Where I am from my salery is quite okay to be honest. I get about 3700 € after taxes (state insurances, health care etc.) each month but I don’t see me affording a car anytime soon.
I pay about 1200 € a month on my debt for my house, so I have about 2500 € left. Another 600 € go away for electricity, water, trash, internet, phone provider etc…
Leaves me with 1900 € left for the month. I’d say I spend about 900 € for food and household supply a month.
1000 € I save 500 € for my house for later. 250 € for vacation (3000 € in total a year) And 250 € for car.
It is going to take me about 5 years to save for a 15.000 € car. I don’t know how people buy BMWs, etc. I know I don’t earn that much but I need a car somehow my current car is breaking down and I got no money saved yet. Only about 1500 € cause I spent all my money on paving (had to be done) and my emergency saving wasn’t enough for the bill of the paving and other work on that area around my house.
I only save since 3 years cause I wasnt able to before.
I am not even ranting about the joke of a car I might get with 15.000 €. In my country I can’t even get the smallest Toyota with that. It’s a friggin’ joke that a Toyota Aigo or whatever it is called is going for 19.000 € (new) but whatever.
You’ve got a house. I think that puts you ahead of most. (If you bought within your means.)
Any particular reason a vehicle is necessary? Bikes and local transit aren’t an option?
Not OP, but it always rubs me the wrong way when people suggest bikes. I don’t know your situation or theirs, so I’ll use my own.
If I wanted to ride a bike to the grocery store, it would take me an hour, and I’d somehow have to lug everything back on a bicycle. If I rode a bike to work, it would take multiple hours. If I wanted to pick up building supplies, dirt, concrete pavers, whatever, I’d have to rent a truck.
Public transit doesn’t exist in my city, much less my neighborhood.
What you’re suggesting works great in a major metro area. For many of us, a car isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity. Not to mention, who wants to wait for a bus or train to take them home after work? Bicycles are good for exercise in a controlled environment. They are not appropriate for everyday transportation, and they are a hazard to drivers; they absolutely should not be allowed on the same roadways as cars. Buy a motorcycle or a scooter if you want to. Ride a bike off-road if you want to burn calories.
They’re making some pretty cool electric bikes these days. Maybe there will be more options in the near future. Like a modern Flinstones car with pedals 😂
Mate, somebody just asked if a vehicle is necessary (since they are expensive). For you (and plenty lf other people), the answer is ‘yes’, but that doesn’t mean it is for everybody.
I may have overreacted, but Lemmy tends to be very much “fuck cars, ride a bike.” If someone is already having financial troubles, is suggesting they forego driving really constructive? At that rate, why not forego electricity or running water?
If someone is having financial troubles, question every expense. The goal is to free up cash in the budget, not to justify continuing to be poor. Asking about things that are often assumed to be true but may not is a good practice.
Sure - but dealing with those negatives temporarily can enable you to save up and obtain a car.