Cars at College

[Inland Pirate]

So I've been rather generously offered a car for my 18th birthday (August), but I'm going to be starting at college come september. Obviously, I'd love to have my own car, but if I'm at college, I'm not sure how useful it will be, and whether it'll be more trouble than it's worth?

I think when it's useful, it'll be very useful, but the rest of the time, it'll be unnecessary and a bit pointless.

Thoughts?

[thebrookster]

Which college?

You have several things to consider, the most important is will you get somewhere to park it? Many colleges and Hall's of Residence either do not offer parking, or only have limited availability. Also, think of the costs involved, MOT- ?40, Tax - ?150, Insurance - a lot!! Also fuel, not that cheap.
Another thing to think about is how much use do you expect to get out of it? If it is going to sit somewhere and do nothing all through terms, then again whilst you are away at sea, it will end up costing more money in maintenance (mechanical stuffs don't like sitting for long periods of time!!).

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to paint a picture of doom and gloom, I had a car through college myself. What I am trying to say is think everything through, and make a informed decision.

[Inland Pirate]

Not sure about the college yet, either Fleetwood or warsash (preferred choice) I plan to do lots of sailing and hockey in my own time, so it would be useful for that.

When I'm at sea, I'll probably give it to my sister to learn in and use.

Insurance will be a bit more of an issue, but isn't too bad at the moment, and I can always get a black box put in.

As for maintenance, save a little and often, and fix things when they break, instead of when it's too late! Sure I good get one of the engineering types to take a look at it too!

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[condeh]

Warsash is a double edged sword. Need a car to get about, but parking is a joke, and yeah, cars are expensive to run.

[Inland Pirate]

Is the parking charged? Or is it a scramble to get a space in the mornings?

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[condeh]

Scramble. I had to park up at the working mens club while doing my mates a few times, walking in the rain while bleeping cadets get a space is... annoying :P

[Inland Pirate]

I'll be a cadet so I won't have that problem!

How much have you both used your cars while at college? Was it for activities and club type things or general getting about?

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[condeh]

I didn't drive as a cadet - in warsash it was a pain not driving. Public transport is expensive and unreliable, and you're beholden to their chaotic timetabling.

I've heard Fleetwood and South Tyneside are better connected so driving might be more negotiable there, but imo if you can afford to run it, living at Warsash is a lot more bearable.

[HolyNougat]

Having a car at Warsash is a big advantage even if parking is a pain in the hoop. Just be ready to make communal runs to Tesco when you figure our how crap the food is (takes about half of the first meal) - Warsash is basically the center of the world - it all happens around it.

[scotty_2410]

In Fleetwood the parking is on-site and its free, all you have to do is get a permit from reception which is a little sticker in the window!

I had my car for a couple of months in Fleetwood, and I probably used it once maximum twice a week to go to Asda or the sailing club, but the trams are very often and pretty cheap compared to a car so if you can afford it then its simple enough, but to be fair I personally wouldn't have bothered looking back now.