Ok, so here’s the dilemma. We have been going back and forth on getting a car in Charleston or buying a scooter for me to get around in. Let me set up the scenarios:
1. Lauren continues driving her 2 door Blazer, which runs great and is paid off, and we buy a scooter for me to drive once I lose my company vehicle in March. The pluses - we save on gas and purchase price with the scooter, and I’ll just enjoy it. The negatives - Lauren has to use a 2 door vehicle with kids, and it does rain in Charleston (I’ve heard), which can be not so much fun on a scooter.
2. I drive the Blazer and we buy a used 4 door (Honda,Toyota….) so it is easier to transport kiddies for her. The pluses – it’s easier for the both of us. The negatives – we spend more money on gas and the purchase price.
3. We use 1 car for the two of us. Pluses – save money altogether. Negatives – we both will have jobs in two separate areas so we will have to work out a “who drives the car” schedule.
It’s the classic case of convenience vs. price.
I have had the good fortune of having a company car for 8 yrs, so it is a harder decision to add any more expenses to our finances. Yet, do we want to deal with the hassle of putting babies into the back of a two door day in and day out, or battling cold, rainy weather on a scooter.
This is just to let you in on a debate. Right now we’re leaning more toward #1. Please feel free to give us your two cents, it could give us a better perspective on the wisest decision to make.
~M
ok… i have a few friends down here in Savannah with scooters and almost bought one for myself. But… It rains A LOT in the summer. It comes out of nowhere! And Charleston is just right up the road.
This time of year it’s great because it’s cool outside and dry, but come summer… it’s sticky and wet! You’d have to take a change of clothes.
My advice… get the car!
CARTA?
http://www.ridecarta.com/home/default.aspx
Anna and Josh have a car (Honda Element) and a scooter (Vespa). When they first got married they were a one-car family – both were working from home so there was no need to “schedule” their comings and goings. Josh has since gotten a job with Apple at Mall of Georgia, and they bought the Vespa – primarily because he liked the whole idea as you outline…cheaper than a car, GREAT gas mileage, not to mention that it costs less than $5 to fill it up (when gas prices are decent) AND they were trying to go a bit “green”…it has worked fairly well for them, but they have encountered every scenario you mention – and NOW with the baby, there are days that it rains or is COLD and Anna has to load up the baby and take him to work, go back and pick him up, etc. SHE doesn’t mind this, but I contend it will become more worrisome as time goes on, and especially as the baby gets older. “In a perfect world”, given all of your “factors”, my vote is Option #2…I’ll be praying with ya’ll about this! XOXO!
I agree with everyone else. If it becomes a perfect and ideal world in which a 2nd car is affordable, I would sieze that opportunity! My mom has a scooter that she is supposed to use in the summers . . . and I think my dog has more mileage than the scooter. I just don’t think they’re as practical as they are intriguing.
I agree, too! In the long run, I’m sure you’ll both need a car, so might as well do it now. Good luck!