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Essay 77 – Advantages and disadvantages of having a car

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 77.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people claim that there are more disadvantages to having a car than its advantages. Do you agree or disagree? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Agreement]

The invention of automobiles was one of the most important events of the last century. However, some people argue that people who have cars have more drawbacks than its benefits. In this case, I agree with it. Furthermore, I will discuss both the positive and negative sides of car ownership.

Of late, people look for a way to feel more comfortable on the roads and for many, this can come with a car. In simple words, driving vehicles makes people’s life more convenient as this mode of transport takes all the hassles out of travel arrangements, like booking tickets for trains or buses and waiting in the long line, for example. Besides, personal vehicles have redefined the notion of empowerment for women and mobility for millions of individuals. Personal freedom derived from owning an automobile means people can go to work, shopping and other destinations whenever and at any time without depending on public transport’s fixed schedules.

On the contrary, all of these benefits have come at an enormous cost to the environment. Driving a motor vehicle contributes significantly to environmental damage. The first factor is air pollution as it releases greenhouse gases, like Nitrogen dioxide for example. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, car accounts for nearly 25 per cent of all greenhouse gases released into the ecology. The second factor is water pollution. Cars contaminate water sources in several ways. One is through deicing chemicals and oil, brake dust, and runoff of automotive fluids. In addition, the improper disposal of car oil is also a reason for groundwater pollution. Last but not least, cars contribute considerably to solid waste. This means millions of cars are scrapped every year. But regrettably, in most cases, these cars are not recycled. Ultimately, these are disposed of through a landfill site, which in turn leads to the destruction of the natural environment.

To wrap up, while the car is a convenient mode of transportation, it also has grave disadvantages. In my opinion, the negative impacts attached to having cars vastly outweigh any advantages. This is because it threatens the very existence of mankind.

Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]

In contemporary times, there are conflicting opinions about whether cars bring more harm than benefits, and some clearly express the view that owning cars brings more demerits. In my view, however, the advantages of owning a car significantly outweigh the disadvantages. This essay delves into this issue while also discussing both benefits and demerits of owning automobiles.

To begin with, having an automobile provides immense convenience and saves precious time. For instance, people who live far away from their workplaces or schools can avoid the hassles of public transportation and reach their destinations on time. Furthermore, cars provide freedom of movement, allowing people to travel and explore new places, and engage in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and skiing. These benefits contribute to a person’s overall quality of life. And perhaps this is why people who own cars would not want to live without them.

In addition, cars play a crucial role in the economy, providing numerous job opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, sales, maintenance and driving. Furthermore, the availability of cars enhances accessibility to essential services such as healthcare, grocery shopping, and emergency services. If someone, for example, does not own a car, it is less likely that he or she would go out and walk for several miles to get to a shopping mall in a city.

On the other hand, critics argue that cars can be a source of pollution, traffic congestion, and accidents. It is evident that car accidents claim thousands of innocent lives each year. Moreover, owning an automobile is expensive. It requires paying taxes, buying fuel, paying for the servicing and so on. This is why economically less affluent citizens in most countries can not afford a car.

In conclusion, the benefits of owning a car, including convenience, time-saving, mobility, and economic opportunities, outweigh the potential drawbacks. Since cars bring more advantages than disadvantages to their owners, I firmly disagree with the notion.

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On point!… Short and precise!

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Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of having a Car- IELTS Writing Task 2

Janice Thompson

Updated On Feb 10, 2022

essay on owning a car

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Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car.

Advantage-disadvantage essay

Introduction

Introduce the topic of the essay and give a preface to it by paraphrasing the topic. Clearly state what could be expected from the essay, i.e. advantages and disadvantages of owning a car.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Motor vehicles, and particularly cars seem inexorable from the present world’s regime. Cars come with a myriad of advantages, and the first one that comes to mind is the level of comfort that they have brought along. Having cars has made travelling extremely facile and easygoing.

Paragraph 2: However, owning a car might not be a cakewalk as it seems. Before chalking the demerits of owning a car, the contingency of having one comes to mind. Cars are on a very higher note when we compare the prices of travelling through a public transport vehicle and by a private car.

In conclusion, we may therefore say that cars have considerable advantages as well as disadvantages.

Sample Essay

Modernization has seen a plethora of innovations and ground-breaking revolutionary inventions. Modes of transport and the inventions of motor vehicles, particularly cars, have been a major breakthrough. Cars come along with immense benefits and merits from many aspects. However, certain ill effects and cons have crippled the situation today. In the following paragraphs, this essay shall see both the advantages and disadvantages of cars.

Motor vehicles, and particularly cars, seem inexorable from the present world’s regime. Cars come with a myriad of advantages, and the first one that comes to mind is the level of comfort that they have brought along. Having cars has made travelling extremely facile and easy going. Right from taking multiple stops on the way to enjoying the scenic beauty of nature as per the desire, cars have made it all possible. For the ones with claustrophobia or the ones who don’t feel comfortable travelling through a public means of transport, cars have been nothing short of a boon. Moreover, public transport at times, doesn’t give a frailing and queasy travellers the liberty to take the breaks in between the long hours of journey as it might be extremely strenuous for them to sit for the long hours of duration. Moreover, the seats as well, might not always be guaranteed, especially in the local modes of transportation.

However, owning a car might not be a cakewalk as it seems. Before chalking the demerits of owning a car, the contingency of having one comes to mind. Cars are on a very higher note when we compare the prices of travelling through a public transport vehicle and a private car. In addition to that, the money doesn’t cease to splurge once the car has been bought. Various documents, including driving licences, pollution certificates and incessant servicing maintenance of one’s car can make a notable dent in one’s wallet. Also, from the pollution point of view, more the number of cars, the more is the emittance of umteen amounts of toxic gases in the environment, which is severely catastrophic to the environment. Moreover, the traffic jams and the jam-packed roads owing to the increasing number of car owners have been really problematic for the people today.

  • Word: Plethora

Meaning: Many Example: There are a plethora of good institutions in this city.

  • Word: Breakthrough

Meaning: Major success Example: The invention of computers has been a major breakthrough ever so far.

  • Word: Crippled

Meaning: Ruined Example: This year’s monsoon has crippled the aspirations and zeal of farmers.

  • Word: Inexorable

Meaning: Inevitable Example: Going for a walk is an inexorable part of my daily routine.

  • Word: Facile

Meaning: Easy Example: This problem is facile to solve.

  • Word: Claustrophobia

Meaning: Phobia of crowd Example: She has claustrophobia and that’s why she doesn’t attend parties.

  • Word: Queasy

Meaning: Uneasy Example: That place was unexplainably queasy, I avoid going there.

  • Word: Strenuous

Meaning: Tough Example: This weekend had me totally fatigued as I had a couple of strenuous tasks to perform,

  • Word: Contingency

Meaning: Probability Example: What do you think is the contingency of raining today?

  • Word: Catastrophic

Meaning: Dangerous Example: Smoking is catastrophic to health

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Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car

9IELTS

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people claim that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages. Do you agree or disagree? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car.

Give reasons for your answer.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling we greatly depend on cars, whether it is a private car or a public bus. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person expects the freedom to travel and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car. However owning a car have many advantages and disadvantages as well.

The main advantage of owning a car is it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car then you don’t need to be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take is/her family members with him/her and other necessary goods whenever he/she wish which might have been impossible otherwise. In addition, personal cars give comfort while travelling on the contrary to the public buses which are so crowded and disgusting. You can read books, listen to music or even can play with kids while you are in your own car but those all seem to be impossible in public transport. On the contrary, owning a car is very expensive. The price of the car, the cost of the tax, insurance cost, fuel cost, driver’s salary, car repairing etc. all must be considered before buying a car and that is why it is out of reach of the middle-class people.

Moreover, private cars can not carry many passengers at a time yet occupy spaces in the street. As the number of cars is increasing in the road so does the traffic jam. Perhaps the major disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge damage they do to human health and to the environment. More cars mean more pollution. The environment pollution is a serious issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we consider it then owning a car is never a good idea.

To sum up, having a car gives someone freedom but if the public transportation system is easily accessible, safe and efficient, then the idea of buying and owning a car should be abandoned.  

(Approximately 354 words)

(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)

Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:

Essay Type: Agree / Disagree as well as Advantages & Disadvantages.

Main question of this IELTS Essay:

A. Do you agree that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages?

B. Advantages of having a car.

C. Disadvantages of having a car.

Note: This essay topic is a bit tricky. It is a combination of both “Agree/ Disagree” and “Advantages & Disadvantages” type essay. First, you need to write whether you agree or disagree that cars have more disadvantages that the advantages they offer. Again you need to write down the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car.  In the introduction part of the essay you need to mention whether you agree or disagree. Then in the following paragraphs you can write the advantages and disadvantages of cars and at the end of each paragraph you can summarise why having a car has more advantages than disadvantages and vice versa.

Disadvantages of having a car:

  • Owning a car is expensive and requires additional costs to maintain and repair it. Not all families can afford it.
  • Cars have increased the level of air and noise pollution in cities, causing more humans to suffer from respiratory, heart diseases, or cancers.
  • City travellers have to spend longer hours on traffic jams. Using more private car, the density of traffic has been increased phenomenally and citizens have had to stay longer time on traffic load.
  • As the number of private cars increased, more car passengers have been injured or died by severe accidents.
  • More pedestrians’ accidents have been reported annually. As the usage of private cars increases, it is more probable that people walking through the street die by them.
  • Private car is more expensive than the public transportation. Paying huge money for tax, renewing of licence, or air care, people have to pay more for using cars.
  • More fossil fuels are consumed as more cars are used by people, leading other generations to face a shortage of these fuels.
  • The governmental expense will be raised far dramatically. To build and maintenance of more highways for more cars, hire more police force, the local government have to consider a larger budget.
  • The use of cars to commute has decreased the average health of car users as they do not need to do any physical movement.
  • The consumption of fuels to run the car is contributing to the rise if global warming and affecting the ozone layer.
  • The car owners need to worry about the safety and parking places for cars wherever s/he travels.
  • It saves the time as the commuters can reach his destination quickly than it would be required in a public bus.

Agreement: Why cars have more disadvantages than advantages? Considering all the disadvantages the cars have to the health, environment, government budget and the hassle and expenses the car owners have to bear, it is quite clear that having a car has more demerits and the advantages it offers. 

Advantages of having a car:

  • The private car is a convenient mode of transportation. Having more comfortable seats, ventilation or other novel technologies help people to feel better than using other methods, like a bicycle or a public bus.
  • Users have more secure privacy compared to using public transportation.
  • This will increase more job opportunities because more workers will be involved in working in car companies or as drivers, reducing the unemployment rate.
  • The local state will have more budgets, paid by car owners’ taxes, to renew the roads. Annually, car drivers have to pay hundreds of dollars for renewing their car insurance, licence, tickets, or air care.
  • Other industries have been developed as car industries developed. The more humans use more private cars, the more car companies have to raise their technology, leading other mother industries to be developed too.
  • People can have absolute freedom on deciding the schedule and roads to reach their destination.
  • A private car owner can utilise his time but it is very tough to do so on a public bus.
  • In a car, a person does not have to worry about the dust, noise and fumes present in the road while in public transportation it is not always possible to avoid those.

Disagreement: Why cars have more advantages that disadvantages?

Considering the advantages the car ownership offers, I would say that it is more beneficial to own a car than using public transportation. Many people might argue against owning a car but I think most of them would buy a car if their financial condition allows them to do so.

[These ideas should be helpful for you to generate your own ideas and writing an excellent essay on the given IELTS Essay topic should be easier for you. If you have new ideas that we might have missed, add them in the comment section and we will publish it.]

Alternative Answer 2: Owning a car is a birth-right for some people while other people try their life-long to purchase one. Apart from these two groups, there are certain people who do not dare to even think about purchasing a car because of their miserable economic conditions. However, for all those people the four-wheel car is a fancy machine with advantages and utility. Owning a car can also bring some drawbacks.

Among the advantages of owning a car, in my opinion, freedom of travelling is the most important one. Someone who owns a car can plan his route, timing and destination. He won’t have to wait for the schedule of a public bus, stand in a long queue, wait for hours for the bus to arrive, and sit in the public bus uncomfortably. A person car gives the freedom, saves time and the owner can utilise the time while he travels. Apart from that, he can carry the grocery, goods and other valuables in the car at his discretion. Owning a car also offers the flexibility of visiting relatives and friends who stay far away without much hassle of a public bus. Taking a child or an old person in a public bus is quite impossible and owning a car would facilitate someone to take his kid, old relatives with him if needed. The comfort and safety of a private car can’t be achieved in a public car. In terms of expense, sometimes personal car saves monthly expenses that would otherwise be required for a person if he travels frequently. 

On the other hand owning a car has some disadvantages as well. First of all, private cars require garage and parking hassle. Sometimes the expenses on hiring a driver and purchasing fuel might exceed the budget for the people who could have easily availed public transportations for infrequent journeys. The traffic issue, paper renewal issue, tax, police cases are sometimes too much to handle for the personal car owners. For example, if a public bus gets busted in the middle of a road, the passenger can easily leave it a look for another one. But in this same situation, a private car owner who was riding in his car would have to take the burden of taking care of the busted car and reach to the automobile repairing centres.

In summary, though owning a car has some disadvantages, it offers many advantages as well.

Model Answer 3: People need different modes of transportation to move from one place to another. In the ancient time, they used horses and donkeys for this purpose and to carry their loads. With  the development of technology, people invented novel things such as cars, trains, aeroplanes, ships and this development has further enhanced the flexibility and convenience of transportation. Out of these vehicles, the private car is one of the best and most preferred vehicles for people to commute from one place to another but not without consequences.  

Private cars have many advantages. Due to this, people who can afford a private car, want to own it. People with low-income class also dream to own a car one day. This simple phenomenon shows how advantageous of owning a private car can be. With a private car, people can plan their own journey, go somewhere whenever they want, take diversions to avoid bad traffic, avoid long queue for ticketing and enjoy the utmost flexibility and privacy of a soothing journey. This is a very handy thing in the emergency cases. For example, when someone gets sick, his family members can easily take him to a hospital regardless of the time. Finally, owning a private car offers someone the freedom to enjoy his time during the journey while it is quite impossible on a public bus.    

On the contrary, private car ownership has many demerits as well. It is far more expensive than public transportation. The cost of  fuel, driver, licence, insurance, maintenance, repairing etc. will often increase the monthly expense for a family. Furthermore, those cars produce toxic gas such as greenhouse gases, CO2 and CO that are harmful to the human health and the environment. Private cars are the main reason for congestion on the roads and the increasing environmental pollution.  

To some up, I think the private car is a very useful vehicle that offers more advantages than demerits to its owner. However, the environmental issues due to excessive use of cars should not be ignored and we should use private cars absolutely when it is necessary and at other times, we should use public transportations.

[Written by Nima ]

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Buying a Car Essay

Question 1: what is the role of the peer group in car purchase, question 2: why are there so many websites offering help with buying used cars, question 3: how might the average person reduce risk when buying a car, question 4: why is used car purchase so risky, question 5: what would you expect the purchase process for a car to encompass.

Nowadays, buying a car is one of the most common activities in the modern world. Despite being a definer of one’s socioeconomic status and reflection of one’s financial prosperity, consulting a group of peers when purchasing a car may help avoid some mistakes. Using the assistance of a friend when buying a used car is critical.

In the first place, he/she will help see whether all the obligations are followed by both parties. Alternatively, a friend or relative may provide all the necessary support and increase the buyer’s effectiveness in the negotiations process. Overall, peer groups can minimize the financial losses and select a car, which complies with all the needs and preferences of the buyer.

Nowadays, buying a car is challenging, as it requires a substantial financial investment and is one of the most important conveniences that help people to navigate around the city. Nonetheless, not all people can afford new products, and the used ones are gaining popularity. Overall, it could be said that the factors highlighted above underline that purchasing a car is a difficult decision to make.

This purchase is associated with many risks and threats and involves a high level of responsibility. It could be said that these matters create favorable conditions for the intensified competition and attract more and more companies to assist the potential customers in the buying process of the used cars.

It is evident that buying a car is a complicated process. In the first place, any buyer has to understand the main features of the preferred model. Alternatively, to reduce the risks, one can use Top Gear’s and Yahoo’s advisory services and guidance and consult the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club.

These services will assist in selecting the right time, place, and date to buy a car and propose relevant techniques, which will ease the process of negotiations. Lastly, using the help of a friend or relative will offer support and help select the most suitable car model.

As it was mentioned earlier, buying a car involves an extended variety of risks. Nevertheless, the used-car market is more challenging. In the first place, it requires making a significant financial investment. Alternatively, not meeting the expectations of the buyer and the inability of the seller to comply with obligations are other major challenges.

At the same time, the buyers can make mistakes in negotiations and apply wrong decision-making techniques, which will question the relevance of the purchase. Overall, a combination of these factors helps understand the potential reasons for the presence of high risks when purchasing cars or any other types of vehicles in the goods market.

In the first place, the purchasing process has to start with conducting research about the desired car model and potential sellers. Using Top Gear’s website or any governmental services will help find the trusting stores and locations and provide guidance for the documentation and negotiations’ procedures.

After that, listing and contacting all the suitable sellers will assist in selecting the most relevant deals. Negotiations can be viewed as the next step in buying a car since this process can decrease the financial expenses. Using the help of a friend or relative will assist in seeing whether all documentation and car’s features meet the requirements highlighted by its owner.

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IvyPanda. (2024, January 25). Buying a Car. https://ivypanda.com/essays/buying-a-car/

"Buying a Car." IvyPanda , 25 Jan. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/buying-a-car/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Buying a Car'. 25 January.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Buying a Car." January 25, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/buying-a-car/.

1. IvyPanda . "Buying a Car." January 25, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/buying-a-car/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Buying a Car." January 25, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/buying-a-car/.

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 18 - discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people claim that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages., do you agree or disagree discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car., idea generation for this ielts essay:.

  • Owning a car is expensive and requires additional costs to maintain and repair it. Not all families can afford it.
  • Cars have increased the level of air and noise pollution in cities, causing more humans to suffer from respiratory, heart diseases, or cancers.
  • City travellers have to spend longer hours on traffic jams. Using more private car, the density of traffic has been increased phenomenally and citizens have had to stay longer time on traffic load.
  • As the number of private cars increased, more car passengers have been injured or died by severe accidents.
  • More pedestrians’ accidents have been reported annually. As the usage of private cars increases, it is more probable that people walking through the street die by them.
  • Private car is more expensive than the public transportation. Paying huge money for tax, renewing of licence, or air care, people have to pay more for using cars.
  • More fossil fuels are consumed as more cars are used by people, leading other generations to face a shortage of these fuels.
  • The governmental expense will be raised far dramatically. To build and maintenance of more highways for more cars, hire more police force, the local government have to consider a larger budget.
  • The use of cars to commute has decreased the average health of car users as they do not need to do any physical movement.
  • The consumption of fuels to run the car is contributing to the rise if global warming and affecting the ozone layer.
  • The car owners need to worry about the safety and parking places for cars wherever s/he travels.
  • It saves the time as the commuters can reach his destination quickly than it would be required in a public bus.
  • The private car is a convenient mode of transportation. Having more comfortable seats, ventilation or other novel technologies help people to feel better than using other methods, like a bicycle or a public bus.
  • Users have more secure privacy compared to using public transportation.
  • This will increase more job opportunities because more workers will be involved in working in car companies or as drivers, reducing the unemployment rate.
  • The local state will have more budgets, paid by car owners’ taxes, to renew the roads. Annually, car drivers have to pay hundreds of dollars for renewing their car insurance, licence, tickets, or air care.
  • Other industries have been developed as car industries developed. The more humans use more private cars, the more car companies have to raise their technology, leading other mother industries to be developed too.
  • People can have absolute freedom on deciding the schedule and roads to reach their destination.
  • A private car owner can utilise his time but it is very tough to do so on a public bus.
  • In a car, a person does not have to worry about the dust, noise and fumes present in the road while in public transportation it is not always possible to avoid those.
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  • Essay On My Car

Essay on My Car

500 words essay on my car.

A car is an essential part of our life. We use the car to travel from one place to another. A car has an engine, four wheels, four doors, one boot, four windows, brakes, accelerators, headlights, etc. The car runs on various fossil fuels like petrol, diesel or CNG. But, today, many car companies are launching cars that run on electricity.

There are a lot of car companies that design cars with ultra-luxurious interiors and exteriors. Every year you get to hear about the launches of new cars, and each car is unique in its way. The car comes in automatic and manual modes, making travel more comfortable and safe. The invention of the car has made transport more accessible and more manageable. It also saves time because it reduces travelling time when compared to public transport systems.

Travelling in a car is always fun and memorable. It is always beneficial to have your own car, especially in emergencies. We don’t have to depend on others to take us to our destination. We can drive by ourselves and reach our destination. If we have our own car, we can explore new places and go for a long drive whenever we feel like it. Travelling in a car is always fun and memorable. It gives us an incredible feeling as we enjoy the ride sitting in the comfy seats, turning on the AC and listening to our favourite songs.

We all dream of buying our own car, but owning one becomes expensive. When we step out of our homes, we see many cars plying on the road. But there are many who can’t afford to buy one.

Memories with My Car

My father owns a KIA Sonata GT Line automatic. It is black in colour, and I love my car. I get excited when I hear that we are going out. Whenever we go out, I sit in the front seat as it gives access to the audio system. I change songs according to my wish and enjoy the drive. My car has ventilated seats in the front and a moonlight effect on the doors. The most exciting part of my car is the sunroof. I love to open the sunroof when I travel long distances to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Recently, I travelled to Ooty in a car. My father was driving the car, and I sat next to him. My mom and my grandparents sat at the backside of the car. It was a long journey, so we stopped in between for breakfast. We listened to songs during the entire trip and stopped in between to take pictures of nature. Once we reached Ooty, we checked into the hotel, and that day we took a rest as it was a hectic journey.

The following day, after we were done with our breakfast, we went sightseeing and clicked pictures for memories. On the third day of our stay, we went to Coonoor in our car. On the way to Coonoor, we clicked pictures near the tea gardens and took a halt for lunch. Coonoor is a place that one should visit without fail. It is a beautiful hill station located in Tamil Nadu. The scenic beauty of Coonoor is breathtaking. The roads go through the tea gardens, and the climate is also enjoyable.

After coming back from Coonoor, we stayed for one night in Ooty and the next morning, we started our journey to Bangalore. It was my first visit to Ooty in our new car, which is why it always remains close to my heart.

The trip from Ooty to Bangalore and vice-versa was comfortable and relaxing just because of our new car. Our car made the journey very smooth, and I never felt like travelling through those stiff, narrow, spiral roads.

Conclusion of Essay on My Car

I am delighted with my father’s choice in terms of the car. Even my mom and grandparents enjoyed the car ride. Not only me, but my father also loves his car and treats it like his second baby. He cleans it every day and is always careful while driving on the road. My car has all the requirements that we need during long travels.

We hope you found this essay on my car useful. Check BYJU’S to find a wide variety of CBSE Essays on different topics. You can also find interesting study materials like interactive videos and worksheets to prepare for the exams.

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142 Car Topics & Tips for Writing a College Essay about Cars

Let’s say you received a task to write an essay about cars. The topic might be interesting for you, but you may still have no idea how to organize your paper. Well, this article is for you.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Below, we talk in more detail about:

  • Tips on how to write an essay on cars.
  • Examples and prompts for different types of essays.
  • Topics ideas for consideration and inspiration.

Our experts have tried to draw only the best advice for a car essay. Take a look at them, use them, and good luck!

  • ⭐ Best Topics about Cars

🚘 Types of Car Essays

🏁 50 car topics to write about, 🚗 interesting car topics.

  • 🚦 Argumentative Topics

🚚 Automotive Essay Topics

  • 🛣️ Car-Related Topics
  • ⚙️ Useful Tips

🔗 References

⭐ best topics about cars in 2024.

  • The future of electric and hybrid cars .
  • The impact of self-driving cars on employment .
  • Ferrari’s influence on exotic car culture and design. 
  • Artificial intelligence in car design and engineering. 
  • 3D printing in automotive manufacturing . 
  • Future trends in car-sharing and ride-hailing services . 
  • Conserving classic cars for future generations.
  • The expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 
  • Electric trucks and commercial vehicles.
  • The art of car customization .
  • The impact of Tesla on the electric vehicle market . 
  • The role of car manufacturers in promoting road safety .

There are several different types of essays. This section will talk more about what paper about cars you can write.

  • Descriptive essays . In such a paper you can describe your first car or the car of your dream. In descriptive essays on cars, you can give any details that you like. Still, you should try to mix them with purely technical characteristics.
  • Personal essays . Here you can tell about any experience of yours related to vehicles. For instance, speak about the first time you have driven a car or the first time you had an accident. In this kind of essay about cars, you have all the chances to show your creativity.
  • Compare and contrast essays. In such a paper, you might compare two types of cars. For instance, talk more about gas cars and electric cars. Write about which car is faster or more expensive.
  • Advantages and disadvantages essays. In this paper, talk about the pros and cons of cars. For example, you can mention the convenience of cars and how comfortable you feel in your vehicle compared to public transport. However, tell about an increased risk of getting into an accident. In this type of essay, back up your arguments with evidence.
  • Persuasive essays. Here you’ll need to take a position and persuade a reader to accept it, as well. For example, you might write about the harmful effect of cars on the environment. Therefore, more and more people must start using public transport.

After reading our tips, you may still be unsure about what exactly to write your essay about. Well, don’t worry. Here we have provided car essay topics that will help you get started or give you enough inspiration to write.

