• The first practical, accessible, and sensible guide to living in North America without owning a car.
• Exposes the true costs of car ownership and shows how getting rid of your car can simplify your life and put you on the road to financial freedom.
• Packed with realistic, economical alternatives to owning a car, including chapters on carsharing, carpooling, and even car-free dating.
• Includes more than 100 real-world tips, strategies, and success stories from people who are happily car-free or "car-lite," from cities to suburbs.
• According to a 2004 American Automobile Association study, the average American spends $8,410 per year (roughly $700 per month) to own a vehicle.

There’s no doubt that cars, trucks, and SUVs are useful tools. They provide instant, on-demand transportation at a moment's notice. They can haul heavy loads and help you run errands. And they can whisk you out of town for a weekend away. That's why this book does not suggest that you never use a car or never ride in one. This book simply argues that millions of Americans can get along just fine and save a fortune by not owning a car. When you do need one you can rent or use car sharing.

Living car-free in America is not difficult, but it does require some mild lifestyle changes. This book will walk you through the process step by step. The strategies in this book will help put you on the car-free path to financial freedom; or, if you do not wish to get rid of your car entirely, they'll help you save money by using your car less. So even if living "car-free" isn't your style, this book can show you how to live happily "car-lite."

Part One: Why You're Better Off Not Owning a Car 3
1. The Car-Free Way to Financial Freedom 4
2. The True Financial Costs of Owning Your Car 14
3. The Quality of Life Costs of Owning a Car 29
4. The Environmental Costs of Cars 43
5. But Can You Really Live Without a Car? 51
6. From Car-Dependent to Car-Free: My Story 61
7. Okay, But I'm Still Not Ready to Give Up My Car 69

Part Two: Getting to Work Without a Car 75
8. Car-Free Commuting: It's Easier Than You Think 76
9. Should You Move Closer to Work? 83
10. Mass Transit 90
11. Carpooling and Ridesharing 99
12. Motorcycles and Scooters 105
13. Bicycling 116
14. Walking 134
15. Wardrobe, Appearance, and Grooming 140
16. The Trial Run 144

Part Three: Non-Work Transportation 149
17. General Strategies for Non-Work Transportation 150
18. Make Your Errands Come to You 155
19. The Miracle of Car Sharing 161
20. Rental Car Weekends 167
21. Friends, Relatives, and Coworkers 171
22. Socializing and Dating Without a Car 173
23. Special Situations Require Creativity 185

Part Four: Living Well Without a Car 189
24. Try Going Car-Free for One Week 190
25. Taking the Plunge: Getting Rid of the Car 194
26. The Payoff: A Richer, Healthier, Less Stressed Life 198
27. Giving Back: What to Do With That Extra Time and Money 201
28. Advice for Two- and Three-Car Families 204

Spread the Word 209
Index 210
About the Artists 215
About the Author 216