Combining riding and driving sounds like a great idea for starting out. Even if there isn't a park and ride within reasonable distance of your most direct route, there should be someplace you could park your car. Maybe in mall parking lot someplace, or ask the owner of a restaurant if you could park in an out-of-the-way spot (buying a coffee to go or other drink on occasion might help so it doesn't seem like you are freeloading).
Maybe look into a bike rack for your car, probably can find one used to save some bucks. Unless you have a big hatchback car, and getting the bike in and out would be quick and easy (just don't lay it on the side that has the derailleurs!).