  • How will cars look in the future? Write an essay about cars in the future . Mention whether everyone will have cars, how the cars will look, how much will they cost. Will there be flying cars? You have room for imagination.
  • Reasons why car accidents happen. Mention all the common reasons for car accidents to occur. If possible, give examples of accidents that occurred due to those reasons.
  • Car or public transport : an ongoing debate. Write a persuasive essay about what is better to use: car or public transport. Mention the convenience and the environmental effect of both types of transportation.
  • Self-driving cars : has the future already come? In this essay, explain the concept of self-driving cars. Mention the role of Tesla in the construction of self-driving cars.
  • The story of my first car . Write a personal narrative essay about the first car you ever had. Share the story of getting the vehicle and the emotions you’ve experienced. Provide additional details.
  • My dream car . Let your imagination run free. Give any details you’d like. Still, don’t go overboard!
  • The pros and cons of driverless cars . What are the benefits and downfalls of using driverless vehicles? Research the topic and write the essay.
  • An analysis of the automotive industry . nalyze the importance of the automotive industry. Additionally, mention its issues.
  • Electric vehicles : their effect on the environment and society. Write about the pros and cons of electric transportation. Focus more on the electric vehicles’ influence on ecology.
  • The impact of automobile use on pollution . Write about the kinds of pollution vehicle use might cause. Do all vehicles have the same influence on the environment?
  • My favorite toy . In case your beloved toy in childhood was any type of vehicle, share your story. Write about how you got it and what emotions you experienced. Do you still have that toy?
  • Why should you use automobiles ? Write a persuasive essay on the advantages of cars and why people should use them.
  • Car safety: what you shouldn’t do while driving . Write about activities that are not encouraged to do while at the wheel (eating, texting, talking on the phone). Mention how those actions are related to car accidents.
  • The controversial issue of flying cars.
  • Difference between hybrid cars and traditional cars.
  • Analyze the dangers of distracted driving.
  • Explain why regular changing of the oil in your car is crucial for safe driving.
  • Examine the dangerous habits of drivers and explain how to overcome them.
  • What should you do to avoid motor vehicle accidents?
  • Compare electric and gasoline-powered cars and explain which are better in your opinion.
  • Benefits of Honda Pilot car.
  • Describe the shortcomings of autonomous vehicles .
  • Are speed limits important for safe driving?
  • Analyze the necessity of buying energy efficient cars .
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid vehicles .
  • Explore the evolution of automobile industry in the US , its opportunities and challenges.
  • How to change the oil in your car .
  • Explain why lack of parking in big cities is one of the most urgent problems for car owners.
  • Can we call electric cars the future of automobile industry?
  • Analyze the market demand for alternative vehicles .
  • Describe the specifics of electric vehicles manufacturing in the UK.
  • Compare gasoline and electric cars .
  • How to wash car like a pro .
  • What are the drawbacks of electric cars?
  • Examine the peculiarities of different trucks .
  • Is it possible to survive without a car in the modern world?
  • Analyze the difficulties and expenses connected with owning a private car .
  • Does the concept of automated cars have future? .
  • Discuss if switching to electric cars will help to reduce the environmental problems.
  • Explore the impact car emission has on global warming and suggest the ways to reduce it.
  • Describe the environmentally friendly cars and why they are important.
  • Discuss the peculiarities of the fuel cell vehicles.
  • Examine the ways cars are presented in popular culture .
  • Explain why people choose to buy luxury cars .
  • Analyze how automobiles influenced the transformation of American culture .
  • What are the reasons of American car industry success?
  • Describe the specifics of Volkswagen cars .
  • Disadvantages of cars .
  • Do you think using cellphones while driving should be banned?
  • Examine the impact human factor has on automobile industry development.
  • The legacy of the Nissan GT-R from the Fast and Furious franchise.
  • Study the representation of automobiles in modern art.
  • The evolution of Lamborghini from tractors to supercars.
  • The iconic status of the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future .
  • What are the causes and consequences of aggressive driving behavior ?
  • The Ectomobile as a symbol of cultural iconography in the Ghostbusters franchise.
  • The timeless appeal of James Bond’s Aston Martin .
  • How our choice of vehicle reflects who we are.
  • An analysis of the emotional connection between humans and cars.
  • How do aesthetics and functionality shape our perception of automobiles ?
  • The role of cars as extensions of characters’ identity in Mad Max: Fury Road .
  • The evolution of the Batmobile in the Batman franchise.
  • Study the therapeutic benefits of driving for mental health.
  • What are the stereotypes and realities of men and women drivers? 
  • The significance of automobiles in coming-of-age literature.
  • Research the psychological effects of fast driving and adrenaline rush.
  • The influence of advertising on car purchases.
  • Pixar’s Cars and the representation of American car culture.
  • Trace the evolution of car chases from classic Hollywood to modern blockbusters.
  • The shift in attitudes toward car ownership in large cities. 

🚦 Argumentative Essay Topics about Cars

  • Will electric cars fully replace traditional combustion engine vehicles ?
  • Should stricter regulations be enforced on car manufacturers ?
  • Does owning a vehicle provide a sense of independence?
  • Which brand offers the best value for money, BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
  • Should governments provide more incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles ?
  • Are autonomous vehicles truly safer than human drivers?
  • Are luxury car brands overpriced, or do they offer superior quality and features?
  • Classic cars: a good investment or overvalued collectibles?
  • Are electric cars more affordable than traditional vehicles in the long term?
  • Will alternative modes of travel replace cars in the coming decades?
  • Should vintage vehicles be preserved for future generations?
  • Which iconic muscle car reigns supreme, the Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang?
  • Do vehicle choices reflect personal values and beliefs?
  • Are vehicles a financial burden or investment for individuals and families?
  • Does traffic congestion influence drivers’ mental health? 
  • Are higher speeds on highways safer or more dangerous for drivers? 
  • Do luxury vehicles symbolize success or excessive consumption ? 
  • Will car-sharing services replace traditional ownership models?
  • Will Uber lead to a decline in personal vehicle ownership? 
  • Who is responsible in the event of an accident – the driver or the manufacturer? 
  • The electric vehicles’ impact on the automotive industry. 
  • Green initiatives and practices in the automotive industry . 
  • The role of artificial intelligence in car manufacturing and design. 
  • Diversity and inclusion in the automotive workforce . 
  • The impact of trade wars and tariffs on the global automotive market . 
  • Opportunities for growth in emerging markets for automotive sales . 
  • The role of big data and analytics in improving vehicle performance and customer experience.
  • Consumer trust issues in autonomous vehicles . 
  • The influence of consumer preferences on car design and features. 
  • Opportunities for collaboration between automakers and tech companies.
  • The rise of subscription-based models for car ownership and leasing . 
  • Challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled labor in the automotive industry . 
  • The impact of COVID-19 on the automotive supply chain and production. 
  • Sustainability and the use of recyclable materials in automotive design . 
  • How government regulations are shaping the future of the automotive industry. 
  • The potential of 3D printing in automotive manufacturing and prototyping. 
  • Assess the benefits of using virtual showrooms in automotive retail . 
  • Challenges in implementing sustainable practices in dealerships and service centers. 
  • The role of design thinking in creating user-centric automotive experiences . 
  • How autonomous vehicles are transforming public transportation systems. 

🛣️ Car Related Topics

  • The hidden stories behind famous car logos and emblems.
  • Explain the phenomenon of car brand loyalty and why people stick with a particular brand. 
  • What’s psychology of road rage and aggressive driving ? 
  • The influence of personal memories on emotional connections to vehicles.
  • Study the iconic status of the Le Mans 24-hour race.
  • How influence of technology innovations on Formula 1 . 
  • Explore the cultural significance of cars in American society.
  • The design and engineering process behind creating a concept car. 
  • The evolution of taxi services from horse-drawn carriages to app-based platforms. 
  • Are microcars a viable solution for congested cities ? 
  • The influence of car culture on music, fashion, and lifestyle trends.
  • Study the psychological and cultural implications of car color choices.
  • Are flying cars a realistic vision or science fiction ? 
  • The history of women in the automotive industry . 
  • Unconventional uses of vehicles in art installations and performances. 
  • The role of historic car restoration in preserving cultural heritage. 
  • The influence of drive-in restaurants on contemporary dining habits.
  • The role of cars in shaping cultural identities and national pride. 
  • How do road trips impact mental health and well-being? 
  • Car rituals and traditions around the world.

⚙️ College Essay about Cars: Useful Tips

Preparing for composting an essay about a car, you may wonder where to start and how to handle it. In this section, we will introduce some helpful tips. See what you should include and elaborate on in your car essay.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

  • Get creative. Some students may think that essays on cars are not the right place for creativity. Writing about cars should be full of some specific terms and descriptions of various car details. However, it is a mistake. Essays on cars can omit such issues but remain informative and catchy.
  • Keep your opinion to yourself. You don’t have to present a positive or negative conclusion about cars. You are not required to have an unequivocal statement when you write about such a difficult topic. In order to fulfill this requirement, you can even use a thesis statement creator to come up with unbiased foundation for your content.
  • Don’t try to say everything at once . Your essay has a word limit, so you’re better to find one topic to talk about. Focus on one aspect of the issue, such as environmental impact, and state your position with evidence.
  • Change an angle. If you are not interested in a topic but need to write about cars, look at the subject from the other side. If you are not willing to elaborate on ecological impact, write about races. If you don’t want to talk about sports, write about the invention of the first car. The subject is extensive, so everyone will find something of their own, especially if you were not given a topic in advance.

Thus, writing essays about cars can also be exciting. If you think for a while, you will find ways of writing your paper creatively.

Thank you for reading this article! We hope that you found it useful. If that is the case, don’t forget to share it with your friends and comment.

Further reading:

  • Family Values Essay: How to Write, Essay Topics & Examples
  • Impressive Essay on Being Late: Hurry Up with Exciting Ideas
  • Smoking Essay: Writing about Students and Teens Smoking
  • Subjective Essay: Example, How to Write and Topics
  • How to Write an Opinion Essay: an Ultimate Guide + Examples
  • Persuasive Essay Outline: Houston Community College System
  • Cars Essays: Bartleby
  • Comparing and Contrasting: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Car Accident Essay: Cram
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car?

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essay on owning a car

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 9 – Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car

You should spend about  40  minutes on this task.

Some people claim that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages. Do you agree or disagree? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car.

Give reasons for your answer.

You should write at least  250  words.

Model Answer 1: In our lives, we travel from one place to another for a great variety of reasons and while travelling we greatly depend on cars, whether it is a private car or a public bus. The number of car owners is increasing every day because every person expects the freedom to travel and comfort while travelling. And that is why most of us want to own a car. However owning a car have many advantages and disadvantages as well.

The main advantage of owning a car is it gives the freedom to travel. If you have a car then you don’t need to be limited to fixed routes and timetables. Moreover, a car-owner can take is/her family members with him/her and other necessary goods whenever he/she wish which might have been impossible otherwise. In addition, personal cars give comfort while travelling on the contrary to the public buses which are so crowded and disgusting. You can read books, listen to music or even can play with kids while you are in your own car but those all seems to be impossible in a public transport. On the contrary, owning a car is very expensive. The price of the car, the cost of the tax, insurance cost, fuel cost, driver’s salary, car repairing etc. all must be considered before buying a car and that is why it is out of reach of the middle-class people.

Moreover, private cars can not carry many passengers at a time yet occupy spaces in the street. As the number of cars is increasing in the road so does the traffic jam. Perhaps the major disadvantage of cars, in general, is the huge damage they do to the human health and to the environment. More cars mean more pollution. The environment pollution is a serious issue today and at any cost, we must reduce the amount of pollution and if we consider it then owning a car is never a good idea.

To sum up, having a car gives someone freedom but if public transportation system is easily accessible, safe and efficient, then the idea of buying and owning a car should be abandoned.

(Approximately 354 words)

(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)

Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:

Essay Type:  Agree / Disagree as well as Advantages & Disadvantages.

Main question of this IELTS Essay:

A. Do you agree that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages?

B. Advantages of having a car.

C. Disadvantages of having a car.

Note:  This essay topic is a bit tricky. It is a combination of both “Agree/ Disagree” and “Advantages & Disadvantages” type essay. First, you need to write whether you agree or disagree that cars have more disadvantages that the advantages they offer. Again you need to write down the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car.  In the introduction part of the essay you need to mention whether you agree or disagree. Then in the following paragraphs you can write the advantages and disadvantages of cars and at the end of the each paragraph you can summarise why having a car has more advantages than disadvantages and vice versa.

Disadvantages of having a car:

  • Owning a car is expensive and requires additional costs to maintain and repair it. Not all families can afford it.
  • Cars have increased the level of air and noise pollution in cities, causing more humans to suffer from respiratory, heart diseases, or cancers.
  • City travellers have to spend longer hours on traffic jams. Using more private car, the density of traffic has been increased phenomenally and citizens have had to stay longer time on traffic load.
  • As the number of private cars increased, more car passengers have been injured or died by severe accidents.
  • More pedestrians’ accidents have been reported annually. As the usage of private cars increases, it is more probable that people walking through the street die by them.
  • Private car is more expensive than the public transportation. Paying huge money for tax, renewing of licence, or air care, people have to pay more for using cars.
  • More fossil fuels are consumed as more cars are used by people, leading other generations to face a shortage of these fuels.
  • The governmental expense will be raised far dramatically. To build and maintenance of more highways for more cars, hire more police force, the local government have to consider a larger budget.
  • The use of cars to commute has decreased the average health of car users as they do not need to do any physical movement.
  • The consumption of fuels to run the car is contributing to the rise if global warming and affecting the ozone layer.
  • The car owners need to worry about the safety and parking places for cars wherever s/he travels.
  • It saves the time as the commuters can reach his destination quickly than it would be required in a public bus.

