Rethinking the Family Fleet: Are Multiple Cars Necessary in Today’s Economy?

Are multiple vehicles a thing of the past?

Feeling the squeeze?

One too many cars? Between the rising cost of groceries, the ever-climbing fuel price, and that extra green juice everyone’s hooked on, families are looking hard at their wallets and wondering – do we really need all these cars?

Owning a car: Not exactly pocket change

Owning a car in Mzansi isn’t cheap. From the hefty price tag to the insurance that feels like a monthly gym membership (one you never actually use!), the financial burden of a single car is no joke. Now imagine multiplying that by two or three – ouch. Budgeting for multiple vehicles can leave even the most creative accountant with a headache.

Counting the costs: It’s more than just a car payment

Think about it – a brand new set of wheels can set you back anywhere between R200,000 and a cool R1 million, depending on whether you’re cruising in a CitiGolf or a Land Rover. Then there’s insurance, which can range from R500 to a whopping R1,500 a month, per car. Before you know it, your car payments are bigger than your rent! And let’s not forget the hidden costs – servicing, repairs, that random flat tire – they all add up faster than you can say “pothole.”

Apart From the wallet: Our planet’s feeling the strain too

But it’s not just your wallet that takes a beating. Our beautiful country is trying to shed some pounds (carbon footprint, that is) and the transportation sector is a major contributor to the climate crisis. Every extra car on the road spews out more emissions, clogs up traffic, and guzzles even more fossil fuels. Yikes.

Going green: It’s not just a trend, it’s a necessity

The good news? Going green is becoming the new black. People are ditching their solo commutes and opting for carpooling, hopping on buses and trains, or even dusting off their bikes. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s a great way to save some cash and maybe even get some exercise (hello, summer bod!).

The remote work revolution: Fewer cars, more flexibility

Thanks to the magic of technology (and maybe a little nudge from that whole global pandemic thing), remote work is becoming the norm for many South Africans. No more daily schlep to the office – which means one less reason to hold onto that extra car. Plus, with all these handy apps like Uber and Bolt, getting around is easier than ever. Why pay for a whole car when you can just call for a ride when you need it?

Finding the middle ground: Not all families are one-size-fits-all

Of course, ditching a car entirely isn’t always an option. Maybe you have a teenager with a social life that would rival a Kardashian, or you live out in the boonies where public transport is a whisper on the wind. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a two (or three!)-car garage. There are car-sharing programs and affordable rental services that can be your knight in shining armor when you need a second set of wheels for a weekend getaway or that epic furniture shopping spree.

The final shift: Less can be more

The bottom line? While having multiple cars is undeniably convenient, the financial and environmental benefits of downsizing are hard to ignore. Especially in today’s economy, where every cent counts, rethinking your family fleet can mean saving serious cash and doing your part for Mother Nature.

So, is it time to say goodbye to that gas-guzzling second (or third) car? The answer depends on your family, your lifestyle, and your willingness to embrace new ways of getting around. But one thing’s for sure – in this inconsistent economy, less might just be more when it comes to your car collection.

Related: 2024’s Top 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars