I have been traveling without a car for over six years. Over two of those years have been spent in Uruguay in not less than a dozen towns ranging in size from Rosario, (pop. about 2000) to Montevideo. Nowhere have I found a car a necessity. All necessary essentials are in easy walking distance, and bus service between towns is sexcellent, And this from one who has been addicted to cars from birth and who has often said, "Oh if they ever take my license to drive, just kill me!"
I second all the good things I have read at your forum about this delightful country! Uruguay will probably be where I shed these mortal remains and depart for the promised land.