Agreement:  Why cars have more disadvantages than advantages? Considering all the disadvantages the cars have to the health, environment, government budget and the hassle and expenses the car owners have to bear, it is quite clear that having a car has more demerits and the advantages it offers.

Advantages of having a car:

  • The private car is a convenient mode of transportation. Having more comfortable seats, ventilation or other novel technologies help people to feel better than using other methods, like a bicycle or a public bus.
  • Users have a more secure privacy compared to using public transportation.
  • This will increase more job opportunities because more workers will be involved in working in car companies or as drivers, reducing the unemployment rate.
  • The local state will have more budgets, paid by car owners’ taxes, to renew the roads. Annually, car drivers have to pay hundreds of dollars for renewing their car insurance, licence, tickets, or air care.
  • Other industries have been developed as car industries developed. The more humans use more private cars, the more car companies have to raise their technology, leading other mother industries to be developed too.
  • People can have absolute freedom on deciding the schedule and roads to reach their destination.
  • A private car owner can utilise his time but it is very tough to do so on a public bus.
  • In a car, a person does not have to worry about the dust, noise and fumes present in the road while in public transportation it is not always possible to avoid those.

Disagreement:  Why cars have more advantages that disadvantages?

Considering the advantages the car ownership offers, I would say that it is more beneficial to own a car than using public transportation. Many people might argue against owning a car but I think most of them would buy a car if their financial condition allows them to do so.

[These ideas should be helpful for you to generate your own ideas and writing an excellent essay on the given IELTS Essay topic should be easier for you. If you have new ideas that we might have missed, add them in the comment section and we will publish it.]

Alternative Answer 2: Owning a car is a birth-right for some people while other people try their life-long to purchase one. Apart from these two groups, there are certain people who do not dare to even think about purchasing a car because of their miserable economic conditions. However, for all those people the four wheel car is a fancy machine with advantages and utility. Owning a car can also bring some drawbacks.

Among the advantages of owning a car, in my opinion, freedom of travelling is the most important one. Someone who owns a car can plan his route, timing and destination. He won’t have to wait for the schedule of a public bus, stand in a long queue, wait for hours for the bus to arrive, and sit in the public bus uncomfortably. A person car gives the freedom, saves time and the owner can utilise the time while he travels. Apart from that, he can carry the grocery, goods and other valuables in the car at his discretion. Owning a car also offers the flexibility of visiting relatives and friends who stay far away without much hassle of a public bus. Taking a child or an old person in a public bus is quite impossible and owning a car would facilitate someone to take his kid, old relatives with him if needed. The comfort and safety of a private car can’t be achieved in a public car. In terms of expense, sometimes personal car saves monthly expenses that would otherwise be required for a person if he travels frequently.

On the other hand owning a car has some disadvantages as well. First of all, private cars require the garage place and parking hassle. Sometimes the expenses on hiring a driver and purchasing fuel might exceed the budget for the people who could have easily availed public transportations for infrequent journeys. The traffic issue, paper renewal issue, tax, police cases are sometimes too much to handle for the personal car owners. For example, if a public bus gets busted in the middle of a road, the passenger can easily leave it a look for another one. But in this same situation, a private car owner who was riding in his car would have to take the burden of taking care of the busted car and reach to the automobile repairing centres.

In summary, though owning a car has some disadvantages, it offers many advantages as well.

Model Answer 3: People need different modes of transportation to move from one place to another. In the ancient time, they used horses and donkeys for this purpose and to carry their loads. With  the development of technology, people invented novel things such as cars, trains, aeroplanes, ships and this development has further enhanced the flexibility and convenience of transportation. Out of these vehicles, the private car is one of the best and most preferred vehicles for people to commute from one place to another but not without consequences.

Private cars have many advantages. Due to this, people who can afford a private car, want to own it. People with low-income class also dream to own a car one day. This simple phenomenon shows how advantageous of owning a private car can be. With a private car, people can plan their own journey, go somewhere whenever they want, take diversions to avoid bad traffic, avoid long queue for ticketing and enjoy the utmost flexibility and privacy of a soothing journey. This is a very handy thing in the emergency cases. For example, when someone gets sick, his family members can easily take him to a hospital regardless of the time. Finally, owning a private car offers someone the freedom to enjoy his time during the journey while it is quite impossible on a public bus.

On the contrary, private car ownership has many demerits as well. It is far more expensive than public transportation. The cost of  fuel, driver, licence, insurance, maintenance, repairing etc. will often increase the monthly expense for a family. Furthermore, those cars produce toxic gas such as greenhouse gases, CO2 and CO that are harmful to the human health and the environment. Private cars are the main reason for congestion on the roads and the increasing environmental pollution.

To some up, I think the private car is a very useful vehicle that offers more advantages than demerits to its owner. However, the environmental issues due to excessive use of cars should not be ignored and we should use private cars absolutely when it is necessary and at other times, we should use public transportations.

[Written by  Nima ]

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The pros and cons of owning a car

Lori Johnston

Some Gen Y-ers — generally those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s — are putting the brakes on car ownership.

The decision not to buy a car — once a rite of passage for young adults — is being driven by factors including the cost and impact on the environment. For some Gen Y-ers, particularly individuals living in urban settings, or with easy access to public transportation or car-sharing services such as Zipcar, going without wheels is a better way of life.

“Until you have a car, I guess you don’t know what you’re missing by not having one,” says Jack Nerad, vice president, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Many Gen Y-ers are getting out from behind the wheel and walking, taking public transit or hitching rides with friends instead of buying a car. According to Oregon-based CNW Marketing Research, which provides data about the automotive industry, U.S. adults aged between 21 and 34 bought 27 percent of all new vehicles sold in 2010, down from a high of 38 percent in 1985.

Generation Y, comprised of about 80 million Americans, also appears to be less enthusiastic about cars and particular brands of automobiles than their parents and grandparents, says author Lauren Fix, known as The Car Coach.

“Cars no longer have that same connection,” Fix says.

3 pros of owning a car

1. Freedom.

Car owners can get out whenever and go wherever they please without having to rely on public transportation or someone to give them a ride. The freedom a car affords could outweigh any cons, Fix says.

owning a car pros

“I like living where I live and working where I work,” Nerad says, who commutes 44 miles each way to his job in California.

2. Demonstrating responsibility.

Owning a car could influence other major purchases, such as a home, by demonstrating that you can take out a loan and make regular payments. “It does indicate to a potential lender how reliable you are in paying back money,” Nerad says.

Fix adds that owning a car requires individuals to be responsible and disciplined when it comes to car maintenance. Car owners also are responsible for ensuring their auto insurance , tag and license don’t expire.

3. Convenience.

Errands such as picking up dry cleaning and stopping by a hardware store on a Saturday morning, could take twice or three times as long if individuals have to rely on public transportation, Nerad says.

3 Cons of Owning a Car

The purchase price of a vehicle, particularly a new vehicle, can be daunting. In general, cars have become expensive, Nerad says. The average purchase price of cars, sport utility vehicles, and vans and trucks (seating 12 people or less) in the U.S. was $31,663 in May 2013. This is up $269 from May 2012, according to Kelley Blue Book. Nerad adds that it’s possible to recoup some of the cost of owning a car when you resell the vehicle.

Some Gen Y-ers may be more concerned about paying for food, shelter, health care and other essentials before purchasing a vehicle. They’re cutting corners to provide for themselves and for their kids, if they have families, Fix says.

owning a car cons

2. Perception.

The idea of owning a car can be painted in a negative way, especially if individuals are concerned about pollution and living an environmentally friendly lifestyle, Nerad says. Many Gen Y-ers feel that if they don’t use a car, they are doing something good for the planet.

However, they may be more open to owning an electric or hybrid car .

In an opinion column published in June 2013 in USA Today, Dan Becker and James Gerstenzang of the Washington, D.C.-based Safe Climate Campaign, which fights global warming, wrote:

“For decades, the industry has pushed gas-guzzling trucks and cars sporting antiquated engineering but ever-more cup holders. No doubt some of the bus-and-bike-riding Millennials will over time buy cars. But if Detroit wants to reach them, it must try something better than adding Bluetooth to its behemoths. It should ramp up production of clean cars.”

3. The sales process.

Walking into an automobile dealership and being inundated by eager, aggressive salespeople can turn off some Gen Y buyers. The idea of having to apply for credit to get a loan can be overwhelming, and a new frontier that doesn’t appeal to some Gen Y-ers seeking to live debt-free or are already burdened with existing debt.

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GOBankingRates

Cost of Owning a Car for a Year in Every State

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 9, 2024

Car salesmen send car keys to new owners.Car rental.

When you set out to buy a car , you often only think of initial costs, like down payment, your next month's car payment and interest the loan might accrue. But you might be surprised to know how much it costs to own a car for just one year. And those costs vary from state to state.

Read Next: Avoid These 10 Cars Likely To Break Down After 100K Miles Learn More: 7 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

To determine the costs of owning a car for a year in every state, GOBankingRates surveyed and totaled the cost of buying and owning a car for one year in all 50 states. This total included: car sales tax, average annual car insurance premiums, average annual gas expenses and average car maintenance and repair costs.

These expenses were added to the cost to finance a new vehicle -- based on $48,427 MSRP, 20% down payment of $9,649, an average credit score of 716, an interest rate of 6.88% and a loan length of 60 months, which equals $762 per month or $9,144 per year.

So, take a look and see whether your home state has a driving economy that's making it that much harder to make ends meet or one that allows you to look forward to affordable auto ownership for decades to come .

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $23,733 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,033</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,542</li> </ul> <p>Despite costs being lower in Alabama than other states, the average cost of car repairs here runs on the higher side at around $399 per year. However, gas averages around a reasonable $2.79 per gallon.</p> <p><strong>I'm a Mechanic: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/mechanic-what-i-drive-cars-i-steer-clear-of/?utm_term=related_link_3&utm_campaign=1258739&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=5&utm_medium=rss" rel="">What I Drive and 3 Cars I Steer Clear Of</a><br>ChatGPT Unveils: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/chatgpt-unveils-5-worst-american-cars-for-your-money/?utm_term=related_link_4&utm_campaign=1258739&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=6&utm_medium=rss" rel="">5 Worst American Cars for Your Money</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Sponsored: </strong><a href="https://products.gobankingrates.com/pub/9e562dc4-52f4-11ec-a8c2-0e0b1012e14d?targeting%5Bcompany_product%5D=tra&utm_source=msn.com&utm_campaign=rss&passthru=msn.com" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.</a></p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $23,733 
  • Annual gas : $2,033
  • Average insurance : $1,542

Despite costs being lower in Alabama than other states, the average cost of car repairs here runs on the higher side at around $399 per year. However, gas averages around a reasonable $2.79 per gallon.

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<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $23,313</li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,774</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,359</li> </ul> <p>You won't pay any sales tax on the purchase of your new car in Alaska, which helps lower total costs, but gas is pricier here, at around $3.81 per gallon.</p> <p><strong>Discover: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/luxury-cars-mechanics-recommend/?utm_term=related_link_5&utm_campaign=1258739&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=7&utm_medium=rss" rel="">6 Luxury Cars Mechanics Recommend</a></strong></p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $23,313
  • Annual gas : $2,774
  • Average insurance : $1,359

You won't pay any sales tax on the purchase of your new car in Alaska, which helps lower total costs, but gas is pricier here, at around $3.81 per gallon.

Discover More: 6 Luxury Cars Mechanics Recommend

RV drives down the highway

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,926 
  • Annual gas : $2,425 
  • Average insurance : $1,617

The relatively high sales tax in Arizona -- 5.6% -- translates to around $2,702 in tax on a new car, which is more than you pay in annual gas.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $25,896</li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $1,987</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,597</li> </ul> <p>In Arkansas, you'll pay only around $2.73 per gallon in gas, and around $383 in repair fees. However, the higher sales tax of 6.5% translates to a whopping nearly $3,150 in tax on your car.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,896
  • Annual gas : $1,987
  • Average insurance : $1,597

In Arkansas, you'll pay only around $2.73 per gallon in gas, and around $383 in repair fees. However, the higher sales tax of 6.5% translates to a whopping nearly $3,150 in tax on your car.

los angeles downtown 110 freeway traffic cars vehicles_iStock-1389974297

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $28,253
  • Annual gas : $3,431
  • Average insurance : $2,115

California is known for having a significantly higher cost of living than most other states, and it's no exception when it comes to buying a car. In fact, your total costs for one year of ownership here are the highest of all the states. With a sales tax of 7.25% and gas running around $4.71 per gallon, it's no surprise.

<ul> <li><strong>July 2023 unemployment rate: </strong>2.9%</li> <li><strong>GDP growth Q4 2022 to Q1, 2023: </strong>5.4%</li> <li><strong>Average weekly wages Q1 2023: </strong>$1,559</li> <li><strong>Percent of population below poverty line 2021: </strong>9.6%</li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,621 
  • Annual gas : $2,071
  • Average insurance : $1,940

Colorado is on the lower side for sales tax at 2.90%, and gas per gallon, $2.85, but car repair costs are on the higher side here, around $417 per year, which is higher than even California by a few bucks.

