# How to own automobiles

Having a car is *very* useful, but it should match your lifestyle.

- Cars save time, but create additional expenses, which may lead to less freedom for some people.
- If you don't have much money, consider using public transportation, a bicycle, motorcycle, or a motorized scooter/moped.
- Even when you're [raising a family](parenting-babies.md), you typically only *need* 1 vehicle.

[Do your research when buying one](autos-buying.md).

Make sure your [budget](money-3_budget.md) reflects its unspoken additional costs:

- Vehicle registration fees for each vehicle, usually based on its value and generally proportional to the size of the city you live in.
- [Auto insurance](money-insurance.md) costs, which increase with each car and individual on the policy as well as insurance history and driving record, and *must* be full coverage if you have a [lien holder](money-2_debt.md).
- Generally, a vehicle costs about 20-30% more if it has built-in towing capacity (e.g., pickup truck, SUV).
- Understand [how to safely operate your vehicle](autos-driving.md) *before* you learn you should have.
- Whether they're running or not, autos have [continuous maintenance needs](autos-maintenance.md).

## Know when to say goodbye

Even if you extend an automotive's life by keeping it well-maintained and away from the elements, repairing it will eventually cost more than getting another car if you use it regularly:

- It's *certainly* a good idea to replace the vehicle when the repair costs over 6 months becomes greater than the value of the vehicle.
- However, a $2,000 major repair every year is still more affordable than a car payment.

Thankfully, each time you have to buy a car, it becomes simpler through gained experience.