Is It Necessary to Buy a Car If You Don't Drive Often?
3 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. Long-term non-use has significant impacts: When a vehicle is parked for a long time, the engine oil is prone to oxidation, which in severe cases may 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 are also prone to blowouts, posing a significant threat to travel safety. Vehicle depreciation: The longer the time, the higher the depreciation rate of the vehicle. Cars are consumables, and the vast majority of vehicles begin to depreciate from the first day they are driven.
I don't drive much in my daily life, so buying a car doesn't seem worth it. Not only does purchasing a car require a large sum of money, but there are also ongoing expenses, such as paying thousands for insurance, road tax, and parking fees every year, plus regular maintenance. If it breaks down, repairs can be expensive. Leaving a car unused for long periods can cause tires to age and the battery to drain. All in all, the fixed costs alone add up to over ten thousand a year. In comparison, occasionally taking a Didi or the bus costs only a few hundred a month, and the money saved can be put towards travel or learning. Especially in congested cities where parking is difficult, it's much more flexible to handle transportation this way. In the long run, it reduces financial pressure and mental stress.
I don't drive often and feel that buying a car is unnecessary. Commuting by subway or bus is both punctual and environmentally friendly, plus I can read books or listen to music on the way, making full use of my time. If I bought a car, leaving it unused for long periods could lead to issues like engine carbon buildup or fuel line blockages, and each startup would cause wear. I'd also have to rent a parking space, paying monthly fees; once driving, I'd have to consider fuel costs and the stress of traffic jams. For occasional needs, renting a shared car is very convenient, with hourly rates that don't lead to waste. Life, after all, shouldn't be about adding unnecessary burdens—it's best to live simply and freely.
