Should I Jettison Jettason My Car?

Oh, Seth, I want to give you a hug just for thinking about going car-free! Yay!

I have been car-free for almost a year now, and I LOVE it. But I am in a city with much more and much better public transportation than where you are. I did feel pretty helpless for the few days when I was still in KC and my car was stolen.

I know you can walk to work, but what about buying groceries? Going to Westport or the Plaza to hang out with friends? Taking your glass to the recycling center? A scooter or a bike seems like a good idea in warm weather, but what about when it's yucky outside or when you need to transport something somewhat sizable? (If you are like me, you just don't buy sizable things anymore! In fact, you might buy less overall since getting your purchases home become more of a hassle when you are riding a bike or the bus.) Is there a car sharing company in KC?

I don't want to talk you out of living without a car. These are just some things to consider. I think being car-free is awesome, and I hope you can find a way to make it work.

+ author: little d
+ posted: August 20, 2007 08:14 PM

is there a story that goes with the pic, other than that one time you were in the mother land?

any ways. for having a car or not. You seem to go back to Arkansas a lot, so i woudl think a car would be needed.

if you are happy with turning to a life of KC, with the occasional trip then it would be completely doable, but you will need a bike or something for the sleeping in and rushing to work, out running dogs, and pimping hoes.

+ author: shaun
+ posted: August 20, 2007 08:16 PM

Do it. Buy a bike. I'll take you to the airport or to The Great Mall of the Great Plains if need be.

this is your chance to be freeeeee!

+ author: Andy Woolard
+ posted: August 20, 2007 08:54 PM

I think you should do it considering how I bet 80% of your time is spent between the river and Pershing and 95% is spent between Armour Rd and Brush Creek.

I can't wait though for your first turn to drive on bowling night! ;)

Watch for loitering teenagers when you are parking, especially if you are dressed up like an old lady. Does your building have a safe, easy place for you to keep one?

+ author: ScooterJ
+ posted: August 20, 2007 09:14 PM

Getting rid of your car and not buying a new one is a really romantic idea. There would be times that you would feel very liberated and possibly environmentally responsible. But there would also be times late at night where all you wanted to do was get some damn Taco Bell but would have to settle for a bowl of cereal because it was raining or snowing outside.

As for traveling, the bus is bullshit and flying is too expensive. Renting a car is an interesting idea but impulsive, short distance trips would be nearly impossible unless you went with a friend/ladyfriend.

There are plenty of friends but personally, I would eventually feel guilty relying on others.

It's a tough one. I'd be curious to see what everyone else thinks.

If you did get a scooter, though, I would look into the Yamaha C3. It has 9 gallons of storage space under the seat and should get over 100 miles/gallon. It comes in blue and silver. It's the one I almost got.

Phew. Best of luck (get a truck).

+ author: Todd
+ posted: August 20, 2007 09:26 PM

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/01/3_wheel_cars/source/1.htm

you are welcome.

+ author: Thomas
+ posted: August 20, 2007 11:07 PM

Well I think you know where I stand on this. It's bullshit. There's no way you could live without a car. I mean, come on. What about all those road trips we take? Where we are running from the law 'cause a dude at a honky tonk raped you in the parking lot and then we hook up with a hot hitchhiker who steals our money? What in the hell would we drive off the cliff in? Jumping isn't as poetic as gunning it over the edge. Oh wait, I may be confused. Ok, then how about all the times you come over to hang out in Rockwellian bliss with my kids while I cook a June Cleaver meal in the kitchen. Oh wait... Ok, lose the car. Your car has no benefit for me whatsoever.

+ author: smanley
+ posted: August 21, 2007 08:46 AM

How about an experiment: stop using your car for a couple months, and keep a journal of all the times you wish you could buy a 24-pack of toilet paper, or enough groceries to last for more than two days. Oh, and do this in like February.

I was without car for a couple years until recently. It was a pretty helpless feeling knowing I couldn't go anywhere without assistance. Maybe it's easier when there's more than a 7-Eleven and a McDonald's within walking distance.

+ author: Kevin
+ posted: August 21, 2007 09:56 AM

Why don't you sell your car, put the money aside, and try out the whole not having a car thing. Then, if you decide you want a car, go get one.

Possible negative, when people come to town to hang out with you, they will have to end up driving the two of you around town since you don't have a car.

Possible positive, you will be sooooo coooool.

+ author: jones
+ posted: August 21, 2007 11:50 AM

My vote is keep the car. Like said above the idea is romantic and liberating, but after a few phone calls of "hey dude, can you take me to target?" you'll miss the jetta. Is the car paid off? If so then hell yes keep it. You could buy a scooter for small trips and getting to and from work, but have your car for those trips to Fayetteville and inclement weather. How else are you supposed to lanscape our front yard if you are trucking over on a tricyle? OH A TRICYLE! There's an idea!

+ author: bev
+ posted: August 21, 2007 12:47 PM

Keep the car. Just stop driving it. If you don't use it after a prolonged period of time, sell it. If you do, won't you be happy you have it? I love the theory of car-free. But in KC?! No way, jose.

+ author: a beer sort of girl
+ posted: August 21, 2007 02:01 PM

Why own a car? Next, it'll be "Why bathe?" or "Why brush my teeth?"

Buy a Hybrid. It rules.

+ author: Jill
+ posted: August 22, 2007 03:08 PM