One Couple, One Car: 5 Benefits of Sharing a Vehicle

For some couples, the idea of only having one car is hard to fathom. After all, it means coordinating all of your activities, which doesn’t sound easy on the surface.

But, paring down to one car can offer a lot of benefits, even if it takes some adjusting. If you want to know why making the switch might be the right move, here are five reasons to give it a try.

1. Sharing a Vehicle Saves Money

One of the biggest benefits of being a one-car couple is saving money. You cut your maintenance requirements in half, for one. Also, your insurance rates will go down.

You’ll also likely spend less on fuel, save on tag fees, and maybe even taxes, depending on your state. If you pay for parking spaces, that expense goes down too.

Most couples will save hundreds, if not thousands, every year after going down to one car. So, the financial incentive alone can make it worthwhile.

2. More Time Together

Most couples are incredibly busy, and they often don’t have much time together. If you share a vehicle, you will automatically have more time to spend with one another.

Think about it; if you both work, you’ll likely commute together. Both have errands to run? Now you’ll do them as a couple.

Time spent alone in a car as a couple can be great for bonding as you are usually shut off from the surrounding world.

3. Improved Driving Habits

If you only have one car between you, your driving habits may actually improve. Often, we aren’t willing to risk our only form of transportation, so reckless driving feels like less of an option.

As a bonus, improving your driving habits can lead to savings through lower fuel consumption and less wear and tear on the vehicle. Plus, your pride of ownership may also increase, making caring for your car a higher priority.

4. Greater Health

In some cases, carpooling won’t be ideal. That may lead you to walk or bike more, allowing you to squeeze in some exercise while you get around.

Ultimately, whether these forms of transportation work for you depends on your area. However, don’t forgo exploring these options even if you haven’t done so before.

5. A Nicer Vehicle

Sometimes, if you only have one car, you may be able to afford a nicer one than if you had to purchase and maintain two. While you don’t have to immediately buy a brand new car, you may find it is genuinely an option depending on how much you save after ditching your second vehicle.

Ultimately, becoming a one-car couple offers a number of benefits, as shown above. So, if you have the ability to make it happen, why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how well it works out.

If you are looking for more great articles from Newlyweds on a Budget, here are a few to get you started:

• 5 Steps to Refinancing Your Car Loan
• Top 3 Tips on Buying Used Cars for Families
• 5 Insurance Tips for Newlyweds
• How To Use $6 Black Gorilla Tape to Fix Minor Bumper Damage
• Can You Have Two Car Loans At Once?