, our Honda Civic EX met everyone’s criteria.
You’ll still see me riding MetroBus, but not as often.
— Steve Patterson
So, are you now a two-car family / did you keep the old one?
We ok of have one parking space, his old car will be sold ASAP
Welcome to how most people live their lives in St. Louis. Public transit is great, in theory, when it “works”, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of one’s very own transportation pod, that will take you where you want to go, when you want to go, with no intermediate stops (unless you choose to make them)!
I’ll still be using public transit because DJF will use our car for work.
Well, that’s a nice looking car. It will come in handy for hauling that Christmas Tree and HIDI cables, and books home from the store. Oh wait……
As with all our shopping we’ll think about DJF picking it up on his way home from work, me using transit, having it delivered, or doing without.
The last book I purchased was “Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Transformation of New York” edited by Hilary Ballon ad Kenneth Jackson. Ordered at Left Bank Books downtown, picked up on 12/18/2009. $54.12 with sales tax. I had a car then but used my wheelchair since it was only 6 blocks away. I could’ve saved money ordering it online but I try to support local businesses when I can.
good car- congrats Steve over & out, Sarge