Do you own a car?
By arneljb
@arneljb (224)
Philippines
June 28, 2009 2:06am CST
Today a car is not just a luxury item; for many, it is almost a necessity. People factor in a lot of considerations when buying one. So, even though a compact car may be convenient and economical in terms of price, mileage, insurance, and taxes, some people would rather get a larger, more expensive model because of its higher social status? and better safety.
Thanks to the exploding demand for cars of all kinds, roads are becoming ever more crowded. Governments around the world are actively trying to discourage or limit the use of automobiles. But most of these plans, quite naturally, clash? with people’s interests. Perhaps the simplest method of control is to impose heavy taxes; but in the long run, a better approach would be investing in public transit? by building or upgrading light rail systems and subways, bus lines, and so forth. If these systems were safer, more convenient, and more comfortable, more people might be willing to put aside the time-, energy-, and money-consuming activity of driving.
7 people like this
32 responses
@maikarumike (458)
• Malaysia
28 Jun 09
I have just gotten my first car actually two months ago.Before getting the car, I was so hyped up and many more but then after having it for two months now i felt that it is a responsibility to carry.I think every car has their own safety features after all and there are no such thing as dangerous car.Being able to buy an expensive car means that person is able to support it financially.As for me,i gotten myself a pretty nice car for a good price and not so expensive. Indeed we must be saving our environment and it saves more to use public transport but then it is not that convinient.
2 people like this
@Hedwig (283)
• China
28 Jun 09
I don't own a car presently and have no plan to buy one in a few years. Yes, car is no longer a luxury item, most people can afford the price. However, at least in my country, it takes a lot to maintain a car,because of the high oil price, taxes an so on. Therefore, before I can earn enough money, I think it is a bit unworthy to own a car by myself
2 people like this
@derek_a (10874)
•
29 Jun 09
My car tends to be a larger car - family car, not sports or anything like that. I do need to have one so see it a necessity. Larger cars are cheaper at the moment than their smaller counterparts, and I have found that it all evens out in the end anyway. Whilst I may have to pay a little more for fuel, over the period of a year, the fuel plus the price I pay for the car can even work out cheaper.
I only use my car when necessary, and when I go into the city, I will often leave it just outside the congestion area and use public transport. If public transport was better out here in the suburbs, I probably wouldn't even own a car, or just have a little beat-up car if I need to run somewhere on an errand.
There are scientists who say that the earth temperature has heated up many times before and it is more to do with the activity of the sun, than man-made. So I continue to reserve judgement on global warming. I neither believe it totally nor deny it. I'll just wait and see what other answers science can provide.
- Derek
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2 people like this
@kmaram (2533)
• Philippines
28 Jun 09
Yes i do have car for about 8 months only. It was bought second hand by my hubby but give it to and the name under me. He was working abroad so dont have a chance to use it everyday. Sad to say that i can't drive that much, i do driving lesson but i dont know whats happening. But i have a chance to stroll here in the subdivision but going in the highway i can't. Maybe i need more practice, and confident to myself to drive it. I hate myself for this things!!!
2 people like this
@harmonee (1228)
• United States
28 Jun 09
I used to think that I wanted a big fancy car for the social status that you speak of, but I am totally over that now. Gas prices and everything are going up and I would be perfectly content with a small car that gets fantastic gas milage as long is it doesn't sacrafice safety. I drive a malibu now and it's pretty good. I would like to hold out a few years before having to buy another car in hopes that the gas milage will improve even more.
I take public transit for special events downtown, but as a whole, it's not all that much cheaper ($2.30 each way) to take the bus. I just don't see it as that beneficial once you add in the extra time it takes to get there. If it was a significant price difference maybe I would feel differently.
2 people like this
@aikhong (661)
• Malaysia
28 Jun 09
Hi, i'm agree with you that improving the quality and availability of public transport would be the best solution in long run for handling the increasing number of automobiles on the road. For me, a car is just a necessity, to ease our live, and to bring convenience in our daily activities. It is good enough to have a ordinary, and economical one, rather than a luxury one just because we want to show off or improve our social status or image. Perhaps we are just ordinary people, with an ordinary income, so we will not be too choosy or particular about having luxuries in life. That would be just a waste and doesn't mean anything for me. The more important thing is that we live our life meaningfully, and in the case of having car, it would be bset if it is environmentally friendly and economical enough.![](/Content/images/emotes/lol.gif)
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@kevsgirlalways (5883)
• Malaysia
28 Jun 09
i do have a car, i guess you can say that it's kind of a necessity for me. although i have a car, i don't really fancy driving that much though.
