Do I Need A Second Car?

[Jay3wheel]

Being retired,,just the wife and me, I am now thinking about getting rid of the '12 Focus. I was thinking that I would just rent a car on those occasions when I need a bigger car. No insurance on the other car, more room in the garage and I don't have to keep it clean and maintained.

The only down side I see is if the need for a bigger car were to come up suddenly.

 

[wayne kemp]

In today's world almost everyone needs two cars. What if your car breaks down when there is an emergency, what about the times your car may stay in the repair shop for a couple days and what about the times your spouse is gone in the car and you have no way to go if something came up.

 

[zelio]

Being retired,,just the wife and me, I am now thinking about getting rid of the '12 Focus. I was thinking that I would just rent a car on those occasions when I need a bigger car. No insurance on the other car, more room in the garage and I don't have to keep it clean and maintained.

The only down side I see is if the need for a bigger car were to come up suddenly.

I guess it would depend on what you need the second car for. If you only need it as a passenger car then a second Elio might fill the need just fine. I know the Elio will be my only vehicle simply because I don't have the income to support expenses for 2. I haven't figured out how I will manage the monthly trip to Medford since I usually have a passenger on that trip and the same with the annual trip to Portland. I took the friend who usually goes on these two journeys with me to see and test "sit" the Elio and it seemed to work just fine. It will help that by the time I get my Elio we will most likely both weigh less than we do now. Z

 

[Jay3wheel]

Second level information, my wife can't drive, due to vision issue.

 

[Rickb]

Being retired,,just the wife and me, I am now thinking about getting rid of the '12 Focus. I was thinking that I would just rent a car on those occasions when I need a bigger car. No insurance on the other car, more room in the garage and I don't have to keep it clean and maintained.

The only down side I see is if the need for a bigger car were to come up suddenly.

We sold our pick up, and second car when we moved cross country 3 years ago. I always thought we would buy a replacement 2nd car right away, but have gotten by with one car since........while waiting for the Elio which will be the perfect 'and' vehicle for our retirement situation. I always worried about our only car breaking down and no spare vehicle........but we have AAA for those kinds of emergencies. We also have to plan and coordinate our days more carefully if we need to drive solo. We have rented a van for a week on 2 occassions................otherwise not a big inconvenience. If you can afford 2 vehicles it's obviously more convenient. If you are the only driver in the family having one vehicle is less complicated.

 

[zelio]

Second level information, my wife can't drive, due to vision issue.

That definitely changes the equation. I suspect by the time we get our Elios you will have a better idea of what your needs will be and be able to work on resolving them. Another advantage to getting the Elio next year instead of this. :-) Z

 

[grampi]

I can't envision any time my wife and I won't need 2 vehicles...or should I say AT LEAST 2 vehicles...I also have a motorcycle that I won't be getting rid of anytime soon...

 

[Smitty901]

In your case maybe not.
For me I ride my motorcycles as often as I can. Right up until snow is flying. The car seldom is used until then. The ELIO will replace neither.
At 7000 The ELIO will be an extra I am sure as times goes by it will see more and more use and should it prove it's self it may become a primary for when the bike is not an option. Should the ELIO prove it's self it will like go to college with my granddaughter and we will order a second one.
I retired once and 2-5 years will retire again Our needs will change some what. Living out side of town a 50-80 mpg ELIO could come in handy.
At first it will be parked in the driveway Key in it anyone that wants to use it have at it.

 

[Jay3wheel]

Aside f

In your case maybe not.
For me I ride my motorcycles as often as I can. Right up until snow is flying. The car seldom is used until then. The ELIO will replace neither.
At 7000 The ELIO will be an extra I am sure as times goes no it will see more and more use and should it prove it's self it may become a primary for when the bike is not an option. Should the ELIO prove it's self it will like go to college with my granddaughter and we will order a second one.
I retired once and 2-5 years will retire again Our needs will change some what. Living out side of town a 50-80 mpg ELIO could come in



We only have one driver, so we will never need two cars a once.

My motivation was more to the idea of having $10-12K asset setting in the driveway collecting dirt and depreciating. While I pay for insurance and license plates.

If I need to rent a car 8-10 times a year @ say a $100 bucks a pop, it would be along time until I reached $10K and I wouldn't have to wash it.

 

[ElioDigger]

GRANDKIDS and friends. I plannon having a bigger car and the Elio