With fuel prices continuing to climb and the cost of living placing increasing pressure on households, the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid asked the community a pressing question: is owning a car still worth it? From daily commuters to small business owners, residents shared their thoughts on affordability, convenience, and the tough trade-offs many now face. Here’s what they had to say.
Vilia Dube
I don’t own a car and haven’t even gotten my licence yet, but watching fuel prices rise the way they are makes me anxious about eventually getting on the road. The cost of living is already high, and adding the expense of buying a car, paying for insurance, maintenance, and constantly rising fuel feels overwhelming. It’s not just a once-off purchase, it’s an ongoing financial commitment that can quickly add up. Right now, it doesn’t seem worth the stress or the cost, especially when more affordable alternatives might be available. I don’t think it’s worth it.
Shan Pillay
Tricky one. The petrol price is definitely going to go up many times this year. From that point of view, owning a car presents a problem. That is counterbalanced by the fact that car ownership is seen as something you must have, like a house, clothes etc. Then there is the problem of a public transport system which is in shambles. In our day, cars were luxury items but we also had a super efficient public transport system. The poor public transport system means that having a car is a necessity. Then if course, safety from criminals is a huge negative to taking public transport, then of course.
Vanie Ramiah
The cost of maintaining a vehicle is already a significant expense that many of us face, and with the added burden of increasing fuel prices, owning a car may soon be considered a luxury rather than a necessity. However, when you consider the alternatives and the autonomy that a vehicle offers, the answer can leave you feeling trapped between a rock and a hard place. To forgo the luxury of owning a motor vehicle, safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternatives need to be in place, such as efficient public transportation for both rail and road, or private and public carpooling options. We must also be willing to explore the possibilities of walking or cycling, returning to the modes of transport used by our forefathers. In the absence of these alternatives, owning a vehicle remains a necessity, despite the rising costs associated with it.
Jennifer Govindasamy
Owning a car still offers convenience, flexibility, and control over daily travel, especially for those with demanding schedules or limited transport options. However, rising fuel prices, insurance, and maintenance costs are making car ownership increasingly expensive. For many, it is shifting from a necessity to a luxury. If your lifestyle depends on reliable transport, a car may still be worth the cost. But if alternatives like public transport or carpooling are accessible, downsizing or going without a car could lead to significant financial savings in the long run.
