Uber as main transportation (getting rid of car) (1 Viewer)

[offdee]

I know there was once an Uber thread around here, but I did a search and nothing's coming up.   Anyways...

I live in a downtown city and work around the corner (about a 100yd walk).   I have a nice newish car and barely ever use it.  On a regular occurrence, I go to the grocery store once a week (about 2 min. drive away) and out to my gf's place 1-3 times per week (about 15 minute drive away).  Other than that it's just to run random errands here and there, but mostly it just sits in my parking spot doing nothing but collect bird crap.

To have a car conveniently handy to do those minimal things costs me $620 per month (car payment for next 5 years, expensive downtown parking, insurance, gas).   That's $7,400 per year!   Geezus H.

It just kind of clicked for me this week....do I really even need to have this car?   Could I get away with just Ubering it everywhere for maybe $100 per month total which would save $500+ per month in known costs?  Not to mention all the possible unknown risk costs associated with a vehicle....maintenance, accidents, fixes, vandalism/break ins with outdoor downtown parking, etc.   There is a Zip Car station relatively close downtown that I could use to rent a car for the day for random road trip type stuff that comes up as well.  I'm starting to realize not only is a car probably not really needed, but maybe it is actually a really dumb waste of money for me. 

My general question is, if I did take this step of selling my car away.....does Uber have any type of program for those that are consistent users?  A membership of some sort that could provide me benefits of expedited pickup, no 1x2x3x surcharge risk during busy periods or overall bulk discounted rates?

Anybody else have this situation and make the switch....good, bad, indifferent?

 

[RUSF18]

My general question is, if I did take this step of selling my car away.....does Uber have any type of program for those that are consistent users?  A membership of some sort that could provide me benefits of expedited pickup, no 1x2x3x surcharge risk during busy periods or overall bulk discounted rates?

No.

Give it a shot for a few months and worst case, if you find yourself spending more money (highly, highly doubtful) go get a car again. 

BTW, the level of usage you're assuming for yourself would probably fall way below what they consider a "consistent user". I'm sure there are a good percentage of people in your city who use Uber twice daily virtually every day.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I wouldn't let Uber be the deciding factor. Sell the car, try it for 3-6 months, can always get another car. Might be good mentally to not have to worry about 1 more thing.  

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Does Uber police its drivers from simply dealing directly with riders? My thought is, in a relatively small town like Milwaukee, if you find a good Uber driver you like, why not get his direct number to text him when you want a ride and cut out the Uber mark-up altogether? 

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

How hot is the driver on your scale?

 

[RUSF18]

Does Uber police its drivers from simply dealing directly with riders? My thought is, in a relatively small town like Milwaukee, if you find a good Uber driver you like, why not get his direct number to text him when you want a ride and cut out the Uber mark-up altogether? 

Leaving out the fact that you don't always know your exact rate will end up being before you start...

Uber takes a 20% cut (I believe), so to make it beneficial to both sides let's say he charges you 10% less than what Uber would quote you. Maybe even a little more since this would be unreported income for him. For that savings, you as the user have to be willing to text the guy and wait for him to show up from wherever he is, instead of grabbing the closest guy, while that same savings needs to be worth it for the guy to possibly drive further to pick you up than the customers he would normally be grabbing.

Doesn't seem worth it from either side.

 

[Nugget]

You can absolutely get rid of the car.  ZipCar and Uber can handle a lot of your needs.  Does your city have public transportation?  Are there bike sharing options?

 

[AnonymousBob]

Between car sharing and uber or lyft there's not much need for a car in a big city.

You could always rent out your car to uber drivers. 

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

For groceries, see if Amazon Prime Now is available in your area. Cheaper than an Uber ride back and forth, and more convenient.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I wouldn't let Uber be the deciding factor. Sell the car, try it for 3-6 months, can always get another car. Might be good mentally to not have to worry about 1 more thing.  

Sound financial advice. Sell the car. Buy another one in six months. I'm pretty sure this is the kind of stuff Warren Buffett does and he's loaded. Can't go wrong following his example. 

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Doesn't seem worth it from either side.

Right, not at all. One of the main benefits of Uber is that it hooks you up with whoever is just a few minutes away. Texting some dude who may be across town watching his daughter's school play would not be convenient at all.

 

[offdee]

Does Uber police its drivers from simply dealing directly with riders? My thought is, in a relatively small town like Milwaukee, if you find a good Uber driver you like, why not get his direct number to text him when you want a ride and cut out the Uber mark-up altogether? 

