title: I Hate Automobiles
category: transportation
content: |

    <p>I used to think that automobiles were a necessary evil.</p>

    <p>I'm not crazy enough (yet) to ride my bicycle to work in the
    rain 14 miles over a bridge, and then back again when it's dark.
    But I'm gradually losing my trepidations over weather and poor
    lighting conditions.  Expensive car repair bills can do that
    to you.  And that's even with insurance helping out.  I'd rather
    maintain the bicycle and get a bunch of exercise.</p>

    <p>If I had it my way, I'd lay the blame squarely at the feet
    of the automobile manufacturers who, back in the days when Los
    Angeles had rail-based public transit, bought up the rails and
    dismantled the system because they thought public transit was
    a threat to their business.  (I think they were just bitter
    that New York's subway was built before their assembly line.)
    The consequence of this was sprawling suburban development, and
    many of the problems we know and tolerate today.</p>

    <p>I should seriously consider, for my next car, buying used
    (cheap). Make sure it's got a good service record.  Buying it
    entirely in cash (which means it must be even cheaper).  Buying
    a very fuel-efficient car (30 mpg or 12.8 km/L on a bad day).
    Buying a non-sexy car (cheapest).  Buying a car that I don't
    mind throwing away when the service gets too expensive.</p>

    <p>I don't make big demands of my car.  I want it to work.
    Ideally, I want it to prove useful for hauling me and my stuff,
    and maybe some other people.  And I'd like to not use it most
    days of the week.</p>

    <p>Automobile affordability is an illusion.  The best we can
    hope to do is minimize the costs, both initial and recurring.</p>

    <p>Detroit punks.</p>