Would you get a car?

[nicoj36]

cars.com

[ThatGuyNeef]

lease a prius.... under $300/mo

[drunk on kool aid]

Really depends on your usage. If you need it weekly or more to get around or out of town, then it might make sense. If you only need it once or twice a month, then renting it might be smarter.

If you want to get a car and be frugal about it, just get a beater. Modern cars are so reliable, that, well-maintained 10 year old cars aren't a problem, once you have them checked out. Since you aren't making a living with the vehicle, you can spend way less than $10k including a AAA membership for peace of mind against getting stranded. With an older car, not only is the upfront expense cheaper, but so are insurance and registration costs. Less aggravation about parking dings as well. Downsides are less amenities and probably less safe since the crash standards were lower in the past. Recent upside of a Luddite car is less vulnerability to hacks (really).

Just do your homework -- get a Carfax, check out Consumer Reports and make-specific automobile fora for known trouble spots; ensure that all recalls are fixed, and most importantly, have the vehicle thoroughly checked out by a mechanic.

I've had friends who could easily afford a car but didn't get one, so, even in LA, not a social stigma (depending on your crowd). Good luck.

[highlanderfil]

Originally Posted by Not Native

Does anyone else think it is weird that I have been living in LA without a car?

Who cares what people think? It worked for you, that's all that matters.

My recommendation, in lieu of buying a car if you won't be using it regularly, is checking out the app/website called Turo. It's basically like AirBnB for cars. There are loads of various types of cars in the L.A. area.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by ThatGuyNeef

lease a prius.... under $300/mo

Another Prius on the roads is the last thing this city needs. The OP should bike or take public transportation.