One of the main things I like about Uber is just the convenience of having a credit card on file...when I get to my destination just jump out of the car and no messing with money, change, tips, etc.   That convenience alone is worth more than saving a little extra from this scenario.  Honestly I wouldn't even consider doing this if there wasn't Uber and only cabs still that I'd have to mess around with physically paying the driver at the end of each ride.

And as I see already mentioned by others...I want my driver to be there quickly after I put request in...I'm not going to waste my time waiting for one driver to show up.  

The bottom line here is I don't NEED to save this money for any reason.  I'm perfectly fine paying extra for convenience, but an extra $500 per month for a little more convenience is seeming pretty dumb.  But, if I do get rid of my car I want every mode of transportation I use to be as convenient and pain free as possible, or I just won't do it.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

How often do you use your car to travel out of town? 

 

[Bucky86]

Could work. Just need to remember there's no fixed cost with Uber. If you're surging then your usual $20 ride to your gf's could turn into $60 etc. Also, how is the weather where you live? Winter could add up quickly if you're surging more often because of snow/rain. A buddy thought about doing this in L.A., but quickly realized it just didn't work for his needs...and he's used to paying $700+insurance for his car. 

 

[offdee]

You can absolutely get rid of the car.  ZipCar and Uber can handle a lot of your needs.  Does your city have public transportation?  Are there bike sharing options?

Biking wouldn't do any good for me...the minimal times I do actually need my car it's for grocery store runs or highway driving to another city.  Plus, it's Milwaukee, so you know....cold, snow and ice most of the time.

 

[cstu]

To have a car conveniently handy to do those minimal things costs me $620 per month (car payment for next 5 years, expensive downtown parking, insurance, gas). That's $7,400 per year! Geezus H.


Sounds like a lot but it's 25 one-way trips at $25 per month and you have no flexibility.

 

[cstu]

Also, is your gf going to drive every time you go to her house?

 

[offdee]

For groceries, see if Amazon Prime Now is available in your area. Cheaper than an Uber ride back and forth, and more convenient.

Good advice, I'll check it out

 

[offdee]

How often do you use your car to travel out of town? 

Usually 2 total back and forth trips per week to a city 15 minutes away.   Then if my gf and I need to go anywhere from her house we'd just use her car.  A Chicago trip for instance we'd just take the train from downtown by me.

 

[offdee]

Also, is your gf going to drive every time you go to her house?

She has young kids so normally she has to anyways with the car seat.   Regardless, she would have no problem with it.

 

[cstu]

Usually 2 total back and forth trips per week to a city 15 minutes away.   Then if my gf and I need to go anywhere from her house we'd just use her car.  A Chicago trip for instance we'd just take the train from downtown by me.

What does that trip cost by Uber?

 

[offdee]

Could work. Just need to remember there's no fixed cost with Uber. If you're surging then your usual $20 ride to your gf's could turn into $60 etc. Also, how is the weather where you live? Winter could add up quickly if you're surging more often because of snow/rain. A buddy thought about doing this in L.A., but quickly realized it just didn't work for his needs...and he's used to paying $700+insurance for his car. 

I'm in Milwaukee so weather definitely usually sucks, but I just read this...

In addition, operating on supply and demand principles, Uber’s pricing can be subject to “surge” pricing, which can increase the rates considerably. According to Uber’s website, the company uses surge pricing to encourage more drivers to get out and drive during busy times. Critics, however, called it price gouging this past winter when rates increased by a factor of eight during a blizzard. For its part, Uber has since amended its policy, saying it will no longer charge surge rates during natural emergencies. But supernatural emergencies — like getting home after a Halloween party — those are still fair game.

http://time.com/3556741/uber/

 

[RUSF18]

Snowstorms don't fall under natural emergencies.

Uber got some #### for charging like 9x during an Australian hostage situation a couple years back. They claimed it wasn't intentional, just the algorithm working as normal when demand surged and they didn't address it in time. 

 

[offdee]

What does that trip cost by Uber?

One way between $12-$15.  So, maybe $60 per week to visit the gf and then a pad of $40 for all other random travels per week...that's where I was getting my $100 per month from.

Hell, my parking spot alone is $150 per month.

 

[offdee]

Snowstorms don't fall under natural emergencies.

Uber got some #### for charging like 9x during an Australian hostage situation a couple years back. They claimed it wasn't intentional, just the algorithm working as normal when demand surged and they didn't address it in time. 

If the weather is crappy and I'd get charged a huge surcharge than I just wouldn't make the trip at that time.  The nice thing about Uber is that it at least warns you of surcharges before you make the ride.  I wouldn't be caught by surprise.

 

[RUSF18]

If the weather is crappy and I'd get charged a huge surcharge than I just wouldn't make the trip at that time.  The nice thing about Uber is that it at least warns you of surcharges before you make the ride.  I wouldn't be caught by surprise.

