We will be travelling the UK for four months - is it cheapest to buy, rent or hire a car? | Ask Honest John

We will be travelling the UK for four months - is it cheapest to buy, rent or hire a car?

We are heading to the UK, from Australia, for four months to do a few house swaps with some lovely English folk from various parts of the UK. During our time there we are wanting to have the freedom of travel via a car (a stationwagon would be ideal to assist with luggage) to see the countryside. We have tried doing a little research as to whether renting, hiring or buying is the best option - but all options seem quite expensive. Can you suggest the best option? Is there a company that do long-term hire or even someone who sells and buys back when you're done?

Asked on 23 October 2017 by Colin

Answered by Honest John

In the UK your problem will be insurance on a car you buy. Could be more than £1000 for four months, if you can get it at all. So better to do an inclusive rental deal. This can suit the rental company because quite a lot of cars are 'converted' from new to second hand by short-term hire that meets a contractual obligation with the manufacturer. For example, the rental company gets the car at a 35% discount if it retains the car on its books for six months, after which it may be able to sell the car for the same amount of money so effectively gets the car for nothing. It restricts your choice of car, of course, but have this in mind when doing the deal. Try www.dsgauto.com

Tags: hire cars consumer advice

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