If you’re looking for a way to save a little money and reduce your stress level on your next road trip, you may want to think about renting a car. While many people assume that it is more expensive to rent a car than use their own, renting a car is an affordable vacation option, since it saves wear and tear on your vehicle. It also gives you an opportunity to try out a different type of vehicle than you’re accustomed to, which is nice if you need more room for a trip or are thinking about purchasing a new car.
The top reason for renting a car is the money it can save you in the long term because the cost of driving is much more than the cost of the gas you put in your tank. You also have to pay for
maintenance. Oil must be changed, tires need rotating and fluids must be flushed. The fewer miles you put on your car, the less you have to pay to maintain it. Don’t forget that mileage is hugely important when it comes to resale value. The fewer miles on your car, the more money you’ll get when you sell it. When you consider these things, the upfront cost of a car rental is small compared to how much it could save you down the road.
Renting a car for a road trip can also save you money in the short term, especially if you drive an older model that doesn’t get good gas mileage. New cars are typically more fuel efficient than older cars, so renting a new car can save you a bundle on your gas bill. That leaves you with more money to spend exploring your destination.
If your car is older, renting a car for your next road trip may actually keep you safer. New cars are equipped with many safety features that older cars are not. Occupant-sensitive airbags, blind-spot detection and rearview cameras are all safety features found on many newer model cars. While you may feel perfectly safe driving your car around town, if you’re going to spend hours driving on unfamiliar roads, the extra safety devices found on a newer rental car should put your mind at ease.
The advantages of renting a car for vacation travel extend far beyond the financial benefits. While vacationing is exciting, all the planning and packing can be quite stressful, especially if you’re attempting to cram all your luggage in a tiny trunk. Renting a bigger vehicle, such as a mini-van, gives you more space, making packing much easier and less stressful. The extra space alone will help you relax, allowing you to have more fun on your trip.
If a trip isn’t in your immediate future, but a new car is, it’s a great idea to rent the kind of car you’re thinking about purchasing. Driving a car similar to one you might buy for several days will help you make a better buying decision than a simple thirty-minute test drive.
Renting a car for your next vacation can save you time, money and headaches. Not only is it is cost-effective, it is also a very safe and efficient way to travel.
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By Brett Dugan, an experienced traveler working with Advantage