Yep. Just wanted to make sure you weren't going into this thinking something different.

Always use the fare estimator. 

 

[The Tick]

One way between $12-$15.  So, maybe $60 per week to visit the gf and then a pad of $40 for all other random travels per week...that's where I was getting my $100 per month from.

Hell, my parking spot alone is $150 per month.

Wouldn't that be $400/month?

 

[offdee]

Yep. Just wanted to make sure you weren't going into this thinking something different.

Always use the fare estimator. 

Ah yes, you're right.  Damn.   I meant that $40 extra to be for all other travels I make just around the city for the entire month.  But regardless, yeah my math is off.

- gf trips: $60 per week = $240 per month

- misc. city trips: $20 per week (to be safe) = $80 per month

TOTAL: $320 per month

My car expenses are $620 per month, so save about $300 per month (not my originally stated $500).   

 

[RUSF18]

I'd have a hard time giving up my car for that level of savings if I'm not actively trying to save money which is what you mentioned.

Zipcar is a good service but the one time every couple months I end up using it where the jackass before me didn't refill the tank or my access card doesn't work or I end up keeping the car for 6 hours instead of 3 due to an unforeseen circumstance...all those would have me kicking myself for not just keeping my car. 

Having a car in a city is a luxury. Just gotta treat it and think about it as such. 

 

[cstu]

Ah yes, you're right.  Damn.   I meant that $40 extra to be for all other travels I make just around the city for the entire month.  But regardless, yeah my math is off.

- gf trips: $60 per week = $240 per month

- misc. city trips: $20 per week (to be safe) = $80 per month

TOTAL: $320 per month

My car expenses are $620 per month, so save about $300 per month (not my originally stated $500).   

Did you ever break down your monthly car expenses? Seems high even with $150 parking fee.

 

[offdee]

Did you ever break down your monthly car expenses? Seems high even with $150 parking fee.

- $343 car payment 

- $150 parking

- $90 insurance

- $35 gas 

TOTAL: $618/mo

 

[offdee]

I'd have a hard time giving up my car for that level of savings if I'm not actively trying to save money which is what you mentioned.

Zipcar is a good service but the one time every couple months I end up using it where the jackass before me didn't refill the tank or my access card doesn't work or I end up keeping the car for 6 hours instead of 3 due to an unforeseen circumstance...all those would have me kicking myself for not just keeping my car. 

Having a car in a city is a luxury. Just gotta treat it and think about it as such. 

Yep, that's what I gotta decide.  It really breaks down to saving approx. $3,500-$4,000 per year for that inconvenience when I don't necessarily NEED to save the money (but would definitely be nice to have and use for other fun stuff)

 

[cstu]

You have to factor in depreciation as well. Also, maintenance and general upkeep (car washes, etc.)

I think without the parking fee you could justify the car, but it makes sense to sell it and use Uber.

 

[chauncey]

Based on your logistics, usage, and the economics, ditching the car sounds like a great option. Do you need personal auto insurance to rent a Zip Car or can you get it just for the rental period? Would that cost more than keeping a regular policy?

 

[offdee]

You have to factor in depreciation as well. Also, maintenance and general upkeep (car washes, etc.)

I think without the parking fee you could justify the car, but it makes sense to sell it and use Uber.

I'm really looking at this experiment in a 2 year box and not long term, for whatever that's worth.  If I would end up getting a job that wasn't located in walking distance, or getting a house with my gf (which wouldn't be downtown cuz of the kids) and needing to drive in from the burbs to job located downtown then I'd need a car again, obviously.   My expectation is that will eventually happen, but not within the next 2 years.

 

[BoltBacker]

- $343 car payment 

- $150 parking

- $90 insurance

- $35 gas 

TOTAL: $618/mo

So you are not even including things like oil changes, tire replacement, all the other maintenance and time a car requires then. When I lived downtown(Portland at the time) one of the huge benefits was avoiding all  the money, time, and energy that goes int auto-ownership. Light rail downtown made that easier I`ll admit. I can`t wait for driverless Uber and never needing to own a car again.

 

[Nugget]

I work for a car company and think you could get rid of the car.

http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/getting-around/transportation/

 

[offdee]

Based on your logistics, usage, and the economics, ditching the car sounds like a great option. Do you need personal auto insurance to rent a Zip Car or can you get it just for the rental period? Would that cost more than keeping a regular policy?

I really don't foresee using the ZipCar option very often.  Once every 3 months maybe?   The pain with that is I'd need to get an Uber to get to the ZipCar location on the other end of downtown.....rent and use the ZipCar......return the ZipCar....call an Uber to take me back home.   Pain.  ZipCar would be a last resort option

 

[Koya]

Zip car available?

