Changing the direction of our life was a gradual process, one that is still ongoing and I hope will continue to evolve. One of the first realizations we made when considering the idea of homesteading was that we would need to live on less money. Step by step, we started to let go of the ideas of having more and having new.
Mike’s compensation package as a golf course superintendent always came with a truck, therefore, we did not have the “need” to purchase a second vehicle.
We have had just one car for our family for many years now. There are many advantages. One advantage is that we save money - only one car to keep up with repairs and maintenance, pay for registrations, insurance, and so on. We make careful choices about where we go and when as we have to consider all family member’s needs and plans. Therefore, we use less gasoline and are driving a vehicle less which is good for the environment. Having one car keeps us closer as a family because we can’t split up and go in different directions. We don’t have that option. One child can’t be taking a class at the same time as another, for example. As a result, we spend more time all together. We have more time to spend on our homestead doing the necessary chores that help to sustain us.
The car we drive now is a 1992 Suburban with 236,000 miles. We were blessed to find it two years ago this March for just $1500.00. With the birth of our sixth baby, we all could no longer fit in our 10 year old mini-van. While we bring our Suburban to our mechanic every few months to give it a look over (to make sure nothing is about to break from rust, etc..) and we have had to do some repairs, all and all it has been wonderful for our family.
Having one vehicle has been a necessary step for our family on our journey in order to keep our life simple and our expenses down.
Warm wishes, Tonya
We too have delighted in being a one car family... walking more, riding bikes, the campus shuttle system. Paying cash for an old but reliable car is an amazing way to decrease costs
ReplyDeleteWe are a two vehicle family with the exception that one HAS to sit in the laneway at least three days a week. With young adults in the house this is trying at times. Dearest works in the city 58 km away and has a small reliable vehicle. Mine is a van that hulls kids, teens and my parents( wheelchair) around. All appointments are made the same day as other events to happen. Planning ahead saves a lot of money. Also by having one vehicle as temporary used vehicle you save a ton on insurance. For 18 years I did not have a car to drive me around. Being on a farm a great distance from anyone or anywhere, was trying ,expectantly when emergencies came up. But I raised 6 kids without one. It can be done, despite what society says is impossible.
ReplyDeleteWe are a one car family and I like it except it makes it hard to travel to see my family without my husband. We end up flying, so he can have the car which isn't cheap. I wish we could find a better solution there, but public transportation isn't good in Nashville.
ReplyDeleteWe're a one car family, too. It is not too difficult for us since we live in the city, and our teenagers were able to have freedom and independence on foot most of the time. It definitely takes some balancing. Beth
ReplyDeleteThis is defintely something we have been thinking about. My husband has a truck for work, that only seats three, so it doesn't do us much good, other than toting one child here or there. When we sell everything, the truck will go too. Thus, leaving us with our mini van. Although we dream of a VW weekender.
ReplyDelete:)Lisa
awesome! We just paid off our 2001 VW Jetta. It only has 109K miles on it, we still have my Explorer but I only put 20 miles a week on it. With Patrick working across town and Cameron in Catholic School there are no school busses or I would be tempted.
ReplyDeleteHooray for one-car families! We have had only 1 car for the past 10 years. We find a way to make it work for us and I just can't imagine it any other way.
ReplyDeleteWe have been a one car family for almost 8 years!! It isn't always easy but it has saved us a ton of money!
ReplyDeleteFor years, we had only one car. Finally, when we moved to a new state that has little public transportation, I caved and bought a second vehicle. I miss the days of only one vehicle, and am looking forward to my husband's retirement, when we will no longer have to deal with him needing a vehicle exclusively for work. It will only be four more years. I think that 7 years with two vehicles is actually not bad. I can be satisfied with that.
ReplyDeleteWe've been a 1 car family for over 10 years now and love it. I agree with everything you wrote on the subject!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way...it's saved us a huge amount of money, too!
Where I come from most familys have one car. Some familys has two, but not very many. Our family actually lived whitout a car for a few years after our second was born, it was so fun and we saved a LOT of money!
ReplyDeleteOh yes...lots of savings in having only one car. We have been a one car family since before we had kids...about 16 years. I cannot even begin to tell you how much has been saved by going down that road ~ LOL! If it can be done it is very rewarding. It also sends a great message to the kids. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Camille
We became a one car family a few months back when we decided to sell my car. We kept our '91 Suburban for our family. It has worked out great and it has saved us money!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
~Nadine
We also are a one car family. We have a Ford Taurus Wagon that is 10 years old but doing very well! My husband takes the train to work~he walks so I can have the car if I need it during the day. God bless, Rose
ReplyDeleteHello Tonya, after reading here for a while, I finally have the time to comment. We too are a one vehicle family, we sold our second car when my husband retired. I've never really thought about the transport issues of a large family. It's good you can all fit into the Suburban. It looks like a solid and safe car.
ReplyDeleteWe've been a one car family for most of the past twn years (occasionally we've had to borrow a second one for a few months here and there), recently we've found ourselves with a second car, an old truck which just sits in front of the house, I think we end up using it once a week. It's going back to my father in law in March. Beyond the cost there is something about being responsible for getting ourselves out without it that makes our days more exciting.
ReplyDeleteWe love being a one-car family too - one of those changes that can seem really scary, and then is such a relief!
ReplyDeleteHello, I just found your site...how did you make such a transition from the corporate world that of the Old Testament to the world that Jesus Christ asks all of us to live that of the New Testament? I am not finishing looking at your site and my children are calling so, I look forward to your reply.
ReplyDelete