Four years ago, I bought a 1994 Mazda Protege with 45K miles for $4000 to handle my 20-mile Los Angeles commute. It worked well, and it felt good to drive. I don't see any cars like that around now here in the Houston area. I'm tempted to buy a late model used car, maybe a 2004, so I don't have mechanical problems. A brand new 2007 Honda Fit looks pretty enticing. Just thinking about the car-buying experience makes me tired.
But the problem is that I'm not staying here for long. What's the most cost-effective way to own a car for 6-8 months? Leasing has a minimum term of three years. Renting would suck away half my paycheck every month. Borrowing would be best, but who's going to loan me a car for that long? That leaves new cars and pre-owned cars on the table.
Also, does anyone know of an insurance company that gives 8-month terms? I'd probably have to pay for a whole year. Insurance would cost plenty, because I dropped my insurance two years ago when I sold my car and moved to Cambridge. Insurance companies don't like lapses.
They say that you can't get by in Houston without a car, but who has really tried? Maybe I could go the no-car route. How far do I have to go, you ask? In miles,
| Cambridge | Houston | |
| Work | 0.5 | 1.9/0.25 |
| Church | 0.2 | 1 |
| Grocery | 0.5 | 1.1 |
| Library | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| Gym | 0.8 | 0.1 |
| School | 0.8 | 3.5 |
8 Comments:
I don't think scooters require a license. I think most are legally restricted to 30-40 mph, but they get excellent gas mileage.
Yay for walking, especially since you have that super fiberglass umbrella in case of rain.
Good thought, peterskim. In Texas, mopeds require a license, but scooters meant for standing require no license. You can use them on streets with 35 mph speed limits and on bike routes. For sidewalks, it depends on local laws. On the down side, electric scooters look expensive for what you get in terms of range, and these small motor scooters are usually really loud.
For only 6-8 months, you could also just get a piece of junk that'll last you that long. Don't put too much money into it.
I've been looking at http://www.zapworld.com/cars/smartCar.asp but that's probably out of the question.
I'd say scooters are worth the research, with walking, cycling, public transport in the meantime.
"'Mand," I forgot my umbrella today, but if it rains, I have an emergency poncho.
The Zap Smart Car costs more than a Honda Fit.
Insurance, people. Think $1000 just for liability.
Adam, if I were to get, say, a Honda Rebel, what kind of insurance would I need? I went to Geico and got a quote, $800/year, but I picked the highest coverage for liability. Would I need that? Personal coverage?
I figure, if you can survive getting lost in the woods overnight, getting around Houston without a car should be a piece of cake--though some of the cars Adam suggested were real winners! You're my hero :P
Well, I felt liberated when I came back from Alaska last year--I realized that its actually OK and good for you to walk to places like the library or a friend's house etc. So I'm all for walking. HOWever, there is the issue of grocery shopping. Carrying any liquid or a even a few bulky bags is not fun. And I'm not sure how much the little granny carts can carry (or if you're ready to take on that image in public). I'd probably opt for the bike and a change of clothes. You can buy little handiwipes to freshen up when you arrive at work. And I'm guessing that if you're only going a mile or two on the flat, you won't get THAT sweaty (unless of course you're running late..) And of course think of all the fun--you could get a little bell Stephen! And streamers! ;)
But yeah, easy for me to say right? How soon will the weather be cooling off?
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