Sounds like Uber + Zipcar would give you everything you need at a lot lest cost (car payment/lease, gas, insurance, parking (both home and when you take it out).  If you are living the urban dream, ditch the car, dude.

ETA Just saw Zipcar not really an option.  Shuked. 

 

[offdee]

I work for a car company and think you could get rid of the car.

http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/getting-around/transportation/

Yep, our city has lots of different travel possibilities....the reality for me though is the only one I'd use is Uber.   I'm not renting a bike, I'm not catering to a bus schedule, I'm not waiting for a trolley, I'm not effing around with rickshaws, I'm not dealing with taxis having to tip and get change, if I use the train it's to go to Chicago.   Them noting the Streetcar will be ready this Summer is not even close to accurate...real construction hasn't even started.  Will be nice when it's here, but probably be 2-3 yrs yet.

As said, if this isn't more or less convenient for me and on my time than I'll just pay the extra $300 per month to keep the car.

 

[cstu]

I can`t wait for driverless Uber and never needing to own a car again.

I was just thinking that kids growing up today may never even learn how to drive.

 

[offdee]

Zip car available?

Sounds like Uber + Zipcar would give you everything you need at a lot lest cost (car payment/lease, gas, insurance, parking (both home and when you take it out).  If you are living the urban dream, ditch the car, dude.

ETA Just saw Zipcar not really an option.  Shuked. 

 Zipcar is an option, but not an overly convenient one that I'd need or want to use regularly.

 

[cstu]

Yep, our city has lots of different travel possibilities....the reality for me though is the only one I'd use is Uber.   I'm not renting a bike, I'm not catering to a bus schedule, I'm not waiting for a trolley, I'm not effing around with rickshaws, I'm not dealing with taxis having to tip and get change, if I use the train it's to go to Chicago.   Them noting the Streetcar will be ready this Summer is not even close to accurate...real construction hasn't even started.  Will be nice when it's here, but probably be 2-3 yrs yet.

As said, if this isn't more or less convenient for me and on my time than I'll just pay the extra $300 per month to keep the car.

How about an electric bicycle? This isn't being made yet but looks great.

 

[Mr. Ected]

My brother lives in NYC and they don't have a car. I know it's not entirely the same environment, but it's not all that different. When they need to head out of the city, they will just rent a car from Hertz or something like that. Look in your neighborhood to see if there is an office for a car rental co. Some will even come get you (enterprise).

 

[Johnny Rock]

Hitchhiking down?

 

[offdee]

So you are not even including things like oil changes, tire replacement, all the other maintenance and time a car requires then. When I lived downtown(Portland at the time) one of the huge benefits was avoiding all  the money, time, and energy that goes int auto-ownership. Light rail downtown made that easier I`ll admit. I can`t wait for driverless Uber and never needing to own a car again.

Good thought.  Reality is if I'm going somewhere out of town that I'd need to rent a car for, 95% of the time I'd be going with my gf and she'd just drive. I'd just need to get to her house first, which the Uber can handle.

 

[BoltBacker]

I was just thinking that kids growing up today may never even learn how to drive.

Sounds like a better world to me. People are such poor drivers. If any product killed as many people as drivers every year it would have been banned long ago. People spend so much time wringing their hands over earthquakes and terrorists but it will probably be a bad driver that kills a loved on instead.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Good thought.  Reality is if I'm going somewhere out of town that I'd need to rent a car for, 95% of the time I'd be going with my gf and she'd just drive. I'd just need to get to her house first, which the Uber can handle.

Heck if you are feeling comfortable $$$-wise, you can spring for an oil change every once and a while, and look like a hero!

 

[offdee]

How about an electric bicycle? This isn't being made yet but looks great.

Believe it or not there is actually an Electric Bike rental place right across the street from me.  No interest.   If I can bike there, than I can walk (if nice out) or Uber  (if crappy out or need to carry bags of groceries)

 

[Nugget]

I spent yesterday at a forum in Kansas City on the future of transportation.  Someone will have a fully autonomous car on the road within 4 years.

Issues that are tied to this going forward included land values, education vs transporting spending, sprawl, infill, insurance, and more.

Ford is piloting a shared lease program in Austin where up to 5 people can own a car and make payments individually through Ford Credit.

In KC, the transit authority teamed up with Bridj to have 10 on demand shuttle buses in neighborhoods underserved by traditional public transportation.  It is app based and costs $1.50 ride - plus first 10 rides are free. They will cover approximately 5 mile neighboorhoods to start, and run Mon- Fri during working hours.