Well, I have four cars, three of which are 'on the road' as it were, and yet I work about 60 seconds from my front door. It seems I spend all my 'leisure' money on at least one of them every week, but then I don't drink, smoke or scuba-dive, so why not.
The figures you quote are Ok, but only take into consideration the economic aspects, not the
desire to drive (or own).
I certainly could survive without the use of a car, but as long as I am able, I'll never be without (at least) one. In fact, I'd probably still own one if petrol was £50 a gallon. It all depends how you view the car. If it's a means to an end, as in transport only, you could just as easily take a cab. If however the actual 'ownership' of a particular vehicle is what matters to you, then increased running costs will simply result in less usage given equal financial constraints.
Cars are not like washing machines! I have shelves upon shelves full of motoring books and paraphernalia. I buy about 15 to 18 car magazines each month. If it were like any other machine in my house, I wouldn't care. It would be there to do a job. But I'm passionate about cars, whether they be racing, exhibited, being restored or simply being used.
Ask Maisie why she will forever hang on to her Maestro. It's now been accident damaged, and to many (sorry Maisie) the Maestro would not be their No1 choice of car. But to Maisie, 'Hexie' isn't transport, she's a true
friend.
For example, I've just spent £450.00 on a pair of Mk1 Escort front wings. To most, a car front wing holds little excitement, but I'm pleased to have bought one of the few remaining pairs of genuine Ford RS wings anywhere. Pretty soon, this stuff won't be available at all. That £450.00 would buy a complete, useable car, but that's not what I was after. OK, I know I've gone
WAY off topic here, I'm just trying to illustrate that cars represent many things to many people.
When we did the 'Your Road Car' thread a little while ago, I was amazed at the number of people here, dedicated race fans, who didn't own a car. I do understand, though. You can be interested in something without actually being involved.
I do agree, though, that governments seem to be pricing the motorist off the road, in an attempt to make him switch to public transport. This is fine for citizens who just need to get to work, and live close to family and friends.
But I couldn't imagine life without my car...
