The question of whether to drive your own car or get a rental for long-distance road trips, work travel and other special needs is one that may boggle you at some point. So many factors may run through your mind, such as which one is more convenient, which one is cheaper, and is my car fit to travel across the country?
Read on to find out the most important factors to consider:
Money Matters
There are a few ways to look at driving your own car vs. renting a vehicle for your next road trip. One is to crunch some numbers – gas mileage, vehicle depreciation, etc. We’ll walk you through the dollars and cents of it all, as it’s largely based on what kind of car you drive and the specifics of your road trip.
Then there are the emotions to consider. Perhaps the possibility of having your sweet little coupe exposed to the real world just gives you too much anxiety. Or maybe you’re the tight-fisted type who would never hand cash to a rental company when you have a perfectly fine car sitting in your garage. Read more at Allianz Travel Insurance…
One major factor to consider when it comes to making this decision is your budget. Surprisingly, renting a car can be cheaper than using your own car for a road trip or other long-distance trips. The convenience is also a major factor to consider when it comes to this.
How Exactly Will You Save By Renting?
Savings sensei Clark Howard says that you could save money in the long run if you rent a car for travel rather than drive your own. If you drive your own car, because you’ll be putting additional miles on it, you’ll be literally driving down the resale value of your vehicle. “If you shop and find a good deal on a rental car, you put those trip miles and the depreciation that goes with it on that rental car instead of your own,” he says.
Those highway miles will end up costing you more money than renting. “Figure putting miles on your vehicle — at a minimum “50 cents a mile,” he says. Additionally, a rental car may get you better gas mileage, which translates to lower fuel costs for your trip.
Of course, it depends on which make and model you choose, but the market for car rentals favors consumers right now, Clark says. Read more at Clark.com…
Say you have a car that consumes a lot of gas, and you don’t typically drive it over long distances. Two ways driving your own car will cost you more include spending more on fuel, and the depreciation of your car. If you really think about it, driving someone else’s car keeps your car in tiptop condition until you come back from the trip. Second, you can get a car with better fuel efficiency and save yourself money in terms of fuel cost.
Consider Other Factors Aside from Money
Sometimes the decision to rent depends on factors other than money. For example, you might need more passenger room than your own car provides. Or you might need more cargo space. Or if it’s winter you might want a four-wheel drive. Or if your car isn’t reliable, you might prefer renting something more trustworthy. Bottom line: before you blindly follow the calculator, think about any non-monetary factors that might affect your decision. Read more at Frugal Fringe…
While money may be important, there are other factors to consider such as the terrain you will be passing through, the season, and your own car’s condition. Your car might be prone to breaking down, in which case you are better off with a rental. In addition, you might find that your car cannot withstand rain, snow or other elements, which would mean that you could not use it.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to consider when choosing between your own car or a rental for those one-off trips. On the other hand, the occasion may call for both class and convenience, such as picking up your business clients from the airport. In such a case, it’s important to ensure that you choose a reliable transportation provider. Camryn Limousine is here to meet such needs.
With professional chauffeurs that have an intimate understanding of the best routes in Charlottesville, we’ll make your business look good. Call us on (434) 990-9070 to discuss your options and we will be glad to help you make a great first impression.
