Mass Transit/Rental Alternatives:
Before buying a car, especially a second vehicle, consider whether alternative transport makes sense. Particularly in cities, these alternatives could include mass transit, cabs, and rental cars, or a combination of the three. Most important, estimate the cost of a car and the cost of any alternative. Then ask yourself the question, is the convenience of car ownership worth the price?
 
Leasing Option:
If you decide you want to always have a car available, consider leasing as an alternative to ownership. One reason that so many cars are leased is that monthly lease payments are often lower than monthly car payments. But remember that, at the end of the lease period, you won’t own the car. And buying it at the end of a lease may cost you more in total than purchasing it at the outset.