The car must go

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

It's so expensive living in this country now, in our house we struggle constantly, and so do many of my friends. Food prices are an absolute nightmare as I feel sure all fellow UK residents have also noticed. WELL....
My car insurance renewal is coming up, along with tax, MOT,service... (all the usual bits!) I opened my renewal letter and it's ridiculous, especially when I have full no claims built up over 20 years, though not always on my own policy but it's there just the same.
So now I've decided the car has to go, its just one worry too many now. We've investigated the bus routes and from now on that'll be me and the boys, my chauffeur days are coming to an end!

[Gaile]

well I use the local bus.......It maybe a good idea go onto the website to see if you can get cheaper tickets....for a week or month...some days I use to be on about 6-8buses a day!!!

[Marianne Marlow]

I can't hear the words "food prices" without mentioning that peppers are 80 pence EACH in asda at the moment. I can't remember the last time I bought one they are so expensive!!

[milliej]

I change my car insurance provider every year so as to get a better deal but our car is ten years old this year so dear knows what they'll come up with, probably say it's too old or something!
If there's a decent bus service I'd get used to it before you're too old (like me!) I've been so used to a car that now I'm finding the thought of using a bus a nightmare! I suppose I'll have to one day but I still have friends who drive and they're over 80 and 90!!!! Yes I know...but it is a fairly rural area
I'm trying not to use the supermarkets as I always buy too much or am tempted (and give in!) and get the bargains, 2 for 1 or something. I've started shopping on-line local produce and only getting what I can't there, at the local Co-op which isn't cheap but at least I can walk there!

[nat]

The price of running a car and general living now is actually going to shortly lead me to unemployment! I need my motor for work as there is no public transport running at 5.15 in the morning to get me to work which is 50 miles a day comuting.
Car is approaching its MOT in 2 weeks and at 12 years old its either going to be a pricey one or a scrap job.
The government claim to be trying to get people off the dole but at the same time are forcing people on a low wage onto it!
My saving grace is my new allotment! I think the only thing I shopped for over a few months last year was pet food

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

The government have no idea what it's like for "the man in the street". (When I'm in charge.....tee hee!) Yes Gaile the buses are fortunately pretty good- the boys can get to school on time without having to leave at a stupid hour to do so, and I can hopefully get to most places without too many bus changes, it will take a bit of getting used to that's all. Nat I hope your car is ok with it's MOT. I used to do an 80 mile a day commute when I lived in Cornwall to work via the school and nursery every day, then back again so I know how that goes, and it's no fun

[nat]

Thanks Sarah! I hope it is too. I'm very fond of my old car even though I can't lock the doors otherwise I can't get into it again lol! I leave it all over the place with the doors open or the window down. The passenger door works from the outside as long as its not been locked:) Drivers side is stuck! Can't get in via the back as its a fiesta van with a fixed grill to the boot lol:D
Glad the buses have got ok times for you Sarah:) My OH doesn't drive but uses buses in and out of town all day on one of those weekly tickets.

[Kath/Gaz]

Mar 7, 2012 13:33:53 GMT Gaile said:

well I use the local bus.......It maybe a good idea go onto the website to see if you can get cheaper tickets....for a week or month...some days I use to be on about 6-8buses a day!!!

I also use our local bus service as I stopped driving when I moved to England.....I know here you can get a student ticket that last for a week or month I think....which could help your boys....I also used my university ID for cheaper fares....

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

Best deal we can get on buses is 90 days unlimited travel for £170. My eldest at 16 is already counted as an adult. My other son is 13 so he can travel unlimited for 7days for £8. Luckily the ticket can be shared, so though they'll need one each I can share it for when I need to use the bus rather than shell out for 3 tickets.
Nat I once had a car that had a special knack for getting into it and third gear was non existent, and the front seat had to be wedged into place with a stick so it didn't shoot backwards when you pushed the pedals!! It's much more fun to drive a car like that... who'd want a sparkly new car without any quirks eh?!

[Bonesy]

I rode a motorbike for 6yrs, decided to learn to drive, spend most of a grand learning, bought my car for £950, spent 1k on putting it right after it failed three times, then had the joy of insuring and taxing it ontop.

I worry enough about paying my bills and feeding myself and the animals, without the extortionate cost of the car that I "need" for 90% of jobs I apply for.

And don't get me started on fuel price... daylight robbery!!

Soph.

[Hezz]

I am glad for you that the bus runs regularly and consistantly Sarah. I would be lost without a car, I have to say, but our public transport is almost non-existant, so no real choice. Buses for the schools aren't too bad, but for the general public, forget it. I am into town most days anyway so the boys come with me - I am a real "Mum's Taxi" with their different activities to get to.

I feel for you guys - things are obviously not too hot with you all having to scrimp and scrape. We are not living the high life but not too badly done by, considering. But a 10-12 year old car shouldn't be ready for the scrap-heap. Mine is 11 years old and it's great. But yours, Nat, certainly sounds like an "only a mother could love it"!!!!