Should I get a bike or a car if I'm going abroad for 7 months?

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I’m trying to decide whether to get a car or a bike, and I could use some perspective (as a UK citizen).

I’ll be going abroad for about 7 months (potentially more) next year, so part of me thinks it’s daft to buy/rent out a car just before leaving. But I do need something to get around in the meantime.

I’m honestly terrible on a bike and hate city streets. I get anxious cycling in traffic and can’t stand breathing in constant cigarette smoke when I’m out. But owning a car feels like a big commitment, and I’m not sure it’s worth it for such a short time.

My area is supposedly great for bikes, but I'm a special case lol

What would you do in my position? Is it worth getting a cheap used car for a few months, or should I just tough it out and rely on public transport or a bike? I will be using the car only for commutes that are no longer than an hour there and back.

Posted Nov 1, 2025, 7:53 PM UTC

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