Reason Woman Decides to Scrap Car and Use Ubers Instead Shocks Viewers

A woman has sparked a debate on social media after sharing how she feels about her car’s expenses.

Kayla Lee Mills, known online as @kaylalee, opened up about her thoughts on June 5. She said that the hefty costs of car insurance, payments, and other expenses have made traditional car ownership less appealing. The TikTok user, who splits her time between Phoenix and Boston, said that using ride-sharing services or car rentals could be more economical than owning and maintaining a car.

“I did some math today and I will be saving money if I am Ubering or Lyfting,” Mills said. “Using some car rental service, versus paying the $520 per month in car insurance and then also paying for my car, and that’s excluding gas and other things.”

Mills spoke frankly about her calculations, sharing her insights while preparing her salmon and vegetable mix dinner. She added that opting for a local driver with their own business would allow her to support a family-owned operation rather than a large corporation, a sentiment that resonated with viewers.

“Finding a driver that has their own car company would mean I’m paying a family over a large corporation or company, as I do in my current bills,” Mills said.

Internet Users’ Reaction

Mills’ video, which has garnered more than 21,000 likes, sparked widespread discussion. Many viewers agree with her assessment, sharing their frustrations over the high costs of car ownership and the perceived benefits of relying on ride-sharing services.

“I’m so OVER car insurance. Mine was going to be $680 last month (CLEAN record), my [boyfriend] just added me to his for $63 per month. Like, where do they even come up with this stuff,” one user, @stinkybuggg, wrote.

Another, @soundsaboutangela, added: “I haven’t had a car five years…And I definitely can say that I save more on transportation between Uber, living in Chicago and walking, and the train periodically. I probably won’t ever go back!”

“That’s why you get a used car, but if you’re paying on it you’re going to have that big insurance bill so you need to buy it out right so you can get a lesser insurance plan a good one still,” a third user, @zahrii369, shared.

Another, @lmao041996, posted: “I have a Kia and my insurance went up to $450 a month. I paid it for two months and decided I wasn’t doing that. I’ll be carless for a while but my sisters are my roommates so I have a ride.”

The idea that ride-sharing could be a cost-effective alternative to owning a car has gained traction in recent years, especially in urban areas where public transportation and on-demand car services are readily available.

The average annual cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in the U.S. is approximately $10,000, the American Automobile Association (AAA) shared in its 2022 “Your Driving Costs” report. The bureau of transportation statistics added that the average cost of owning and operating a car, in 2023, was just over $6,000 dollars.

Mills’ proposal highlights a broader trend toward more flexible, on-demand transportation solutions. These services can offer a viable alternative for those who find the costs of car ownership prohibitive, or simply prefer the convenience of not having to drive.

For many, the appeal lies in the ability to pay only for the rides they take, without the burden of monthly payments, insurance, and upkeep.

Newsweek reached out to @kaylalee for more information via email.

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