<p>I've been on campus for a few months, and it's starting to occur to me that I really want to have a car. So, I'm thinking about purchasing one - either a used car at $3000 or a new Volkswagen Jetta TDI for $21.5k. I did the calculations and found that I could semi-comfortably afford the latter without help from parents.</p>
<p>However, as many people said, it's highly recommended that I don't bring a car on campus for various issues such as parking, narrow streets, etc.</p>
<p>So, for those of you who have/had cars on campus - what is it like? How often do you use it, and what should I watch out for? What type of things am I probably forgetting?</p>
<p>The main reason why I want a car is because AC Transit is so slow - if I have a car, I can make a quick trip to Oakland in 10min, whereas the bus would be 30min. Or worse, if I need to get to San Jose or something, a car's the difference between 45min and almost 3hr.</p>
<p>Do I need one? I'd say no. However, I really want one.</p>
<p>I'd like any advice and anecdotes that you have.</p>
<p>I have a car here and I almost never drive to campus. Parking is horrible, all the one way streets are horrible. Depending on where you live you could get a parking permit to park on campus, but I don't have experience with that process.</p>
<p>The only reason I have a car here is to shop e.g. Emeryville, Albany, etc. and to drive home whenever I need to.</p>
<p>Don't forget to include tickets in your budget. The parking enforcement is insane, especially near campus.</p>
<p>Having a car is a huge headache. Be prepared to pay for parking (I don't know where you live; if it's not Downtown and not on campus, you should be able to get a local's permit, but you'd have to check with the city). Make sure to carry quarters and dollar bills for meters and pay machines!</p>
<p>I agree that public transportation is a pain. However, I've found myself wanting a car only a handful of times. There're always the rental car situations, including ZipCar. At least for me. Getting to Emeryville and Albany are at least doable; getting to San Jose is nearly impossible within a reasonable time. Palo Alto even less so. And it costs more than driving would.</p>
<p>The friends I know who have a car here now are recent graduates. They waited until -after- college to do it.</p>
<p>And I'd recommend the used car over the new.</p>
<p>Forreal...I know a few graduates who only just bought a car and that's because it's so much easier to go shopping for groceries and such and bringing them back in an easier manner. If you do happen to live in the bay area, then I say go for it, but the narrow streets and the constant jay walking would **** me off so much. </p>
<p>Lastly, take the used car. With some of the parking I've seen here, you're new car will look bad in no time. haha</p>
<p>I've owned a car for about a year now and I mainly use it for shopping, driving home (Palo Alto), and getting to class if I oversleep.</p>
<p>Parking in Berkeley isn't that bad once you know where to look for parking and the tricks. Here a few of mine:
1) When parking in non-metered spaces w/ time limits, meter maids will come by and mark your tires with chalk. A bottle of water is handy to wash away the chalk, allowing you to park for longer. But you have to check your car once every 2 hours.
2) Along with metered spaces, green zones and yellow/loading zones aren't enforced after 6 PM so parking is free.</p>
<p>Some other misc tips are:
1) If you parallel park on a narrow street, ALWAYS turn in your side-mirror or it'll be gone/damaged when you get back.
2) Never park in a white zone/curb (24/7 Enforcement). You can't leave your vehicle or else you'll get a ticket.
3) Observe street-sweeping days or you'll get a ticket</p>
<p>"the constant jay walking would **** me off so much"
Use the horn that's what it's for. Or if you want to scare them shift your gear into neutral and rev your engine they usually move out of the way.</p>
<p>Just be aware that they're REALLY on the ball about enforcement. If you're lucky, you'll have about an hour of leeway. Likely you won't get even that much.</p>
<p>Paying for a temporary parking spot isn't always an option either -- be aware when using university-owned spaces (the public pay lots, not the permit lots) that game days are "you can't park here" days, and they'll ticket you if you're there in the morning even if you have paid for the time.</p>
<p>Don't do it with that new jetta unless you rent your own space, preferably in an inside garage!</p>
<p>It is $80-100/mo and well worth it. I visited for a couple of weeks a few years ago and was very glad to have brought a beater car as so many people parallel parking stop when they bump you and not before, lots of scratches and marks on the bumper. Sometimes they even trap you, with the car both in front and behind actually touching your bumper so you cannot get out.</p>
<p>Maybe as a senior it would be nice to have for some things, but otherwise I would avoid the expense and hassle</p>
<p>You should buy an older car, since there are so many ways to get your car damaged in Berkeley:
1) Body damage (dents, scratches, chips) will occur frequently in urban areas
2) Side-mirror damage: happens with narrow streets and bad drivers
3) Tire/suspension damage: Nothing says welcome to Berkeley better than a pothole. Just drive down Univ Ave and you'll know what I mean. It's ironic there's a sign that says 'street rehabilitation in progress (2005)' on the section of roadway that feels like a wooden roller coaster.
4) Brake pads will wear out: you'll brake suddenly to avoid jaywalkers, homeless ppl, potholes, etc. Also ppl open their car doors without looking and buses will cut you off.</p>
<p>To minimize body damage I recommend getting a car with a bumper made of metal. Most cars today have plastic but older cars have metal bumpers. If people hit you or you hit them, damage to your car will be much less than if you have a plastic bumper. For example, a guy in a 2008 Toyota Camry rear ends me when I stop at a crosswalk. My car ('91 Acura Legend) only had a minor scratch while the Camry had a severely damaged bumper and broken headlamps. The other driver was nice enough to admit he was at fault and didn't ask for my insurance info.</p>
<p>As EthanCC says its very doable. In fact its quite ez to get around with a car. Yes, its more expensive, but the convenience of getting to work and going out on weekends beats the extra cost. </p>
<p>In addition, it opens up a lot more job and research opportunities for you.</p>