Is renting a car just to avoid putting miles on my own vehicle worth the money on a long road trip?
If you are about to plan a long road trip, you may wonder if you should rent a car to protect your own vehicle from extra miles. Is it worth the cost of car rental or is it unnecessary?
The answer is generally yes, car hire for a long road trip is the most practical decision. However, you should take into account many criteria to decide if this solution is the ideal for you.
That’s why we gathered all the evidence you need to plan your road trip in the most effective -from a financial perspective- way possible.
The costs of driving your own car
Every mile you add to your own vehicle has a cost, even if it is not immediately visible. Beyond fuel, long-distance driving has a high cost on key car elements, such as tires, brakes and suspension.
Furthermore and in many vehicles more importantly, mileage directly affects depreciation, especially in new cars. Especially if you have a well-maintained vehicle, which you plan to sell in the few years to come, keep in mind that extra miles will significantly reduce its value and price.
Maintenance is another factor, which is often underestimated. A long trip means extra services or even damages, costs that may appear later, but they may also appear right after the journey.
Read: The 5 most important tips to remember about car rental for road trip
The cost of car rental
The price to rent a car includes not only the rental fee but also the insurance. Plus, you don’t have any cost for maintenance, meaning you don’t have any risk for mechanical reliability, damages or even unexpected breakdowns.
This means you enjoy:
- Peace of mind, avoiding the responsibility of the car, knowing that the car is regularly serviced.
- Flexibility to choose the most suitable vehicle for you according to your needs and schedule.
- A value for money solution, such as a car with convenience, safety and fuel efficiency.
Read also: Should I rent a car for a road trip? The pros and cons
The comparison: Car rental or your own car is value for money?
From a strict financial perspective, car rental is not always cheaper, if you consider only the rental fee. However, the calculation should not stop there, but you should factor in depreciation, maintenance, potential repairs and the value of preserving your own vehicle’s condition.
For example, on a multi-day, high-mileage road trip, the hidden costs of driving your own car may exceed the cost of a car hire, which would also give you extra convenience and safety.
When car hire is the best choice
Renting a car is the smartest choice if:
- You are planning a long-distance or cross-country road trip.
- Your personal car is new and has low mileage.
- You want better fuel efficiency or more space.
- Reliability and comfort are your top priorities.
- You prefer predictable costs without maintenance concerns.
On the other hand, for short trips or if you drive an older vehicle, using your own car is reasonable.
The key, of course, is to rent a car from a reliable car rental agency, such as Abbycar, which provides only new, modern, well-maintained and fully safe vehicles of different kinds to choose what suits you best according to your budget and plan.
Read: The ultimate road trip checklist: All you need for a safe and happy journey, and Which is the best road trip car? The top 5 suggestions regarding your travel style.
