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| After more than a year of relying on a bicycle and her two feet, the author caved and bought a car. David Schwartz |
After spending over a year in Los Angeles without owning a car, I finally caved. The freedom, convenience, and flexibility I hoped to gain were just too tempting but I wasn’t prepared for all the extra costs that came along for the ride.
When I moved from New York City to LA, I decided to challenge the status quo. In a city built for cars, I wanted to prove that it was possible to survive without one. For about 18 months, I managed just fine with my bicycle, the occasional Uber, and a decent pair of walking shoes. But over time, the cracks in my car-free plan began to show.
Getting around meant carefully plotting routes with bike lanes, timing public transit perfectly, and depending on friends for rides I couldn’t return. Spontaneity disappeared from my social life. Grocery runs were strategic missions. I wasn’t suffering but I wasn’t thriving either.
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| Kathleen Elkins |
The Dreaded Dealership Experience
Eventually, I started the car search. What began with hope quickly spiraled into frustration. Visiting dealerships was like stepping into a negotiation battlefield. The sticker price was only the opening move. After test-driving a $28,000 Subaru, I learned the hard way how quickly that number can balloon. With additional “fees,” tax, and add-ons like “CPO Gold Plus,” the final cost was nearly $37,000.
The entire process made me feel like I was being outmaneuvered at every turn. I was on the verge of giving up when a stroke of luck and family stepped in.
A Deal from My Brother
As fate would have it, my brother was relocating from Charlotte to London and selling his 2019 BMW. He offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse: a well-maintained car, a steep sibling discount, and even the option of interest-free financing. No haggling, no stress, no hidden dealership fees.
The only catch? I’d have to transport the car across the country to Los Angeles.
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| After just six days in transit, my car arrived in LA from the east coast. Kathleen Elkins |
The Real Cost of “A Great Deal”
While I thought I had gotten away with a budget-friendly purchase, I quickly realized that the price tag was just the beginning. Even without dealership markups, the true cost of car ownership — especially in California came with layers I hadn’t accounted for.
Here’s a breakdown of the unexpected expenses I encountered:
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Shipping the Car: $1,195
I used RoadRunner Auto Transport, which I selected after comparing quotes from five providers (thanks to a quick ChatGPT consultation). They picked up the car in Charlotte and dropped it off in Santa Monica six days later. -
New Tires: $1,700
The BMW needed new rubber, and since it doesn’t have space for a spare, I was advised to buy “run-flat” tires. While standard tires would have run me about $1,000, run-flats drove the price up. After multiple quotes, $1,700 was the going rate. -
Smog Test: $76
In California, you can’t register a car without passing a smog inspection. I found a test center nearby, and while I expected to pay around $50, I ended up shelling out $76. Still cheaper than the $85 another shop quoted. -
Registration Fees: $282
I budgeted $1,000 just to be safe but to my surprise, the DMV only charged $282 for plates and registration. A rare win. -
Front License Plate Bracket: $108
Since California requires front plates, and my car wasn’t equipped, I had to purchase a STO N SHO bracket compatible with my BMW.
Altogether, I paid an additional $3,361 above the $16,000 price of the car. And the ongoing monthly expenses? They’re adding up quickly.
New Monthly Budget Items
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Car Insurance: $75/month
After comparing options and choosing a basic coverage package through USAA, I landed on a $75 monthly premium. More coverage would’ve doubled or tripled the cost. -
Gas: $75/month (estimated)
California’s gas prices hover near $5 a gallon. I expect my monthly fill-ups to cost anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on usage. -
Parking, Maintenance, and More
I can park on the street in my neighborhood for free but LA street sweeping is ruthless. Miss it and it’s a $73 fine. I’m sure I’ll rack up a couple of those. Routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections will add more, and I’ve been warned: BMWs are notorious for high service costs.
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| The author, outside the DMV and looking unprepared for her monthly expenses to jump significantly. Courtesy of Kathleen Elkins |
Freedom Comes at a Price
The irony isn’t lost on me. I left the world of car ownership behind hoping to simplify my life, and I find myself stepping back into it with more complexity than expected.
Still, having a car is already proving to be a relief. Grocery trips are easier. Weekend plans feel less constrained. There’s a new sense of control and flexibility in my daily routine.
But would I say I have no regrets? Not quite. My simple, maintenance-free bike is looking better every time I see another line item on my credit card statement.
Buying a car in LA might feel like a rite of passage and for many, a necessity. But even when you sidestep the car lot drama and get a “sweet deal,” you’re never just buying the car. You’re buying into an ongoing system of costs, responsibilities, and maintenance that rarely get mentioned in the glossy brochure.
If you're planning to reenter car ownership, especially in a city like Los Angeles, just know: the sticker price is only the beginning.
