I've been tracking my spending on rideshare apps for the past three months, and the total is painful—over $400 just on Uber and Lyft. This makes me question whether the convenience of on-demand car services is actually worth the financial hit compared to owning a used car. Sure, maintenance and insurance add up, but when I did the math, a $5,000 beater with basic liability insurance still comes out cheaper per mile than relying on Uber for daily commutes. Yet I know some friends who swear by rideshares because they avoid parking fees and drunk-driving risks, so maybe it depends on your specific city layout and lifestyle.