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essay on owning a car

Connecticut

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,434
  • Annual gas : $2,408
  • Average insurance : $1,750

This New England state is one of the priciest to own a new car, with a steep sales tax, at 6.35%, which adds around $3,064 per year to your costs.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $23,513 
  • Annual gas : $2,192
  • Average insurance : $2,137

It doesn't get cheaper than no sales tax, which helps lower the overall costs you pay for owning a car in Delaware, which is on the lower end of this list.

<ul> <li><strong>January 2023 to October 2023 change: </strong>$1,807.19</li> <li><strong>Month-over-month change (September 2023 to October 2023): </strong>$324.78</li> <li><strong>Year-over-year change (October 2022 to October 2023): </strong>$7,415.26</li> <li><strong>3-year change (October 2020 to October 2023): </strong>$75,931.04</li> <li><strong>5-year change (October 2018 to October 2023): </strong>$90,703.21</li> <li><strong>Difference from the national average (October 2023): </strong>$18,579.09</li> </ul> <p>The typical home value in Waldo is $325,495, a 2.8% increase from this time last year.</p> <p><strong>I'm a Real Estate Agent: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/investing/real-estate/real-estate-agent-no-one-can-afford-home-these-cities/?utm_term=related_link_3&utm_campaign=1254344&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=5&utm_medium=rss" rel="">Almost No One Can Afford To Buy a Home in These 5 Cities</a><br>More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/investing/real-estate/within-decade-cant-afford-home-us-cities/?utm_term=related_link_4&utm_campaign=1254344&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=6&utm_medium=rss" rel="">In Less Than a Decade, You Won't Be Able To Afford Homes in These ZIP Codes</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Sponsored: </strong><a href="https://products.gobankingrates.com/pub/9e562dc4-52f4-11ec-a8c2-0e0b1012e14d?targeting%5Bcompany_product%5D=arrived" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Become a Real Estate Investor</strong> <em>(For as Little as $100)</em></a></p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,819 
  • Annual gas : $2,175
  • Average insurance : $2,560

Not only are you paying a high sales tax of 6% in Florida, or around $2,900 in total sales tax, but average insurance premiums are the highest here, at $2,560.

Atlanta Skyline at Dusk stock photo

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,233 
  • Annual gas : $2,201
  • Average insurance : $1,647

The state of Georgia, which typically runs lower on cost of living, is not so cheap when it comes to buying a car. Its state sales tax of 6.6% results in a steep $3,184 or so in tax on the car, and car repairs average around $408 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $25,828 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $3,418</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,306</li> </ul> <p>Given that Hawaii is typically the most expensive state in the U.S., it's surprising that it doesn't take the top spot on this list for buying a car. Its 4% state sales tax will add up to about $1,930 on a new car. It's the price per gallon of gas that really takes a bite, at $4.70 per gallon, totaling more than $3,400 per year.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,828 
  • Annual gas : $3,418
  • Average insurance : $1,306

Given that Hawaii is typically the most expensive state in the U.S., it's surprising that it doesn't take the top spot on this list for buying a car. Its 4% state sales tax will add up to about $1,930 on a new car. It's the price per gallon of gas that really takes a bite, at $4.70 per gallon, totaling more than $3,400 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $25,706 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,508</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,121</li> </ul> <p>The 6% state sales tax will add a sizable $2,895 to the cost of owning a car in Idaho. And the $3.45 per gallon will run you around $2,508 per year.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,706 
  • Annual gas : $2,508
  • Average insurance : $1,121

The 6% state sales tax will add a sizable $2,895 to the cost of owning a car in Idaho. And the $3.45 per gallon will run you around $2,508 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>2023 median list price</strong>: $145,272 </li> <li><strong>2023 average home value</strong>: $184,922 </li> <li><strong>Difference between list price and home value</strong>: $39,650 </li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,640
  • Annual gas : $2,391
  • Average insurance : $1,578

You can expect to pay around $379 on average per year in car repairs in Illinois, but annual gas will run you nearly $2,400 per year.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,895 
  • Annual gas : $2,104
  • Average insurance : $1,256

Indiana is another of the states with a strikingly high sales tax -- 7% -- which adds another nearly $3,400 to your overall car costs. Gas per gallon, though, is on the lower side here, at $2.89 per gallon.

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<ul> <li><strong>Population:</strong> 62,670</li> <li><strong>Median Household Income:</strong> $61,181</li> <li><strong>Percentage of Population Below Poverty Level:</strong> 13.59%</li> <li><strong>Per Capita Income:</strong> $31,946 </li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,926
  • Annual gas : $2,039
  • Average insurance : $1,321

Even though you will spend close to $25,000 in costs your first year, the cost of gas is only $2.80 per gallon in Iowa.

overland park kansas clock tower_iStock-1055473890

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,409 
  • Annual gas : $2,029
  • Average insurance : $1,594

Sales tax is painfully high in Kansas, too, adding up to around $3,619 in costs on your new car.  However, gas is only around $2.79 per gallon.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,229 
  • Annual gas : $2,051
  • Average insurance : $2,105

Kentucky's average car insurance premium is on the higher side at $2,105, and the average cost of repairs is creeping up there, too, at around $385 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Total population: </strong>389,648</li> <li><strong>Average gas price: </strong>$2.04</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work: </strong>25.4 minutes</li> <li><strong>Time lost in rush hour per year: </strong>3 days, 20 hours</li> <li><strong>Commuters who use public transportation: </strong>6.9%</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work for public transportation commuters: </strong>49.5 minutes</li> <li><strong>State average gas price: </strong>$2.06</li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,852
  • Annual gas : $1,977
  • Average insurance : $2,546

Compared to some of these states, Louisiana's 4.45% sales tax isn't that high. However, its average car insurance premium of $2,546 is the second highest after Florida.

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<p>The federal government requires businesses to reimburse employees for mileage only if failure to do so lowers their net pay below minimum wage. A tiny handful of states have laws that obligate companies to pay their workers back for mileage incurred on behalf of their employers -- but you could count them on one hand with two fingers to spare.</p> <p><strong><em>Discover: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/deductions/medical-expenses-can-write-off/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1211460&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss" rel="">Medical Expenses You Can Deduct From Your Taxes</a><br> Also See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/signs-you-are-serious-about-raising-your-credit-score-1638459/?utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1211460&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">3 Signs You're Serious About Raising Your Credit Score</a></em></strong></p> <p>The only relief for the rest of America is the <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/deductions/?utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1211460&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="">federal mileage deduction</a>, which the IRS allows taxpayers to omit from their taxable income to compensate for the cost of operating a vehicle while earning a living. </p> <p>In 2022, the rate was 58.5 cents per mile in the first half of the year and 62.5 cents in the second half -- but $0.60 per mile goes a lot farther in some states than others.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/deductions/gas-prices-irs-expands-deduction-for-fuel-costs/?utm_term=incontent_link_2&utm_campaign=1211460&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss" rel="">To find out which states are the best places for people looking to get the most out of mileage deductions</a>, GOBankingRates used data from Insurance.com to identify where drivers pay the lowest average vehicle ownership cost, including the cost of gas, insurance, repairs and sales tax. </p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,312 
  • Annual gas : $2,399
  • Average insurance : $1,116

Maine has one of the lower average car insurance premiums in the U.S. at $1,116 per year. The price of gas, at around $3.30 per gallon, is right in the middle, but its annual car repair cost is on the lower side, at around $349.

<ul> <li><strong>Total population: </strong>614,700</li> <li><strong>Average gas price: </strong>$2.26</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work: </strong>31.6 minutes</li> <li><strong>Time lost in rush hour per year: </strong>4 days</li> <li><strong>Commuters who use public transportation: </strong>16.2%</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work for public transportation commuters: </strong>54.4 minutes</li> <li><strong>State average gas price: </strong>$2.31</li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,020 
  • Annual gas : $2,293
  • Average insurance : $1,640

Prices run higher on the East Coast, and Maryland is no exception. Here, you'll pay nearly $2,900 in sales tax on your new car in your first year and almost $400 in car repairs.

<p>While many Americans dream of living in big-name cities like Los Angeles and New York, the truth is that living in many big cities has <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/money/economy/?utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1235574&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss">become quite unaffordable</a>. Los Angeles, for example, has a cost of living a whopping 76.2% above the national average, according to Sperling's Best Places, while New York City tops out at 68.6% higher. </p> <p><strong>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/cities-with-high-salaries-low-cost-of-living/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1235574&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">12 Cities With Really High Salaries and Really Low Costs of Living</a><br>Find Out: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/how-to-build-a-financial-plan-from-zero-1705027/?utm_source=msn.com&utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1235574&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="">How To Build Your Savings From Scratch</a></strong></p> <p>But most major cities have nice suburbs to live in that are much more affordable, at least on a relative basis. If you can handle the commute, <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/cities-afford-to-live-less-than-50k/?utm_term=incontent_link_2&utm_campaign=1235574&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss">here's a list of places you can live near big cities without completely draining your pocketbook.</a> </p>

Massachusetts

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,155 
  • Annual gas : $2,422
  • Average insurance : $1,538

You'll feel the pinch of higher costs on owning a new car in Massachusetts, with around $3,015 in sales tax, almost $2,500 in gas costs and nearly $390 in car repair costs.

Woodward Avenue – Detroit, Michigan

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,434 
  • Annual gas : $2,257
  • Average insurance : $2,133

While the price of gas in Michigan is relatively lower than many states, at $3.10 per gallon, average car insurance premiums are on the high side -- around $2,133 per year.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,942 
  • Annual gas : $2,142
  • Average insurance : $1,493

Sales tax is also high in Minnesota, adding around $3,136 to your total car costs, which are already on the higher side than many states.

<ul> <li><strong>Total expenditures:</strong> $44,059</li> <li><strong>20% comfort buffer:</strong> $11,015</li> <li><strong>Cost of a comfortable retirement annually:</strong> $55,074</li> </ul> <p><strong>Explore: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/best-canadian-cities-to-retire-on-budget-of-2500-a-month/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1244810&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss" rel="">10 Best Canadian Cities To Retire on a Budget of $2,500 a Month</a><br>Find: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/things-boomers-should-never-buy-in-retirement/?utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1244810&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">8 Things Boomers Should Never Buy in Retirement</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Sponsored: </strong><a href="https://products.gobankingrates.com/pub/9e562dc4-52f4-11ec-a8c2-0e0b1012e14d?targeting%5Baccount_type%5D=discounts&utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1244810&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored"><strong>Double The Power of Your Dollar: </strong><em> Stretch Your Money With These Perks</em></a></p>

Mississippi

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,152 
  • Annual gas : $1,946
  • Average insurance : $1,606

You'll pay close to $400 in car repair costs in Mississippi, and nearly $2,000 in gas costs in one year of car ownership.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,291 
  • Annual gas : $1,974
  • Average insurance : $2,104

In Missouri, you pay a lower cost of gas, at $2.71 per gallon -- or $1,974 per year -- but car insurance premiums here are the fourth most expensive in the U.S., at $2,104 per year.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $23,094 
  • Annual gas : $2,219
  • Average insurance : $1,692

Car costs are slightly cheaper in Montana, due in part to the lack of state sales tax. However, car insurance premiums are among the highest, at $1,692 per year.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,957
  • Annual gas : $2,117
  • Average insurance : $2,018

Nebraska will get you with both high insurance premiums and a higher state sales tax of 5.5%. Average insurance premiums are also high, at over $2,000.

Las Vegas by Night

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $28,135
  • Annual gas : $2,940
  • Average insurance : $2,023

The second most expensive state for owning a car in your first year goes to, surprisingly, Nevada. This is partly because the sales tax is the highest on the list, at 8.25%, which adds nearly $4,000 to the cost of your car. But gas is also $4.04 per gallon, adding up to nearly $3,000 per year in costs. Average insurance premiums are also steeper.

<ul> <li><strong>Cheapest Place: </strong>Groveton</li> <li><strong>2023 ZHVI:</strong> $153,511.01</li> <li><strong>Total Population: </strong>892</li> </ul> <p><strong>Next: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/investing/real-estate/boomers-transfer-property-to-children-to-secure-generational-wealth/?utm_term=related_link_12&utm_campaign=1249199&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=14&utm_medium=rss" rel="">Baby Boomers Transfer Property to Children To Secure Generational Wealth</a></strong></p>

New Hampshire

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $22,799 
  • Annual gas : $2,328
  • Average insurance : $1,307

Unlike its New England sister states, New Hampshire is the cheapest state on the list to own a car for a year. Average insurance premiums are on the lower side here, and there's no state sales tax, so even the $3.20 per gallon gas price doesn't add up to nearly as much in total costs.

<p>Parking spots, particularly in big cities, are always valued at a premium. In places like New York, where real estate is extremely limited, monthly fees can run into the high hundreds of dollars per month, or even more. This can make buying parking spots a potentially lucrative investment, whether you intend to rent the spaces out or flip them for more money later.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,614
  • Annual gas : $2,321
  • Average insurance : $1,901

Another East Coast state where you're going to pay more is New Jersey, with a state sales tax of 6.63%, tacking on nearly $3,200 to your car costs. Insurance premiums and car repairs are also on the higher side here.

