Being a family that owns a single car is definitely not normal. I honestly never imagined we’d be here, but in 2022 we sold my car and went into the unknown. If you’re interested in hearing what got us to this point, check out Becoming a One-Car Family: Is it Right For You? I shared all the details there.
For now I’m going to share the negative sides to only owning one car. If you’re considering taking the plunge here’s what you can expect.
Being a One-Car Family Definitely has its Cons
YOU CAN’T GO WHEREVER, WHENEVER.
Even if your family can survive on one car, someone may feel… trapped. I typically stay at home, but having a second vehicle gave me the freedom to get out of the house, if need be. In the summer, it’s not so bad, but when winter hits in Michigan my house can feel like a prison.
If you and your spouse both work at home this will be less of an issue. However, if one of you regularly works outside of the home, then having one vehicle will take some getting used to.
EMERGENCIES GET TRICKY WITH ONE-CAR.
Recently, our daughter had a cough for three weeks straight. We needed to get her checked out, but the doctor could only see her while Trent was working out of the house.
Fortunately we have family nearby, and they had a vehicle we could borrow. If you don’t have the luxury of family or friends to offer assistance, emergencies will be a bit tricky.
YOU FEEL LIKE A MOOCH.
What’s more, when you have to ask other people for help it can be super humbling. I’m not saying this should deter you from selling a vehicle. You just need to realize that there WILL be times when you feel like a small child that can’t fend for itself.
Offering gratitude, financial compensation (like gas money), or small gifts can help ease that tension.
NO ONE KEEPS THE ONE-CAR AS CLEAN AS YOU.
I had to add this one in for my poor husband. Trent is meticulous about vehicle maintenance, and I think this is his biggest issue with having to share a vehicle with me and the kids. I have a history of leaving items in my cars, and though I’m MUCH better now that I’ve ever been, I still don’t keep our vehicle as clean as Trent would like.
If you’re the clean freak in your family, just know… No one will keep the car as clean as you.
CAR TROUBLE FEELS EXTRA STRESSFUL.
Lastly, being a one-car family can be extra stressful when your one car breaks down. A lot of dealerships will offer a shuttle service if your vehicle needs to be worked on, which is helpful. However, similar to asking friends for rides, not being able to have your spouse follow you to drop of your car can leave you feeling helpless.
Plus, how long will you be without a vehicle? What if something’s REALY wrong?
ARE THERE ANY PROS TO BEING A ONE-CAR FAMILY?
The good thing is there are definitely some positive sides to owning one car! If you want to read through that list check out our other blog Being a One Car Family: 5 Reasons We Love It.
Question: What do you think? are these cons that bad?
There’s a better way,
Sarah
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