1 person likes this
@rmorefield (941)
• United States
28 Jun 09
I have 4 kids. We live about 30 miles away from the city. It is not practical for me not to own a vehicle. And, unfortunately, it is not practical for me to own a small car. I am glad that they are starting to build full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles in the hybrid models. I am planning on buying one as soon as I can. Of course, that is more than likely going to be a couple of years from now, but at least I now have the option to buy something more fuel efficient in the large size that I need.
2 people like this
@animestan (321)
• Canada
28 Jun 09
Nope, No car for me. Dont really need one when I can ride in my parents.
@gcorp09 (940)
• Singapore
28 Jun 09
We do own a second hand small car which we had bought recently in the beginning of the year. We have to say that we had considered lots of issues before getting our own car instead of using the public transport. Yes, the public transport system in our country is considered to be quite good, and one can easily get to most places using the public transport. Our Government is also trying to get people to use the public transport and not buy cars by imposing taxes on cars, and also taxes on usage of cars at certain roads during certain timings.
These all are being considered when we bought our car. However, due to certain circumstances we had, we do think that it's best for us to own a car. It's a 'necessity' for us. With his mum going to the hospital soon for a knee surgery, we will probably need the car more than ever, as he needs to send his mum to and fro the hospital after the operation.
1 person likes this
@marcyyyy (517)
• United States
29 Jun 09
Yes, I own a car. I've had it for 12 years, and I'll keep it 12 more if it's still a good car! Mine is very fuel-efficient...I get around 45 miles per gallon. So I can't complain about gas prices. Also, I don't drive a lot, or too far. when I worked downtown, I always took a bus. Everything is so convennient where I live. And my husband & I just took a bus tour up to Maine, so none of us did the driving that week. We really don't use our cars anymore than we have to, and don't need to drive very far. I can't afford a large car, and I don't care about status. Take care...and by the way, welcome to MyLot!!
@geniustiger (1694)
• Philippines
29 Jun 09
Wish I could have a car in my life.
I dont have it now. But I aim to have it
someday If I can afford to . Im trying to
work it hard and join some raffles might be
there's a chance to win any car.
But if it will not happen its alright . I know
my status that can't buy it right away.
1 person likes this
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
28 Jun 09
I do have a car, it's a hand-me-down AUV(Asian Utility Vehicle) from my husband who works abroad now. It is a necessity for my family - I use it drive my 2 kids to school, then from there I go to work, and them pick my kids up from school in the afternoon. When my husband left to work in another country, I had no choice but to learn to drive, more for my kids than for myself. I can't afford to pay a family driver so I have to do it by myself. There are times when I miss riding on a car without me behind the wheel, but that is not an option at the moment.
@airakumar (1553)
• India
2 Jul 09
Yes, I own a car i10 few months ago. It is so nice and luxurious that I would say I love it!! Mine is a silver one. I just love the car so much from the day one when it was going to be launched and decided that whenever I will buy a new car, I will buy i10. Previously, I had a maruti 800, a red color. We got bored of this color so we decided our new car car will be silver a decent color.
@vicky30 (4766)
• India
18 Jul 09
I don't own a car
.But i love to earn a car.Yes it has become a necessity to have a car nowadays.Because of the pollution from cars the whole world faces global warming.Nowadays technology has come up with flying cars because the roads are always crowded.Only the richest people can afford them.If there is a car which is safe like electric or solar powered car.I will definitely buy it.![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@taface412 (3175)
• United States
2 Jul 09
It's a necessity in my rural area. The buses in the closest city only runs within the city limits so the only other option is a cab....owning a car is cheaper...way cheaper.
@bellis716 (4799)
• United States
2 Jul 09
In our little city having access to an automobile is a necessity because there is no public transportation. To get on a bus, train, or plane, we must somehow manage to get to the depot or terminal in the city, the nearest of which is a little over 20 miles away. My doctor's office is 25 miles away. No, I can't transfer to a local doctor. I have a chronic disease that few neurologists will treat.
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@pratyushtamhankar (859)
• India
29 Jun 09
Well I guess, the very good things in life do take some time to materialize !!!
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@Canellita (12029)
• United States
5 Jul 09
I LOVE me car! I rely on it so much. It really makes my life so much easier.
@pimpjuic24 (1)
• United States
28 Jun 09
This stuff is killin me, I can't believe this...really! hahaha jk Wow!
1 person likes this
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