Is It Necessary to Buy a Car If You Don't Drive Often?
2 Answers
For ordinary consumers, it is not necessary to buy a car because cars are meant to improve quality of life. If the car is not used frequently after purchase, then there is absolutely no need to buy one. Below are the reasons why buying a car may not be necessary: 1. Not driving for long periods can significantly affect the car: When a vehicle is parked for extended periods, the engine oil can oxidize, which may severely corrode mechanical parts; the car battery inevitably self-discharges when the vehicle is not started, leading not only to severe power loss over time but also shortening the battery's lifespan; prolonged parking can cause the vehicle's oil seals to age and leak; since tires are made of rubber, prolonged pressure on one spot can cause the part in contact with the ground to shrink and deform. If parked under poor conditions, tires may even burst, posing a significant threat to travel safety. 2. The longer the time, the higher the depreciation of the vehicle: Cars are consumable goods, and most vehicles begin to depreciate from the very first day they are driven off the lot.
If you don't drive often, the necessity of buying a car is actually not that great. Like me, I mainly rely on public transportation for commuting to work and only occasionally use a car for outings. The cost of owning a car is high: the down payment, loan interest, and insurance can amount to thousands of yuan a year, not to mention parking fees, regular maintenance, and fuel costs. Added together, the expenses over a few years far exceed the cost of occasionally taking a taxi or renting a car. In cities, the public transportation network is well-developed, and using a mobile app to hail a Didi or rent a car by the hour is super convenient and cost-effective. Cars also depreciate in value, and selling one after a few years can result in significant losses. Unless you live in a remote area or have special professional needs, buying a car will only add to your financial burden and life hassles. It's more economical to save the money and invest it elsewhere.
