Car at Cornell

<p>Hey Guys!</p>

<p>I am proud to be a part of Cornell's Class of 2017! Through my high school years I have not had a car, and I very much regret that. I have finally saved up enough for the down payment and will be able to get a good car for around $90/month. This car (Hyundai Accent) has 37 miles per gallon, meaning gas cost is practically irrelevant. Now I am able to finally get a car, but I am debating whether or not it is a good idea.</p>

<p>What would you current Cornell students and Cornell parents think about my getting a car? I have read other posts on CC, and most people say that the public transportation is sufficient. I would really prefer to have a car, though. Are there any significant difficulties associated with buying a car? I am hoping to be very involved in Ithaca (starting businesses, volunteering, etc.) so a car would probably be useful.</p>

<p>Any advice before I buy it?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

<p>Having a car is the only reason why I haven’t gone crazy. You don’t need a car but being able to go on 3 am stress drives, spontaneous wegmans trips, syracuse for dino bbq, are all good ways to keep your sanity here.</p>

<p>My older daughter brought her car up freshman spring once she figured out where she was going to park the car. She found a parking space at a fraternity. Parking on campus is expensive and hard during regular weekday, so she didn’t drive her car during the week. Having a car is expensive - insurance, gas and upkeep. We paid for all of that, so for our older daughter it was “why not.” </p>

<p>Our younger daughter, also at Cornell, doesn’t know how to drive, so she went through freshman year without a car. She didn’t find it very inconvenient, except when she wanted to go to Wegman or pick up something at the mall. She used taxi to get around when she didn’t want to take the bus. It is quite easy and not too expensive to get a taxi in Ithaca.</p>

<p>Having a car at Cornell is a nice to have, but if you need to take a lot of your savings in order to have one, I would say it is not worth it. As a freshman you may get asked to give a lot of people rides, and it maybe difficult to say no sometimes.</p>

<p>Quote from a Cornell info session:</p>

<p>Q: Are freshmen allowed to have cars at Cornell?</p>

<p>A: Sure. Have fun trying to find a place to park it.</p>