How to raise a family without a car?

Question

I've always been used to driving a car and going anywhere I want at any time. Unfortunately my 2014 Toyota Tundra is in bad condition. It's been in the shop for almost 3 weeks and I haven't heard any good news yet. Every time I call they tell me tomorrow or after tomorrow but that is the same answer I get. My husband is very close family friends with the mechanic and they've known each other from their home country for over 30 years. So apparently he is an honest and trustworthy guy. He also has good reviews and everyone I know that goes to him knows how honest and precise he is. My husband called and apparently they are waiting for some parts to arrive.. However I give up calling them and don't think I'll have my hands on that truck for A WHILE. Maybe months..... I am taking a week off in June and my plan was to take my son out to a farmers market and water park, or even a fun drive to the mountains but I don't think it'll happen. Anyone have any idea on how to go out and about with a toddler car-less? We feel stuck and bored. My depression and anxiety is really bad right now. 
Side note: my husband has a work van and just uses that so we don't have any alternate vehicle.

Answer

It sucks when your car breaks down. Especially when you have to rely on a shop to fix it. Luckily, my husband is a mechanic and we have a variety of vehicles to choose from if our main vehicles need work. It would be a good idea to invest in another vehicle when you have the means to do so. For now, public transit, Uber, etc or go for a walk.

Answer

I would rent a car. Just do for the whole week to get the weekly rate.

Answer

Toddlers don't need much to entertain them. My kids were ecstatic for me to pull them around the neighborhood for 30 mins in a wagon. You can go on bike rides. Take a train ride to another city, stay overnight and take a slow bus ride back. Sometimes we go to a field and just watch airplanes fly over.

Answer

take it to a different auto repair shop OR use uber/lyft services. you can use the bus since if’s cheaper, the only thing is you would have to be more strict with time management to get where you wanna be on time.

Answer

In my area there is a pretty good bus system and commuter train line that one can use to get around pretty well without a car.

Answer

Does your insurance offer a rental car or can you afford to buy a beater for the mean time?

Answer

Rent a car?

Answer

I get you trust this guy and that Covid has held up some things but there has to be somewhere else you can take it that you’re not going months without a vehicle. I don’t blame you for calling... Where I live we don’t have any public transportation. Its not like you have a rare vehicle that needs worked on or to find the parts for. I’m sorry but I just wouldn’t be able to accept that it would take months to fix a car. Call around to other places. Even if you have to drive a good bit it might be worth it to have it towed over.

Answer

Is his friend giving you some kind of deal or some thing? If he’s working on it as a side project to help your family out, then it’s going to take time. He needs to do his regular work first for fully paying customers, and then he will work on your car when he has the time. If you are paying full price, then why not just take it somewhere that can get it done faster? Like a Toyota dealership. That’s where I take my Toyota and no matter what is wrong with it, it is always fixed fast. I am lucky that the dealership where I got my vehicle does not overcharge, and they are very fair and honest. Not sure if it’s like that at your nearest Toyota dealership, but it is worth a try to bring your car there and find out how much and how long. If they can do it faster, for a similar price, why not?

Answer

Rent a car. Uber. Take a friend that has a car. Carpool. Borrow a friends car. Plane, Train, bus. Rent an r/v recreational vehicle/motor home.

How to raise a family without a car?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products