Houston Cars
Houston Cars questions and answers
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Q: Where can a nineteen or twenty year old rent a car in Houston Texas?
We'd planned a trip to San Antonio this weekend and now we're having car issues. Is it possible to rent a car in Houston?
A: You must be 21 to rent a car.
Q: How can people in Houston stand living with cars?
Ok, I've asked this several times already, but people just don't understand my situation.
I'm 17, I live on the outskirts of Houston in the middle of suburbia. Parents can't afford to give me a car or pay the insurance to even get me a license right now.
Get a job? In order for me to have a car, I must get a job. But to get to my job, I need a car. Very redundant, eh? I'd love to work, but without a car, I can't do it.
Walk? I walk around all the time. I've walked the 4 miles to my house from school, and let me say this: Could you stand walking in the Texas sun + virtually no sidewalks + weeds, sometimes ditches & litter + and dodging cars for your life? I'd love to see someone suffer like that, like I have to often.
Bike? No bike lanes out here. I tried biking the other day, but it's pretty scary with fast-moving vehicles on the road. Also I have to wait quite a while for a lane to clear so I can cross over. People even honk at me!
Bus? I live on the OUTSKIRTS of Houston. No public bus service, except if you have a car and drive over to the Park & Ride.
Get a lift? Hmm, my parents work often, my friends live miles away, and I can't think of anyone else to take me. So no luck there.
What's a guy suppose to do? Live a sheltered life forever? Do YOU think it's fair that America build its infrastructure on cars, and make life a hassle for those of us who wish we didn't have to have cars to survive? I know life ain't fair. However, life should not be so unfair, that you can't function without the costs and responsibilities of maintaining a stupid car.
At the same time, if effects me emotionally. I'm tired of hearing friends who have plans, and get to use their dumb cars to go almost wherever they want, whenever they want. I'm tired of the media talking about cars and more cars. I'm weary of having an isolated life because I have no rides.
My area has not much to offer. Some idiot developer made a fancy cookie cutter subdivision, and unless you have a car, you can't escape the drabbiness of the area. Old rusty mom and pop stores. Industrial factories. Even a solid waste dump not far from here! I don't know why the heck a developer got away with building what could have been a nice neighborhood, if it were not for the location. I notice the teens here are not my type, and a good number are Asian. I've found it hard to socialize with anyone around here. All the awesome people live in or near Jersey Village. There isn't even hot people here!
I know it sounds like complaining, but can you not admit that this is pretty unfair? I'm well aware there's people worse off than me, and I feel for them. But those conditions are almost unavoidable. My condition however shouldn't have to be, because it's the 'American way'.
Don't you get tired of paying high gas prices? Costly repairs? Insurance? At some point, it must feel like a hassle to have a car.
That's why I've pushed for reforms, but nobody seems to like it. I say that we should:
- Convert a lane or two on the freeways into light rail and bike trails
- Put tolls on every freeway to discourage driving (funds could go to develop better transportation infrastructure)
- Start zoning, and eliminate suburban sprawl (and it's effects on people like me)
- Sidewalks accompany roads
- Bus system gets an upgrade, more friendlier to use, and not just for the poor
Does that sound better? I bet if the transportation system offered the alternatives in a more viable and better way, we wouldn't have to rely on cars and the problems they bring. At the same time, less traffic congestion, better air quality, etc. It's a win-win situation.
So what do you think - anything to fix my situation? And are my reform ideas good?
@William K:
1. If you build it, they'll come. Humans can change, if they learn to adapt to it. If it's to spread out, then expect an urban renaissance of tearing down stuff and building more high-rises in place. Urbanism is the new thing. Light-rail is needed. There's a good number of people who use the bike trails to get to work, within Houston that is. Not on the outskirts though. Bus stops could be placed bike lanes, so bikers can just hop on if they're late or need to.
2. Most poor work near where they live or don't have cars.
3. Sprawl isn't popular! Do you like traffic? Higher-prices for land? Driving out farther and farther where you need to go? If you're rich, you don't mind. If you're struggling, you would.
4. Have you been to NW Houston? There are definitely not sidewalks everywhere. Maybe WITHIN some subdivision, but not along roads outside of them or along miles and miles of freeways/tollways. Look up Fairbanks N. Houston Rd.
(continued)
5. Ok, they're not for the poor. Though it seems like the perception of some people I know, it is. Routes take too long? That's why I'm calling for REFORMS. More routes, more buses. Build places that are more convenient, meaning build UP, not out. Condense, instead of wasting land. You complain about long distance driving, but if you lived in places like New York or Chicago, getting around to far places isn't too bad without a car. Because most people don't often do that unless they've got lots of money.
