Car and Driver and Motor Trend Magazines have both recently reported on AAA's latest report that shows that the average American will spend $7,834 per year, or 52.2 cents per mile, to own just one car and drive it 15,000 miles. This figure includes all the costs associated with driving, such as licensing, registration, taxes, gas, insurance, finance charges, depreciation, and maintenance (but not parking). Considering that the U.S. Census says that the average American household makes $44,389 and works an average of 40 hours per week, that would mean that the average American household needs to work more than 1.08 hours per day to pay for one car.

That seems a bit high to me. Is it worth it to spend so much time working just for one car? That's about 17% of your time at work. Why not take the train, metro or bus on your commute and spend that time doing something you enjoy? Like watch a movie, read your favorite book, listen to music, or talk with family or friends?

Some people say public transporation takes too long. But it doesn't make you work 1.08 hours to ride it. On the bus you can watch your favorite movie, read your favorite book, listen to your favorite songs, or chat with your family or friends and it barely costs you a buck. In fact, you could watch two new movies while waiting and riding the bus each day and still save money.

I know, some of you may be thinking that these numbers don't apply to you. That you are not average or that you do better. Well, go ahead and check it out for yourself. Here is an interesting Commuter Calculator provided by Commute Solutions, an Austin, Texas-based commuters guide that helps you calculate your personal costs. Then just divide those by your income to see how you fare. Is your car worth it?