The Auto Misconception

A common misconception that people have is that driving in the United States is a really cheap affair. WRONG!

Cars in the USA are cheap. No doubt about that. Unfortunately, the story doesnt end there. Hooray, you got a 1983 Escort for $30. Power to you. But there's more.... lots more.

Firstly there's car insurance. It's like renting a car with a monthly rate. The newer the car, the more expensive your premium is gonna be. The less amount of safety features, the more expensive your premium is gonna be. Old cars dont have that many safety and security features...so either way, old car or new... you're screwed.

Another thing is registration. Drivers in the US are not exempted from a form of Road Tax. It's called "Registration" here. And it's pretty expensive for a little sticker to be stuck on your license plate.

Ok, so your car is street legal. But there's something else. Maintenence. Anything to do with man-power in the US is expensive. Labor charges for something as simple as an oil change are incredulous. I had to pay $60 in labor charges just to get a $3 spark plug installed. Should have done it myself, I know.

Here are my expenses on my four-wheeled wife this week:
-6 months of insurance: $380 (Good student discount coming)
-Windshield Wipers: $15
-Oil change, spark plug, brake fluid radiator: $215

Oh, and dont get me started on the recent fuel prices. Thank goodness it's coming down a little...hopefully by a lot after this week, when I go for my fortnightly fuel-up.