I can tell that you love your cars, because without it, you can't do much. That's a fallacy. If cities like Houston were structured better, you really could imagine a life without a car. You'd be more free, more choices, and you can still keep your fancy place that YOU want. You could still live far away, and jump aboard a high-speed light rail and get to your 17 mile destination. You can rent a car, or borrow a shared car.
I think there are a lot of good answers, but I can only pick one.
BTW: I only low-ranked the really stupid ones. If you made a reasonable answer, then I didn't low-rank it. Even if you argued against me, I didn't low-rank you, unless it was a really stupid response.
A: remember me? I'm an ex houstonian.
I COMPLETELY agree with you. Your absolutly right.
one CAN NOT walk in houston. it's way to hot and everything is WAY to far away. I've had a few friends that did it, but they only had to walk about 5 blocks at the most, in the middle of Humble.
actually, thats the only way to do it. if you live in the suburbs (most northern), you can't do it.
atascasita has some really nice new growth along the 1960 and there's plenty of opportunity out there. living anywhere (at least mmmm 10 blocks) near 1960 can keep you walking back and forth from work, but any thing else sucks.
SOooooo anyhow. If you can save money (good luck) I'd move to some apts. they are almost guarenteed to be close enough to places to work.
thats about it. A bike is a consideration. houston drivers are rough, but you do have the legal right to ride that bike on the side of the road. (scary? yes)
so check it. I had a car in houston. and I moved to austin.
been here 2 years now.
was offered an offshore job and a house in houston (in atascacita) and I turned it down/
why? because if I didn't do well at the job, I'd have to drive to some other job. everything is so far I'd worry about the ware and tear on the car. and I know it wouldn't last long.
then I'd be working a $#%% job, with not enough money for a car, and there would be NO WAY to get to work without the help of others.
I've decided to stay in austin for that reason ONLY.
I ride the buses here (can get ANYWHERE I need to)
I ride a bike (buses have bike racks on the front of them, so if I want on the bus I can do it)
I drive (rarely. only if I'm cutting it late)
I walk. (to get from downtown to my house takes about 40 minutes and I get to walk by a beautiful river and lake)
problems? there are hills here and there. and its still a bit hot (its a touch better than houston)
my suggestion? Move........... ANYWHERE
this statement is correct
"Dude, your "reforms" are neither realistic nor financially rational."
no one will listen.
I disagree here.
cost effective? YES its all cost effective.
sidewalks save lives. (whats a live worth?)
bike lanes save lives
buses charge each time you ride = money in the metro's (city) pocket.
buses help the city grow and maintain.
buses get the elderly around
buses fit lots of people on them (20 people means at least 20 less cars PER HOUR = 20 less cars PER HOUR = a healthier enviroment to live in -- or to walk in)
these points just aren't cost effective for death and car companies and insurance companies or oil companies.
whats wrong with that.
move to austin. I think you'd like it.
forget the job, just tell your folks you want to go to school here.
move here, then attend community college if you can't afford big universities.
oh and start filling your own taxes, declare yourself at 18, go to the school, file for a GRANT (not a loan) submit the needed paper work and the US GOVT will pay for ALL your tuition and your books and about 400$ to help you with some rent and food.
THEN get on the austin bus for 1 buck and go to work.
Q: Where can I rent a car in Houston to travel into Mexico?
We're only driving to the border area of Mexico but we are planning to cross it. We want to rent on a daily basis and not milage. Thank you!
A: You could try at AirZu. They compare many car rental websites for your money. Hey, Mexico is a great place to go....
http://www.AirZu.com/car
Q: Is it possible to sight see in houston with out renting a car?
I will be visiting houston in Aug. and would like to travel with out renting a car. What would be the best spot to book a hotal and how much ground would the rail cover? Any info on houston would be great.
A: This is a very big town and it covers allot of ground but if you have to the best place is just stay Downtown. Although there is allot to do it isnt enough and you will most likely get bored. I would diffidently rent a car. The city has allot to offer. Unless you want to get a taxi but that can also be difficult. Taxis can not stop on the side of the road and pick you up you have to call for one. Hope you come and have fun the people are nice.
Q: Know of any good/relianble cars for sale in the houston(texas)area?
years 98 and newer.regular upkeep cost. and no chipped paint, busted tires, rust, leaking sunroofs, or foreign noises.contact amdg906@yahoo.com. thanks!
