I've lived here two years without a car. Between Grab, jeepneys and the odd rented van for trips to Subic, I spend far less than I would on insurance, parking and repairs.
Am I missing something? For families or anyone outside Clark, is owning a car worth it?
Same here. Grab is cheap enough that I never miss a car, and I don't have to find parking at SM Clark on a Saturday.
For families it's different. School runs, groceries and visiting relatives in Pampanga add up fast, and Grab surge pricing at 7 AM is painful.
Our hotel guests usually rent for a week instead. A middle ground if you only need a car now and then.
Outside Clark the jeepney routes stop early. If you live in a subdivision in Mabalacat, a car isn't a luxury.
How hard is it for a foreigner to register a car with the LTO? Do you need a local address?
Fair points about families. My situation is easy: no kids, and I live near the main gate.
Flooding is the other thing. In the rainy season I would rather not have my own car parked on our street.
Also maintenance. Finding a mechanic you trust takes time when you're new here.
There are good shops along MacArthur Highway. Ask the community, people here are happy to recommend.
Pampanga Wheels does monthly rentals too, if anyone wants to try before buying.
Sounds like the answer is: depends where you live and whether you have kids.
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