Find Out: 10 Luxury Items Rich People Won't Buy

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $24,759 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,138</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,505</li> </ul> <p>The average cost of gas in New Mexico isn't bad, at $2.94 per gallon. However, the sales tax of 4% adds almost $2,000 to your total costs, and car repairs average almost $400 per year here.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,759 
  • Annual gas : $2,138
  • Average insurance : $1,505

The average cost of gas in New Mexico isn't bad, at $2.94 per gallon. However, the sales tax of 4% adds almost $2,000 to your total costs, and car repairs average almost $400 per year here.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $25,661</li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,531</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $2,020</li> </ul> <p>In a state like New York, with such excellent public transportation, the cost of car ownership is pretty high. Insurance premiums average around $2,000, and the cost of gas adds up to around $2,531 per year.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,661
  • Annual gas : $2,531
  • Average insurance : $2,020

In a state like New York, with such excellent public transportation, the cost of car ownership is pretty high. Insurance premiums average around $2,000, and the cost of gas adds up to around $2,531 per year.

<p>Located just 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Airy is full of opportunities for retirees who enjoy scenic beauty. With an average annual temperature of just 55.2 degrees, outdoor activities can be easily enjoyed too.</p> <p>The median home value in the city is $153,561, over $200,000 lower than the typical U.S. home value. Although the total population is only 10,213, the city prides itself on its amenities, including healthcare and cultural arts.</p> <p>Retirees hold their own there, as well -- the percentage of the population 65 and older is 26.7%.</p> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Pictured: Linn Cove Viaduct highway road on the Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway</em></p>

North Carolina

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,165 
  • Annual gas : $2,153
  • Average insurance : $1,368

North Carolina only imposes a 3% state sales tax, or around $1,500 in added cost. The insurance premium is on the lower side, but car repairs are a bit over $400 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $25,162</li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,172</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,419</li> </ul> <p>North Dakota's 5% sales tax adds about $2,400 to the costs of car ownership. The average insurance premium is in the middle range, and car repair costs are on the lower side compared to other states, at around $365 per year.</p> <p><strong>Read Next: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/frugal-habits-to-adopt-in-2024/?utm_term=related_link_13&utm_campaign=1258739&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=15&utm_medium=rss" rel="">10 Frugal Habits To Adopt Right Away in 2024</a></strong></p>

North Dakota

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,162
  • Annual gas : $2,172
  • Average insurance : $1,419

North Dakota's 5% sales tax adds about $2,400 to the costs of car ownership. The average insurance premium is in the middle range, and car repair costs are on the lower side compared to other states, at around $365 per year.

Read Next: 10 Frugal Habits To Adopt Right Away in 2024

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $24,998 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,054</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,023</li> </ul> <p>Gas is on the cheaper side in Ohio, at $2.82 per gallon, running just over $2,000 per year. Average insurance is one of the lowest on the list, and car repair costs are on the less expensive side, too, at about $350 per year.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,998 
  • Annual gas : $2,054
  • Average insurance : $1,023

Gas is on the cheaper side in Ohio, at $2.82 per gallon, running just over $2,000 per year. Average insurance is one of the lowest on the list, and car repair costs are on the less expensive side, too, at about $350 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $24,489 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $1,951</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,797</li> </ul> <p>While the state sales tax is low in Oklahoma, at 3.25%, the average insurance premium is on the higher side, at almost $1,800 per year. Annual gas tacks on another nearly $2,000 and car repairs are nearly $380.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,489 
  • Annual gas : $1,951
  • Average insurance : $1,797

While the state sales tax is low in Oklahoma, at 3.25%, the average insurance premium is on the higher side, at almost $1,800 per year. Annual gas tacks on another nearly $2,000 and car repairs are nearly $380.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $23,284 </li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,853</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,244</li> </ul> <p>Even with one of the higher average annual costs for gasoline on this list, around $2,853, Oregon's overall costs of ownership are lower, due to no state sales tax and a lower average insurance premium.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $23,284 
  • Annual gas : $2,853
  • Average insurance : $1,244

Even with one of the higher average annual costs for gasoline on this list, around $2,853, Oregon's overall costs of ownership are lower, due to no state sales tax and a lower average insurance premium.

essay on owning a car

Pennsylvania

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,066 
  • Annual gas : $2,549
  • Average insurance : $1,445

Pennsylvania's cost to own a car for a year is among the highest on this list. The state sales tax of 6% adds nearly $2,900 to your total car costs annually. Annual gas is also on the steeper side, with gas running around $3.50 per gallon.

See Here: 10 Bills You Should Pay Yearly Instead of Monthly

essay on owning a car

Rhode Island

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,758 
  • Annual gas : $2,355
  • Average insurance : $1,845

In keeping with other East Coast and northeastern states, Rhode Island's costs are pricey compared to many other states. Average insurance is nearly $1,900. The state's high sales tax of 7% adds almost $3,400 alone in tax costs. And annual gas is nearly $2,400 per year.

<ul> <li><strong>Population:</strong> 759,247</li> <li><strong>Median home sale price:</strong> $273,000</li> <li><strong>Estimated mortgage payment:</strong> $1,074</li> <li><strong>Median income:</strong> $60,884</li> <li><strong>Monthly income:</strong> $5,074</li> <li><strong>Percentage of income going toward mortgage:</strong> 21%</li> <li><strong>Percentage of homes with negative equity:</strong> 5.90%</li> <li><strong>Percentage of homeowners delinquent on mortgage:</strong> 1.10%</li> </ul>

South Carolina

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,561
  • Annual gas : $2,065
  • Average insurance : $1,894

South Carolina's costs are also on the higher side on this list. With one of the higher average insurance costs, and another $2,400 chunk from sales tax, one of the few cost savings here is the lower price of gas, around $2.84 per gallon.

<p>General rules regarding mileage and value vary dramatically by vehicle type. Midsize cars, for example, lose half their value much more quickly than midsize SUVs, which retain 50% of their value or more for much longer. A 2015 midsize car, for example, will lose half its value at around 70,000 miles, compared to 90,000-100,000 miles for a midsize SUV from the same model year.</p>

South Dakota

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,899
  • Annual gas : $2,217
  • Average insurance : $1,581

The average insurance premium in South Dakota is on the higher side, at nearly $1,600. The $3.05 you'll pay per gallon adds up to around $2,217. Total costs, however, are still slightly less than many of the other states on the list.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,982
  • Average insurance : $1,373

Tennessee's 7% sales tax adds around $3,377 in additional costs. While its $1,373 average annual premium is on the lower end, you'll pay almost $400 in car repair costs.

Find Out: How Much Money Do Americans Have in Their Bank Accounts in 2024?

<ul> <li><strong>Total population: </strong>2,295,982</li> <li><strong>Average gas price: </strong>$2.04</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work: </strong>27.8 minutes</li> <li><strong>Time lost in rush hour per year: </strong>4 days, 23 hours</li> <li><strong>Commuters who use public transportation: </strong>3.8%</li> <li><strong>Average travel time to work for public transportation commuters: </strong>45.0 minutes</li> <li><strong>State average gas price: </strong>$2.05</li> </ul>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,985
  • Annual gas : $1,904
  • Average insurance : $1,875

In Texas, you may only pay $2.62 per gallon in gas, but you'll pay on the high end for average insurance, at close to $1,900 per year. Additionally, the 6.25% sales tax tacks on around $3,015 to your car ownership costs.

<ul> <li><strong>Total costs for one year of ownership</strong>: $26,131</li> <li><strong>Annual gas</strong>: $2,162</li> <li><strong>Average insurance</strong>: $1,469</li> </ul> <p>You'll be paying a sizable chunk in sales tax -- around $3,305 -- and almost $1,500 on average for insurance in Utah. Average annual car repairs are also on the high side, at a bit over $400 per year.</p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,131
  • Annual gas : $2,162
  • Average insurance : $1,469

You'll be paying a sizable chunk in sales tax -- around $3,305 -- and almost $1,500 on average for insurance in Utah. Average annual car repairs are also on the high side, at a bit over $400 per year.

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,706
  • Annual gas : $2,485
  • Average insurance : $1,158

The average price of gas in Vermont, $3.41 per gallon, adds up over the year, to $2,485. And the 6% sales tax adds another sizable chunk of $2,895.

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $24,727 
  • Annual gas : $2,209

Though Virginia is among the states on the lower end of total overall costs, you will spend a chunk of change on the cost of gas, which is $3.03 per gallon, or $2,209 per year. Average insurance premiums are on the lower side, but annual repairs are over a tad bit over $400.

Learn More: Always Buy the Cheapest Version of These 10 Things

essay on owning a car

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,805 
  • Annual gas : $3,112
  • Average insurance : $1,371

Washington state is another one where you'll feel the sting of a higher sales tax. The 6.5% sales tax adds around a $3,136 chunk to your overall car costs.

essay on owning a car

West Virginia

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,960
  • Annual gas : $2,278
  • Average insurance : $1,610

You'll pay around $3.13 per gallon for gas in West Virginia, or almost $2,300 in annual gas costs. With a high average insurance premium, West Virginia is definitely not the cheapest state to own a car.

<ul> <li>County with least expensive real estate: Florence County, $141,106</li> <li>County with the least expensive real estate with an associated MSA (Iron Mountain): Florence County, $141,106 </li> <li>Overall state home value: $278,933</li> </ul> <p><em>Pictured: Baraboo, Wis.</em></p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $25,123 
  • Annual gas : $2,057
  • Average insurance : $1,499

While Wisconsin is on the lower end for average annual car repair costs, at around $361, you will pay a higher insurance premium here, as well as over $2,400 in sales tax.

<p>Tucked away in northwest Wyoming, Cody is a quiet, remote town that's known for its appeal to retirees. Founded by Wild West superstar Buffalo Bill Cody, the town maintains its old west aesthetic to this day. Near the Big Horn Mountains, it's also the eastern entrance to Yellowstone. Fiscally speaking, the cost of living is slightly above average, but there's no state income tax, and no retirement income is taxed at all. </p>

  • Total costs for one year of ownership : $26,029
  • Annual gas : $2,207
  • Average insurance : $1,736

Wyoming is one of 17 states where your total annual costs for owning a car for a year runs over $26,000. With a 6% state sales tax, a high insurance premium and gas running you $3.03 per gallon, be prepared to fork out a fair amount of cash here.

Methodology: To generate these rankings, GOBankingRates surveyed and totaled the cost of buying and owning a car for one year in all 50 states. This total included four key car expenses: (1) Car sales tax, based on rates provided by PolicyGenius; taxes were based on the average car transaction amount of $48,427 in November 2023 as reported by Kelley Blue Book; (2) average annual car insurance premiums, sourced from CarInsurance.com's 2023 report; (3) average annual gas expenses, based on an average of historical regular gas prices in each state sourced from AAA's Fuel Gauge Report on Dec. 11, 2023; the expense was calculated based on the assumption of a driver filling up a 14-gallon tank once a week; (4) average annual car maintenance and repair costs, sourced from CarMD's 2022 State Repair Cost Rankings. These expenses were combined with the cost to finance a new vehicle -- based on $48,427 MSRP, 20% down payment of $9,649, an average credit score of 716 as sourced from Experian, an interest rate of 6.88% as sourced from Experian, a loan length of 60 months, which equals to $762 per month or $9,144 per year -- to determine the cost to own a car for a year. GOBankingRates also attempted to calculate for title and registration fees, but with such varying degrees between states' car excise and personal property tax laws, as well as rules for weight of vehicles, age of vehicles and cost of vehicles, GOBankingRates decided to not to include these fees in its final ranking. All data is up to date as of Dec. 11, 2023.

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The Eclipse Chaser

As millions of americans prepare to see a total solar eclipse, a retired astrophysicist known as “mr. eclipse,” discusses the celestial phenomenon..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

Can you hear — Fred, can you hear me?

[DISTORTED SPEECH]:

The internet is a little wonky.

OK. Well, [DISTORTED SPEECH]: Arizona. So the internet speed here isn’t really fast.

I think we’re going to call — yeah, I think we’re going to call you back on a — for the first time in a really long time — a landline.

[PHONE RINGING]

Hey, Fred, it’s Michael Barbaro.

You can hear me OK?

I can hear you.

Perfect. So, Fred, where exactly am I reaching you?

I’m in Portal, Arizona, in a little community called Arizona Sky Village. And it’s a very rural community. So our internet and phone lines are not very good. And the nearest grocery store is 60 miles away.

Wow. And why would you choose to live in such a remote place with such bad internet?

Because the sky is dark. It’s like the sky was a hundred years ago before cities encroached on all of the country. I guess you’d call it an astronomy development. Mainly, amateur astronomers who have built homes here far from city lights for the express purpose of studying the sky.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So it’s literally a community where once the sun goes down, it’s pitch black. And some, perhaps all of you, are stargazing?

Yes, exactly.

Well, I think I’m beginning to understand why you might have the nickname that you do. Can you just tell our listeners what that nickname is?

My nickname is Mr. Eclipse.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today’s total solar eclipse will be watched by millions of people across North America, none of them as closely as Fred Espenak, a longtime NASA scientist who’s devoted his entire life to studying, chasing, and popularizing the wonder that is an eclipse.

It’s Monday, April 8.

Fred, help me understand how you become Mr. Eclipse, how you go from being Fred to this seemingly very hard-earned nickname of Mr. Eclipse.

