If you have an object in your life that has a lot of dust on it, what is that typically a sign of? I am not talking about the light dust that naturally forms on the bobble head doll you got last season at an Astro’s game, but the thick dust who can write something in. Like “wash me” on the black window of a car.
Generally, when dust collects to that extent, you probably haven’t used that object in a while.
That was the case with one of our cars. Other evidence to support this were dead batteries from extended non-use and changing the oil based on the length of time, not mileage.
After repeated attempts to rationalize keeping the second car, we finally sold it.
In many urban cities, this would not be unusual. In fact, in some urban cities, it would not be unusual to have no cars. Such as NYC.
However, in Houston, this is generally not the case. It’s assumed that there is one car for each driver in the house. In fact, I know people who have two drivers in the house and own three or more cars.
I want to explore how we were able rationalize keeping the car for so long when we did not use it.
“It’s paid for – what difference does it make.”
I held on to that one for at least a couple of years. But guess what, it still has to be insured, inspected and registered every year.
“It’s nice to have when family visits in town.” Run the numbers. Just rent a car for those infrequent situations.
I will say, the one car two driver household scenario does not work until you have incorporated some on the other transportation or walking suggestions in previous blogs. There is clearly a lifestyle change involved.
One of the biggest lifestyle changes is you start to pick stores, services and restaurants based on access to public transportation. Your choose your doctor, haircut, shoe repair, various shopping, entertainment,etc. based on location. Case in point, we recently discovered a handy computer repair shop one block off the red line Ensemble station.
In my opinion, this last one could be the game changer for Houston traffic. Essentially the European way of living. Building communities around existing infrastructure and making consumer choices that don’t involve a car.
