Last updated on September 9, 2022
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An ordinary employee in Manila could choose different ways to get to office. Options are commute to office, join a ride-share car, get swept by Angkas, or even buy a car to lessen unnecessary waiting time. I chose the latter on December 2016. Then, what happened when I BOUGHT my first car?
ADVANTAGE
1. WAITING TIME IS OBVIOUSLY LESSENED
The commute from Ortigas to Taguig was quite difficult. Every night the waiting line going to Taguig in Guadalupe FTI Terminal was dreadful. Sometimes it would take an hour and a half of waiting before I get to finally ride the jeepney. But after I get my first car, it was rewarding.
2. CONVENIENCE
Going home even late at night and on rainy days is not a problem anymore. I could go around whenever I want to and not worry about getting my shoes wet. For commuters, even loud street noise contributes to stress and anxiety. What a convenience it is after getting my first car.
3. TAXI FARE IS HEAVY ON THE POCKET
Taxi fare of Php 180 pesos one-way ride is equal to a two-way gas fee from Ortigas to Taguig and back for an Alto 800.
4. GOOD HEALTH
At present, I’m happy for the infrequent attacks of vertigo and allergic rhinitis. Couple of years ago, it is difficult for me to go to work without the swelling sinus. Thanks to my ALTO. Do you know how crazy the air pollution in Manila is?
DISADVANTAGE
1. CAR MAINTENANCE FEE
The car is small, stick-shift, gas fueled and I know I drive efficiently. I thought that would save me from spending much on maintenance fee. From Php 1,500 on the first scheduled maintenance to Php 8,500 every particular miles was what I spent for my car. That is heavy for an ordinary employee.
2. PARKING FEE IS STEEP
Good thing, car park is another privilege I receive in my current job. However, some other days I have to spend Php 50 for 3 hours and after that, Php 10-20 every hour. That is quite steep. Sometimes I have to spend Php 170 per day for an 8-hours park fee. Can you compute how much I would spend if I do it 5 days a week?
3. OTHER UNFORESEEN FEES
I am using my car everyday like my shoes. Tires may not worn out on the first few years but accidents cannot be avoided. Flat tires due to punched hole is really irritating. Lucky, I am, if the hole is somewhere in the TREAD. I would spend Php 150 per hole to fix it. If the hole is on the SIDEWALL that would cost me a brand new tire which could worth Php 1,900 or more. These minor accidents are not even covered by car insurance.
One of my friends car was hit on the driver’s side-door. It was covered by the car insurance but of course, he still has to pay Php 2,500 pesos as part of the repair cost.
Whichever reason you have for buying your first car, I hope the list above would guide you to make the right decision.