Well, I was visiting my grandparents at their summer home. And it was a partial eclipse of the sun back in the early 1960s. And I was a 10 - or 12-year-old kid. I got my parents to get me a small telescope. And I watched some of the partial phases. And it was really interesting.

And I started reading about eclipses. And I found out that as interesting as a partial eclipse is, a total eclipse is far more interesting. The moon is only 1/400 the diameter of the sun. It’s tiny compared to the sun. But it’s 400 times closer to the Earth. So it’s just this incredible coincidence that the moon and sun appear to be the same size in the sky. And once in a while, the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun. And you’re plunged into this very strange midday twilight.

But they’re limited to a very small geographic areas to see a total eclipse. And this little book I was studying had a map of the world, showing upcoming paths of total solar eclipses. And I realized that one was passing through North America about 600 miles from where I lived. And that eclipse was in 1970.

And I was reading about this in 1963, 1964. And I made a promise to myself that I was going to get to that eclipse in 1970 to see it because I thought it was a one chance in a lifetime to see a total eclipse of the sun.

So just to be very clear, you see a partial eclipse, and you immediately think to yourself, that was fine. But I need the real thing. I need a full eclipse. And you happen to find out, around this time, that a real eclipse is coming but in seven years.

Right. I mean, there were other eclipses between that time and seven years in the future. But they were in other parts of the world. And I couldn’t buy an airplane ticket and fly to Europe or Australia.

And by 1970, I’d been waiting for this. And by this point, I had just gotten a driver’s license. And I convinced my parents to let me drive the car 600 miles to get down into the path of totality to see this great event.

Wow. Wait, from where to where?

From Staten Island, New York, down to a little town in North Carolina.

How did you convince your parents to let you do that? I mean, that’s —

Well, I had seven years to work on it.

[LAUGHS]: Right.

And I was just a nerdy kid. I didn’t get into trouble. I was interested in science. I was out in the woods, studying frogs and wildlife and stuff. So this was just a natural progression of the type of things I would normally do.

Right. OK. So I wonder if you can describe this journey you end up taking from Staten Island. How does the trip unfold as you’re headed on this 600 mile?

So, I think, on March 6, 1970, it was a Friday. My friend and I left to drive to the eclipse path. We probably got on the road probably at 5:00 AM because it was going to be a very long day.

And we’ve got a detailed map in the car, which I’ve plotted the eclipse path on. And we’re just trying to get far enough south to get into the path of the eclipse, which for us is easternmost Virginia or Eastern North Carolina. And I drive and drive and drive all day long. Very long day.

We get down to North Carolina right about maybe 6:00 PM. And we just see this little town in North Carolina that we’re driving through. And it happens to have a convenient motel right in the center of the path. And that was good enough. Got a room available. And we check in. And that’s where we’re going to watch the eclipse from.

And the next morning was eclipse day. It was a bright, crisp, sunny morning. There weren’t any clouds at all in the sky. And I was amazed that outside the back of the motel, in this grassy field, there were dozens and dozens of people with telescopes out there, specifically there for the eclipse that morning.

We were really excited about this. We set up our — my telescope. And we had another camera set up to watch it. And we walked around and marveled at some of the other people and their telescopes and discussed the eclipse with them. And the eclipse started probably around noon or 1:00 in the afternoon.

Describe the actual event itself, the eclipse. How did it begin?

Well, all solar eclipses begin as a partial eclipse. And the sun is gradually covered by the moon as the moon takes larger and larger pieces out of the sun, as it slowly crawls across the sun’s surface. And you don’t really notice much going on with a naked eye.

It’s really only in the last 10 minutes or so that you start to notice changes in the environment because now enough of the sun has been covered, upwards of maybe 90 percent of the sun. And you start to notice the temperature falling. There’s a chill in the air.

Also, since so much of the sun is covered, the daylight starts to take on an anemic quality. It’s weak. The sun is still too bright to look at. But the surroundings, the environment is not as bright as it was a half hour earlier.

You start to notice animals reacting to the dwindling sunlight. They start acting like it’s sunset. And they start performing some of their evening rituals, like birds roosting, perhaps calling their evening songs. And plants start closing up and the dropping sunlight. And then the dropping temperatures.

And there’s an acceleration now of all these effects. The temperature drop, the drop in the sunlight, it starts happening faster and faster and getting darker and darker. And maybe about a minute before the total eclipse began, we noticed strange patterns on the ground beneath us, on the grassy field that we were on — these ripples racing across the field. And these are something called shadow bands.

They look a lot like the rippling patterns that you would see on the bottom of a swimming pool, bands of light and dark, and moving very quickly across the ground. The sky is — it’s a dark blue. And it’s getting darker rapidly in this dwindling sunlight. And you go from daylight to twilight in just 10 or 20 seconds. It’s almost like someone has the hand on the rheostat and turns the house lights down in the theater.

You just see the light just go right down.

And the sky gets dark enough that the corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun, starts emerging from the background sky. This ring or halo of gas that surrounds the sun, and it’s visible around the moon, which is in silhouette against the sun. And along one edge of the moon is this bright bead of sunlight because that’s the last remaining piece of the sun before it becomes total.

And this is the diamond ring effect because you’ve got the ring of the corona and this dazzling jewel along one edge of it. You only get to see this for 10 or 15 seconds — it’s very fleeting — before the moon completely covers the sun’s disk. And totality begins. Suddenly, you’re in this twilight of the moon’s shadow.

And you look around the horizon. And you’re seeing the colors of sunrise or sunset 360 degrees around the horizon because you’re looking out the edge of the moon’s shadow. And looking back up into the sky, the sun is gone now. And you see this black disk of the moon in silhouette surrounded by the sun’s corona.

Maybe this says more about my nature than anything else, but what you’re describing, a little bit, feels like the end of the world.

Well, I think, when you see this all transpire, you can easily understand how people thought this was the end of the world because it seems far outside of the realms of nature. It seems supernatural. So you can see how people panicked that didn’t understand what was going on.

That was not your reaction?

No. I think it’s a sense of belonging — belonging to this incredible universe, both belonging and a humbleness that how minuscule we are. And yet we’re a part of this fantastic cosmic wheel of motion in the solar system. You almost get a three-dimensional sense of the motions of the Earth and the moon around the sun when you see this clockwork displayed right in front of you, this mechanics of the eclipse taking place.

It almost lifts you up off the planet, and you can look back down at the solar system and see how it’s all put together. And you’ve only got to, in that case — in that particular eclipse, it was only 2 and 1/2 minutes to look at this.

Wow. It’s kind of a clock in your head, saying, you don’t have much of this.

You don’t have much of it. And it almost seems like time stops.

And at the same time, all of a sudden, the eclipse is over. Those 2 minutes just raced by. And it’s over. All of a sudden, the diamond ring forms again on the opposite side of the moon, as the sun starts to become uncovered at the end of totality. And the diamond ring appears. It grows incredibly bright in just a few seconds. And you can’t look at it anymore. It’s too bright. You’ve got to put your filters back on and cover your telescope with a solar filter so it doesn’t get damaged. And you’re trembling because of this event.

Everybody was cheering and shouting and yelling. I mean, you would have thought you were at a sports game, and the home team just scored a touchdown. Just everybody screaming at the top of their lungs. And I immediately started thinking that this can’t be a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve got to see this again.

We’ll be right back.

OK. So, Fred, it’s the early 1970s. And you are not Mr. Eclipse yet. You’re just a kid who felt something very big when you watched an eclipse. So how did you end up becoming the premier authority that you now are on eclipses?

Well, after that 1970 eclipse, I started looking into upcoming solar eclipses so I could get a chance to see the sun’s corona again. And the next total eclipse was in Eastern Canada in July of 1972. And I started thinking about that eclipse. And by then, I was going to be in college.

And I started planning because that one was still something I could drive to. It was 1,200 miles instead of 600 miles.

So the summer of 1972 rolls around. And I drove up to the eclipse in Quebec to see totality and was unfortunately clouded out of the eclipse. I saw some of the partial phases. But clouds moved in and obscured the sun for that view of the sun’s corona.

You were robbed.

I was robbed. And I realized, well, I’ve got to expand my outlook on what’s an acceptable distance to travel to see a total eclipse because the next total eclipse then, in 1973, was through the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa. So I traveled to the Sahara desert for the eclipse, where we had decent weather, not perfect but decent weather. And we got to see totality there.

You saw totality in the desert?

In the desert. In the Sahara Desert. After that, it was just trying to get to every total eclipse I possibly could get to.

At this point, you’re clearly starting to become an eclipse chaser. And I don’t even know if such a thing existed at that moment.

Yeah. I don’t know if it was called that then, but certainly, yeah.

And if you’ll permit me a question that might seem maybe dopey to someone in your field, after you’ve seen one or two or three of these, do they start to blend in together and become a little bit the same?

Not at all. Each one is distinctly different. The sun itself is dramatically different. The sun’s corona is different at each eclipse because the corona is a product of the sun’s magnetic field. And that magnetic field is changing every day. So the details, the fine structure in the sun’s corona is always different. So every eclipse is dramatically different. The appearance of the sun’s corona.

Right. If you look at one Renoir, it’s not the same as the next one. You’re describing the corona of each eclipse as its own work of art, basically.

Exactly. Yeah.

So as you’re chasing these eclipses around the world, what is the place of an eclipse in your day-to-day academic studies and, soon enough, your professional work?

So I went to grad school at University of Toledo and did some work at Kitt Peak National Observatory, learning the ins and outs of photometric photometry — that is, measuring the brightness of stars. And eventually, this led to a job opening at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

And I got interested in the idea of predicting eclipses and started studying the mathematics of how to do this. And I took it over unofficially and started publishing these technical maps and details. And we published about a dozen books through NASA on upcoming eclipses. People would just write me a letter and say they wanted a copy of the eclipse bulletin for such and such an eclipse. And I would stuff it in an envelope and mail it to them.

So you take it upon yourself to make sure that everyone is going to know when the next eclipse is coming?

And no doubt, during this period, you keep going to each and every eclipse. And I wonder which of them stand out to you.

Well, I’ve seen total eclipses from Australia, from Africa, from the Altiplanos in Bolivia, from the ice sheet on the coast of Antarctica, and even from Northern China, on the edge of the Gobi Desert. But one of the most notable eclipses for me was I traveled to India to see a 41-second eclipse, which was very short. And besides seeing a great eclipse in India, I also met my future wife there. She was on the same trip.

I have to hear that story.

Well, she had been trying to see a total eclipse for about 25 years.

She tried to see the 1970 eclipse. But her friends who were going to drive down from Pennsylvania down to North Carolina talked her out of it at the 11th hour.

They talked her out of seeing the same eclipse that was your first total eclipse that was so important to you?

Yes. And they talked her out of it because from Pennsylvania, they were going to have maybe a 90 percent eclipse. They didn’t know any better. They thought that was good enough. And she regretted that decision.

So then she said, OK, well, I’ve got to get to the next total eclipse, which was in Quebec in 1972, the same one that was my second eclipse. And we were probably within five miles of each other in Quebec. And we were both clouded out. Then she was married. She was raising kids. She got busy with domestic life for 20 years. She became a widow.

So now, 1995, there’s this 41-second eclipse in India that is very difficult to get to. It’s halfway around the world. But she’s still itching to see a total eclipse. And we joined the same expedition, a travel group, of 30 eclipse chasers and end up in India for the eclipse. And we have fantastic weather. It’s perfect.

She was in tears after totality. She had been waiting so long to see it. And we struck up a friendship on that trip. By the time the 1998 eclipse was taking place in the Caribbean, at that point, we were together. That was our first eclipse to observe as a couple. I think our wedding cake had a big eclipse on the top of the cake.

[LAUGHS]: Perfect.

We made a music CD for the wedding that we played during the reception. And of course, all the music on the CD had sun and moon themes to it.

Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart

Of course, we had “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It was a must-have.

Had to. Had to.

It strikes me, Fred, that eclipses are such an organizing principle in your life. Your life seems to literally orbit around them. When you were a kid, you started planning for them years in advance. This work becomes central to your career. It’s how you meet your wife.

And you said, when I asked you, about each eclipse that they’re all different. And obviously, you’re different at each eclipse because time has passed. Your life has changed. And it just feels like your life is being lived in a kind of ongoing conversation with this phenomenon of the sun and the moon overlapping.

Well, the eclipses are like benchmarks that I can use to figure out what else was going on in my life during these times, because I remember the dates of every single eclipse I’ve been to. And if I see a photograph of the solar corona shot during any particular eclipse, I know what eclipse that was. I can recognize the pattern of the corona like a fingerprint.

That’s amazing.

And I the year of the eclipse. It reminds me of when Pat and I got married and between which eclipse we were getting married and had to plan our wedding so it didn’t interfere with any kind of eclipse trips.

And they just serve as benchmarks or markers for the rest of my life of when various eclipses take place. So they’re easy for marking the passage of time.

So we are, of course, talking to you a few days before this year’s eclipse, which I cannot fathom you missing. So where are you planning to watch this total eclipse?

Pat and I are leaving for Mazatlán, Mexico, actually tomorrow. And we’ve got about 80 people joining us down in Mazatlán for this eclipse in our tour group.

