Obviously this is not realistic for those who have children , live in very cold climates or are country dwellers working in the city. have never owned a car and never will. Well maybe at thirty five once i have my first of several million dollars working for me. Most of my freinds ( 20 somethings) bitch about the price of gas , insurance, maintanance, car payments etc. I say ditch the car or possibly only insure a modest vehicle seasonally and invest difference. sat down with a calculator last night and tallied up the savings. I was sure to factor in my weekly taxi rides, bus fare, gas money for friends. at least 3000 dollars per yr minimum savings in my case , times 14 yrs of potential driving and before we factor in compound interest or investment appreciation I say 40 k canadian on the conservative side. Two down payments on condos where I live or the cost to build my 2000 sq ft villa in northern Bali... I will admit there have been times when i craved the social status or convenience of a sports car or suv. cheers