...And at some point, an honest question arises:

Is it better to save money or have your own car and pay for that comfort?

Let's take a look at this calmly.

What does a car give you?

Pros:

Freedom of movement
You can go whenever you want, wherever you want. You're not dependent on bus or metro schedules.

Comfort
Warmth in winter, no rain, no crowds. You can listen to music and drive at your own pace.

Time Savings
A car is often truly faster: going to work, going to the gym, shopping, visiting family.

Family and Children
With children, groceries, bags, and pets, public transportation can feel like a quest. A car makes life much easier.

Psychological Comfort
For many, a car brings a sense of confidence and independence. This is also important.

But comfort always comes at a price.

Cons and Expenses:

Buying a Car
Even a used one is a significant sum. And if you finance it, you'll have to pay interest.

Fuel
The more you drive, the more you spend. Especially if you have traffic jams and a large engine.

Insurance, taxes, vehicle inspection
Mandatory payments every year.

Repair and Maintenance
Oil, brake pads, tires, and consumables are the bare minimum. And then there are breakdowns, suspension, and electrical issues.
As a car ages, it consumes more and more money.

Parking and Fines
Paid parking, towing, cameras. Sometimes, one month of fines is like a gym membership or a new piece of clothing.

And most importantly: a car always requires something, even if you don't drive much.

When a car is a reasonable comfort

A car is more of a benefit than a disadvantage if:

you drive a lot and regularly,

the commute to work without a car takes a long time,

you have a family, children, you need to carry groceries and visit relatives,

you live in an area with limited transportation,

without a car, you waste too much time and stress.

In this case, a car isn't just a toy, but a tool that saves you time and energy. And time also means money and health.

When is it better to save and do without a car?

It might be wiser not to get involved in this constant "money subscription" if:

you live in a place with decent public transportation;

your work and everything you need are nearby;

you drive infrequently, a couple of times a week or even less;

you want a car more for the "status" than out of genuine need;

You're already short on money, with debts and loans.

In that case, the logic is simple:
Why pay every month for something you hardly ever use?
You can occasionally take a taxi or car sharing - and it'll still be cheaper than maintaining your own car.

Money vs. Comfort: What's More Important?

There's no universal answer here: "a car is evil" or "life without a car is no life."
The question is always:

Does a car help me live better, or does it just drain my money and stress?

If:

you have a normal income,

spending on a car doesn't break the bank,

and you actually get comfort, time, and freedom in return - then a car is a conscious choice, not a foolish waste.

If:

you're constantly counting pennies,

worrying about how to pay for repairs,

fearing any breakdown,
then perhaps you're paying too high a price for this comfort.

How do you know what's best for you?

A simple test:

Calculate how much you spend on your car per month:

fuel

insurance / taxes / inspection (divide the annual amount by 12)

maintenance and repairs (roughly based on experience)

parking and fines

Compare this with how much you would spend on:

public transportation

taxi

car sharing

Ask yourself three questions:

How much time do I really save with a car?

Can I live normally without one?

Do I keep a car because I need one or because "it's the way it is" and "I'm ashamed to be without a car"?

The answers to these questions usually put everything in its place.

Bottom line

A car is neither an enemy nor a god. It's a tool you pay for with money, but you get comfort and freedom in exchange.

If it helps you live easier and you can afford it, it makes sense to have a car.

If it turns your life into constant stress and debt, it's wiser to save and choose other options.

The main thing is not to live by other people's stereotypes like "a real man should have a car" or "without a car, you're nothing."
No one owes anyone anything.

You simply choose:
pay for comfort or save money - what's more important to you right now?