The Never Ending Commute

Another car... another 200,000km.

Choosing to live the lifestyle dream in the country, often means that you will still be holding down a full time job in the city to pay for the lifestyle dream. Work opportunities in the country are very limited, and skill sets sought after in the city are not those required in the country. So you suck it up, and do the commute.

It's a big commitment, both on your time, finances, car and your sanity.

My commute is a 130km return trip, 4 days a week, plus the odd Saturday, and generally takes 1 hour in each direction, and costs me $110 on average a week in fuel. That's not including any weekend travel or trips to the shops etc.

Tip: Be strict on yourself & your employer to ensure you are not doing overtime and you leave the office on time. 

Tip: Plan your annual leave so you are not commuting during holiday traffic.

With the km's you are doing, servicing comes around much quicker. Oil & filter every 3 months, tyres, general repairs such as cambelt, brakes, clutch, suspension etc they all just come at you much quicker. 

Tip: Purchase good quality tyres, it's worth it as they really do last much longer and can result in better fuel economy.

Tip: Better oil quality can result in better fuel economy. Do your own oil change, it is easy.

On average I estimate I would spend $10K to $12K a year on fuel & car related expenses, not including depreciation.

What really challenges me, not that I spend a quarter of my salary to get to work, not the 2 hours I'm sitting in the car each day, but rather from about May through to end August, I leave home in the dark, and return home in the dark. This is the greatest challenge to your sanity.

Sometimes it's a huge commitment living the lifestyle dream, but it is all worth it and you just keep looking forward to Spring.