And for you, of course, this year’s eclipse is just the latest in a very long line of eclipses. But I think, for the rest of us — and here, I’m thinking about myself — this is really going to be my first total eclipse, at least that I can remember. And for my two little kids, it’s absolutely going to be their first.

And given the hard-earned wisdom that you’ve accumulated in all your decades of chasing eclipses around the world, I wonder if you can give us just a little bit of advice for how to best live inside this very brief window of a total solar eclipse, to make sure, not to be cliche, but that we make it count.

Well, I think one mistake that people tend to make is getting preoccupied with recording everything in their lives, what they had for lunch, what they had for dinner. And seeing the eclipse is something that you want to witness firsthand. Try to be present in seeing the eclipse in the moment of it. So don’t get preoccupied with recording every instant of it.

Sit back and try to take in the entire experience because those several minutes pass by so rapidly. But you’ll replay them in your mind over and over and over again. And you don’t want technology getting between you and that experience. And remember to take your eclipse glasses off when totality begins. Note how dark it gets during totality.

Take the glasses off because?

Well, the glasses protect your eyes from the sun’s bright disk. But when totality begins, the sun’s bright disk is gone. So if you use your solar eclipse glasses to try to look at the corona, you won’t see anything. You’ll just see blackness. You’ve got to remove the eclipse glasses in order to see the corona. And it’s completely safe.

And it’s an incredible sight to behold. But during totality, you just want to look around without the glasses on. And take in the sights. Take in the horizon, 360 degrees, surrounding you with these twilight colors and sunset colors.

You’ll easily be able to see Jupiter and Venus shining on either side of the sun during totality. And look at the details in the sun’s corona, fine, wispy textures, and any possible red prominences hugging against the moon’s disk during totality.

And let’s say it’s now the moment of totality, and you, Mr. Eclipse, can whisper one thing into someone’s ear as they’re watching. What would you say to them?

Enjoy. Just take it all in.

Well, Fred, thank you very much. We really appreciate it.

No, thank you. I hope everybody has some clear sky.

After today, the next total solar eclipse to be visible from the continental United States will occur 20 years from now, in 2044. In other words, you might as well watch today’s.

Here’s what else you need to know today. Israel has fired two officers in connection with the deadly airstrike on aid workers from the World Central Kitchen who were killed last week while delivering food to civilians in Gaza. In a report released on Friday, Israel blamed their deaths on a string of errors made by the military. The airstrike, Israel said, was based on insufficient and incorrect evidence that a passenger traveling with the workers was armed.

Meanwhile, Israel said it withdrew a division of ground troops from Southern Gaza on Sunday, leaving no soldiers actively patrolling the area. The move raises questions about Israel’s strategy as the war drags into its sixth month. In particular, it casts doubt on Israel’s plans to invade Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, an invasion that the United States has asked Israel not to carry out for fear of large-scale civilian casualties.

Today’s episode was produced by Alex Stern and Sydney Harper, with help from Will Reid and Jessica Cheung. It was edited by Devon Taylor; fact-checked by Susan Lee; contains original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Corey Schreppel; and sound design by Elisheba Ittoop and Dan Powell. It was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Anthony Wallace.

[THEME MUSIC]

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

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  • April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Produced by Sydney Harper and Alex Stern

With Will Reid and Jessica Cheung

Edited by Devon Taylor

Original music by Dan Powell ,  Marion Lozano ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Corey Schreppel

Sound Design by Elisheba Ittoop and Dan Powell

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Today, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to see a rare total solar eclipse.

Fred Espenak, a retired astrophysicist known as Mr. Eclipse, was so blown away by an eclipse he saw as a teenager that he dedicated his life to traveling the world and seeing as many as he could.

Mr. Espenak discusses the eclipses that have punctuated and defined the most important moments in his life, and explains why these celestial phenomena are such a wonder to experience.

On today’s episode

Fred Espenak, a.k.a. “Mr. Eclipse,” a former NASA astrophysicist and lifelong eclipse chaser.

A black circular object stands out against a black sky with light bursting out around its edge.

Background reading

A total solar eclipse is coming. Here’s what you need to know.

Millions of people making plans to be in the path of the solar eclipse on Monday are expecting an awe-inspiring. What is that feeling?

The eclipse that ended a war and shook the gods forever.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Fact-checking by Susan Lee .

Special thanks to Anthony Wallace.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Corey Schreppel leads the technical team that supports all Times audio shows, including “The Daily,” “Hard Fork,” “The Run-Up,” and “Modern Love.” More about Corey Schreppel

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Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? What to know about glasses, proper viewing

If you have your eyewear to take in monday's eclipse, here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're good to go..

essay on owning a car

The much-anticipated solar eclipse will finally enshroud thousands of miles of North America today in its long, narrow shadow. By now, those who plan to witness it should have their plans in place .

Travel has been completed. Schedules have been coordinated around the anticipated moment of totality. And proper eyewear is, of course, in your possession. Right?

We at USA TODAY have published no shortage of articles guiding you away from scam eclipse glasses and to the safest, most reliable options – some of which were even free. But if you need a last-minute refresher – or a crash course to catch you up on a topic you entirely missed – we're happy to oblige.

If you don't have your eclipse glasses by now, it may be too late. But some vendors, including Warby Parker , and even public libraries, have offered eclipse glasses giveaways , so be sure to check your local area before the historic event rolls into town.

And if you do have your eyewear to take in Monday's eclipse – the last one of these incredible astronomical events in North America for 20 years – here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're in good shape.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

Can you go blind by looking at the solar eclipse?

Staring at the sun is  unlikely to completely blind you , but its powerful rays can still burn and  damage your retinas if you don't take proper safety precautions to view  solar eclipses .

That's why eyewear is recommended if you plan to look up at the sun Monday to witness the solar eclipse, which most of the country will be able to experience in some way.

In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular sunglasses made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. Astronomers and other experts instead emphasize that skygazers intent on viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse do so with  specialized eyewear  crafted to  protect their sensitive retinas  from permanent damage.

Even viewing any part of the bright sun through camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes without a specialized solar filter  could instantly cause severe eye injury , according to the American Astronomical Society.

Often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, the glasses are highly specialized . Compared to regular sunglasses, proper eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light and protect our sensitive retinas when looking skyward.

As another point of safety, don't look up while driving , please.

How to know when it's safe to view the eclipse without glasses

A  total solar eclipse  offers the unique opportunity for skygazers to  witness the spectacular astral display  with the naked eye – but only when the time is right.

Hundreds of cities in  13 states are along the path of totality  for the eclipse, which will move across North America from southwest to northeast . When the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light for a brief period of time, you'll know it's safe to fully take in the dazzling display.

That moment is what is called "totality," whereby uncharacteristic darkness falls and all but the sun's outermost layer known as its corona makes a rare appearance to us here on Earth,  according to NASA .

How to make sure your eclipse glasses aren't fake

In the rush to acquire  some coveted eclipse glasses  before April 8 , you may have inadvertently fallen victim to the  fakes and imitators proliferating online retailers .

While plenty of legitimate certified eyewear was widely available – and may still be – less-scrupulous manufacturers try all sorts of methods and tricks to get your attention and make you believe the product you're about to buy is the real deal.

For instance, many vendors began making the grand (and entirely made-up) claim that their products are endorsed by NASA.

As the space agency  reiterated to USA TODAY , NASA highly recommended that skygazers get a pair of certified eclipse glasses before the total solar eclipse  charts a 115-mile-wide path of totality  blanketing much of North America in  uncharacteristic darkness . But it does not approve  any particular brand of solar viewers, despite what many vendors may claim.

The responsibility of guiding American consumers to the safest eclipse glasses is largely left to the American Astronomical Society.

The organization maintains  a curated list of approved vendors  of solar eclipse glasses that it updated to give priority to North American manufacturers ahead of the total solar eclipse. Products you purchase that are listed on that site are guaranteed to be  in compliance with  the highest international safety standards.

Those standards are set by the International Organization for Standardization, which only vouches for solar eclipse glasses that are dark and strong enough to filter out a certain amount of the sun's harmful light.

The astronomical society also provides some  helpful tips  for how to spot counterfeit glasses.

No eclipse glasses? Welding lenses, pinhole projectors among alternative viewers

While certified solar eclipse glasses are the preferred method for viewing the eclipse, alternative methods do exist that don't necessarily sacrifice one's safety.

Many people, particularly blue-collar workers, may be tempted to turn to those welding lenses they have sitting in their workshop.

But beware: The most common welding goggles and helmets aren't typically strong enough to adequately withstand the sun's powerful rays and protect your vulnerable eyes.

Any welding lenses weaker than a Shade 12 filter – a number that indicates the level of protection offered – just aren't going to cut it when it comes to gazing upward in anticipation of the moon blocking all but the sun's outermost layer.

It's also not too late to buy some welding lenses, which Tractor Supply is promoting for sale at its 282 stores along the path of totality as a viable option for viewing the eclipse.

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up.

And one final note: As you make your eclipse-viewing plans,  these interactive maps  should help you chart the time and duration for when totality would occur in cities along the path.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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    car. is beneficial and can play an important role in human life. There are many pros and cons of owning a. car. One of the main advantages of owning a. car. is. people. do not need to pay for public transport and easy to travel long distant places and it is becoming an essential part of human life.

  13. Essay on My Car for Students

    Essay on My Car shares the individual experience of owning a car. Read the essay carefully and try to replace it with one about your trip in your car. Login. Study Materials. ... If we have our own car, we can explore new places and go for a long drive whenever we feel like it. Travelling in a car is always fun and memorable.

  14. 142 Car Topics & Tips for Writing a College Essay about Cars

    In this essay, explain the concept of self-driving cars. Mention the role of Tesla in the construction of self-driving cars. The story of my first car. Write a personal narrative essay about the first car you ever had. Share the story of getting the vehicle and the emotions you've experienced. Provide additional details. My dream car.

  15. Persuasive Essay On Owning A Car

    Persuasive Essay On Owning A Car. Good Essays. 1630 Words. 7 Pages. Open Document. WELL-BEING Leasing a car is one way to finance a new automobile. When you lease a car, your payments are determined by the portion of the life of the car that you actually use: the depreciation of the car over the period of time that you are leasing.

  16. What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a car?

    But with convenience comes cost. One of the disadvantages of investing in a. car. is the money you have to spend. Firstly. , learning to drive does cost you some pennies. You have to enrol yourself on a driving lesson and when you are ready to get your license you have to pay fees again for that.

  17. Persuasive Essay On Owning A Car

    Persuasive Essay On Owning A Car. Decent Essays. 1555 Words; 7 Pages; Open Document. WELL-BEING Leasing a car is one way to finance a new automobile. When you lease a car, your payments are determined by the portion of the life of the car that you actually use: the depreciation of the car over the period of time that you are leasing ...

  18. Owning A Car

    980 Words. 4 Pages. Open Document. The thought of owning a car is so fascinating for every individual especially the American dreamers if I may call them so. I was not an exception in this as I grew up I had dreamt of owning a car. Though I did not have much knowledge about the models and the mechanics of motor vehicles, I had a clear picture ...

  19. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 9

    C. Disadvantages of having a car. Note: This essay topic is a bit tricky. It is a combination of both "Agree/ Disagree" and "Advantages & Disadvantages" type essay. First, you need to write whether you agree or disagree that cars have more disadvantages that the advantages they offer. ... Owning a car also offers the flexibility of ...

  20. The pros and cons of owning a car

    3 pros of owning a car. 1. Freedom. Car owners can get out whenever and go wherever they please without having to rely on public transportation or someone to give them a ride. The freedom a car affords could outweigh any cons, Fix says. The freedom of car ownership also allows people to explore different portions of a city or community and to ...

  21. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Owning A Car

    2. When renting a vehicle for a business trip or leisure vacation, you avoid putting excess wear and tear on your personal vehicle. This can lower your maintenance and repair costs over time. 3. If your personal vehicle is an older model, renting a car for extended trips can help you save money on gasoline.

  22. Owning a Car

    In Vauban, Germany the people have given up their cars. Owning a car is allowed, but the thing is the parking space is $40,000, including a house. Since there is such an incredibly high price for a space to park your car, 70% of Vauban citizens do not own cars, and 57% sold their cars to move there.

  23. EV Ownership Ticks Up, but Fewer Nonowners Want to Buy One

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  24. Cost of Owning a Car for a Year in Every State

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  25. Why Taiwan Was So Prepared for a Powerful Earthquake

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  27. Pros And Cons Of Owning A Car Essay

    Doctors, school masters, lawyers and millers were also exempted from owning guns. Since 1837, federal gun control laws have changed to regulate the sale, ownership, and manufacture of firearms (Longley). Today only convicts, fugitives, drug addicts, mentally ill people, an illegal. 717 Words. 3 Pages.

  28. Elon Musk announces Tesla will unveil a 'robotaxi' on August 8

    But Musk, on a Friday afternoon, when companies tend to bury news, announced on X that Tesla would unveil its robotaxi on August 8. His post was simple and included no details. "Tesla Robotaxi ...

  29. CBP officers seize stash of 22 weapons, magazines, and ammunition from

    Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a massive stash of weapons, magazines, and ammunition Saturday from a car attempting to cross the border between Texas and Mexico.

  30. Total solar eclipse safety: Everything to know about glasses, viewing

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