Is a car necessary? (rental car, rental, insurance)

[kej5009]

I'm going to be moving to NYC next summer, and was thinking about selling my car before I go, both because having a car in ny sounds like a huge pain and also for some more savings to have in the bank while I get used to the city.

Is this a good idea? Would I really need a car in the city? I won't be living in Manhattan but will be moving to someplace like Astoria where there's easy access to the city. Opinions?

[user376]

No need for a car in places like Astoria. More trouble than it's worth.

[Fred314X]

You don't need a car in the city. Anyone who has one wants it.

[analyticalkeys]

A car is fun to have, but absolutely not necessary.

[Design7]

Astoria has great subway and bus service and has plenty of convenient shopping. You will find that a car is an expensive luxury in NY. There is more wear and tear, accidents, higher insurance rates, etc. Nice to have a car, but by no means a neccesity.

[TunaBoy]

Originally Posted by analyticalkeys

A car is fun to have, but absolutely not necessary.

Yup, plus it's just comforting knowing you have that option. Plus when dating its always nice to be able to pick them up.

[jacktravern]

If you live in the outer boroughs, having a car isnt quite as unnecessary as some make it out to be. Only in manhatten is owning one really unpractical. The subway ride is not as comfortable as some would have you to believe, especially at night. Yes you can function in NYC w/o a car but you're social life may be limited. Anybody who says other wise had probably never been approached at gunpoint on a subway or had a very uncomfortable encounter with some youths looking for trouble or likes the bums always hitting people up for change. And if you're a man, forget about having a dating life without a car as most sane women do not want to be on the subway at night. Also, I have a friend in Astoria and even though it it close to ManHatten, he still has to drive to the subway. Just notes to keep in mind

[onlinewebsearcher]

Originally Posted by kej5009

I'm going to be moving to NYC next summer, and was thinking about selling my car before I go, both because having a car in ny sounds like a huge pain and also for some more savings to have in the bank while I get used to the city.

Is this a good idea? Would I really need a car in the city? I won't be living in Manhattan but will be moving to someplace like Astoria where there's easy access to the city. Opinions?

i guess that decision should depend on your anticipated income when you get here

[iskray917]

There is absolutely no need for a car. I wouldn't bring one.

[bmwguydc]

It's definitely less expensive to keep a car in Queens than Manhattan, but be sure to factor insurance rates, garage fees, etc. There are places where you can park on the street, if you're prepared to deal with alternate side regulations, though this also depends upon the type of car and its condition as to whether it's a theft target and your tolerance level for scratches and dings that will happen on the street.

As to the question of necessity, that depends upon your lifestyle. For some, a vehicle is not necessary, but a want or an indulgence; though, for others, a car is necessary for their particular lifestyle. Only you can make the call with regard to the expense and hassle as to whether or not it's worth it for you. If you're the type of person who likes to get up at 5 in the morning and head for the mountains to ski or to Pennsylvania Dutch country to go shopping for antiques on a regular basis, then it's more to the need. If you regularly visit friends/family out of the city, then it's bordering on a need as well, especially when weighed against rental car costs for all such trips, not to mention early planning.

If, however, you do not use a vehicle terribly often, you can investigate a car sharing service such as ZipCar where you rent a car by the day or hour, after becoming a member of ZipCar. It includes all gas and insurance, so it can be of benefit for a casual driver, though there can be challenges to find vehicles at some locations during peak times, especially if you need one at the last minute.

While you don't need a car for daily commuting, in an outer borough, I agree that it's not as objective a decision as to whether or not one needs a vehicle.