A: craigslist.com
Q: Is car rust a big problem in Houston because of all the rain and humidity?
Moving to Houston soon...
I know that flooding is a big problem in Houston and obviously that can cause serious damage to a car, but let's assume that my car won't have flood damage to it.
A: I'm sorry, but flooding really isn't that big of a deal in Houston. I don't know why everyone who doesn't live here believes that it is. I've been through hurricanes here and never even had rain come up to curb level. There has been street flooding after a major afternoon thunderstorm or so, but it is gone in under an hour.
You stand no more risk of rust on your car here than any other city with similar rainfall. Most car rust comes from salt used to remove ice from roads in northern cities. Hell, one of my cars is 26 years old and has hardly any rust at all. Most cars come with underbody anti rust treatment anyway.
Q: How much does will it cost on average for me to ship a 4dr car from Houston, TX to Michigan.?
How much should I be paying around. I dont want to spend an unecessary amount just because I dont know the prices out there. Please help. Thank you all so much.
A: With a tow truck and gas prices it would cost around $4,000.
Use a car dolly and tow it your self.
Q: How long would it take to get to San Fransisco from Houston Texas by car?
What is the distance between the two cities? What are the alternatives to take when traveling to San Fransisco by land?
A: 1940 miles, 3 to 4 days by car. I-10 to I-5 is shortest., you can go up I-40( old route 66) if you like
Q: Cheap Cars West Houston/Katy Texas area?
Hi, I'm a college student looking to purchase a car. It must have automatic transmission and not be in need of major repairs. No AC, power windows/locks, radio/cd/tape player needed. Just a car that has pretty decent gas mileage no major problems. Let me know by answering this question if you have such a vehicle or could direct me to one. Thank you
Oh, price no more than $500, but some room to work there, depending on the car.
A: How cheap? usually the minority side of town has cheaper cars.
Q: Likely of stolen cars being found in Houston, TX?
My car was stolen yesterday between 10:30 PM - 4:30 AM on Aug. 21/22 '08, in front of my home in Houston, TX. We filed a police report, but I've been antsy waiting on their call. My car is a typical honda civic LX in black and I figure that it'd be difficult to find. Though, it still has its California license plate, does this give any chances of being distinctive from other Honda?
California license have a sticker on its plate, where as Texas have a tag on the car, so I don't imagine they can get far if they switch plates in Houston without a tag (unless they get one.) It's pretty much a standard car, there's nothing special done to it, but it's not terrible. I'm more convinced it was stolen to be sold.
Does anyone know the likelihood of cars, in general, being found in Houston? I've lived here for two years and never had this happen to me before, but I am aware that theft is very common in this city, especially in the area I live.
If anyone lives in Houston, TX especially the Southwest area, I'd appreciate it if you can be on the look out for a '99 black Honda Civic lx with a California license plate. There's a long crack on the left corner of the back bumper and another long crack on the front bottom windshield of the passenger's side. Small dents on both side doors. Stolen in the area of Highway 6 and Beechnut. Would greatly appreciate it if you can help out.
Thank You,
Charlene.
A: your car has been chopped. civics are the most likely car to get stolen in the us. tough luck. my friend had he civic si stolen right in front of his house. it got chopped and the police found it gutted in a parking garage a few weeks later.
Q: Houston Neighborhoods, and cars? Why all the trucks...?
what's jersey village like? For that matter what's the whole northwest side like? Barker cypress Rd area? Plus why does everyone in Houston drive trucks? Coming from the Northeast USA I find it strange especially with how spread out the city is, and gas prices being so high. Don't take offense I like the city but just had to put that out there. lol
A: Dude, I see plenty of pickup trucks in the northeast, especially in (for some reason) New Jersey and New York.
So, what's the difference between a pickup and an SUV? The shell. American SUVs and pickups are built on the same platform, have the same suspensions, and the same powertrains. As I said, the difference is the shell... SUVs are taller and have higher CGs (centers of gravity), but they are essentially trucks.
Many Houstonians drive trucks because they have out of town property/deer leases/weekend homes that require a little more hauling capacity than is available on a Prius.
Q: where do I buy a smart car in houston?
You know the car that looks like a toy?
A: smart center Houston North
17510 I45
North Houston, TX 77090
(281) 233-6090
Q: How long would it take to get to New York city from Houston Texas by car?
What is the distance between the two cities? What are the alternatives to take when traveling to New York by land?
A: 1630 miles by car taking major highways. If you do not want to go by car you can take the bus or go by train