I haven’t had my own vehicle for a few years now. I left my last truck out of state after I drove it out of town during a psychotic episode and then called police to pick me up. Prior to psychosis(early 40’s) I have always had my own vehicle(since 16 years old). My dad let’s me drive his van pretty much anytime I want but the convenience of not having to ask would be nice.
I don’t like the idea of adding car insurance to my monthly bills but I have plenty of money to buy a vehicle if I chose to.
I generally only use the van a two or three times a week. I use it for grocery/cigarette shopping, picking up take out food, going to appts, etc but I don’t use it a whole lot.
What do you think? Is the amount I use a vehicle enough to get my own or am better of just using my dads and not having to worry about car insurance and maintenance?
I think for your needs, having your own vehicle would just be an added expense. If you don’t use it often I’d say keep using your dads when you need it
I didn’t vote. I don’t feel like I could be helpful in your decision. I feel trapped without a car. (I also live alone, 10 min from my parents.) So for me, I would vote to get one. But I don’t feel comfortable telling someone else that.
The maintenance and insurance really suck, but it’s the tradeoff that I prefer.
Would you go out more and do more things if you had a car? Would it be helpful to get to appointments?
Maybe you could do some online shopping and pricing, see how you feel?
I might go to my friends more often if I had a car because she lives in a different city and I don’t feel comfortable asking for the van for such a long drive.
As far as appointments go, I have no issues borrowing the van for them. My dad is always fine with me using it for that.
As someone stick without a car right now, I am all for you getting your own. It’s freeing. What if something happens to your dad’s van? If you have your own you can help him out.
My dad has a spare older car that I don’t drive because it has some mechanical issues. My dad drives it on occasion. But I see your point. An extra vehicle might come in handy.
@Bowens Normally I would have voted to get your own vehicle. However, currently due to shortages of vehicles, both used and new vehicles have really increased in price in the U.S. You might want to spend some time monitoring the car prices in your area and buy when you can get a good car for a reasonable price. You’re lucky in that you can use your dad’s van in the meanwhile and you can take your time researching buying a car.
Covid has killed the new car business over here with chip shortages. Second hand cars which you could pick up 2 years ago cheap as chips are now worth some money as it’s a wait to get new cars.
It’s a sellers market so probably not the best time to buy. Still. It’s about what you need it for and whether it’s worth the expense. Cars are horribly expensive to maintain.
I have a minivan and use it for the same sort of things, plus driving to work twice a week. I’ve had my own vehicle since I was 16 and I can’t live without one. i could borrow my parents car but if they are out I am stuck.
Car insurance, gas and repairs suck, but I’m willing to pay that price for the freedom it provides.
house and wheels 
. Thanks though 
