I tend to agree with most "don't need car" sentiments, however... what do those who have kids do when they want to go somewhere? Taking cabs with kids sitting on your laps is not the safest option, and nor is strapping a kid into an adult seat belt. I have just made a very small investment in a car, with this being a major reason for the purchase (others being less important )
as far as costs goes, i think the difference one pays in rent living in the NT pretty much covers the expenses of my car... depending on whether it is used as much as "needed", or used often as "wanted"...