Auto Fanboy

The world used to be such a simple place. Everyone had cars, gas was cheap and no-one thought twice about driving everywhere. Suburbs became exurbs and journey lengths expanded. Public transport wilted, and people added extra pounds of body weight as walking dropped out of favor. Now, the world has changed. Gas prices peaked at more than $4 a gallon and, although they dropped down again, the recession has taken money out of household budgets. People no longer spend freely on driving. There’s no public transport in the exurbs so people are cut off from their work and the local amenities without a car. Even if people do start walking again, they live too far out of the nearest towns and cities. The choice has become simple. Life without a car for most is impossible so people keep their old car going longer or they get into rental cars. The strategies break down as follows. Sharing cars as a way of getting children to school and parents to work has been around for a while. All it requires is some give and take about when people are going to make their journeys and travel suddenly becomes cheaper with shared costs.

Except, whoever is doing the driving needs to be sure their policy covers paying passengers. Some insurers take a narrow view that paying passengers turn the deal into a business like a taxi. This is a trap to force car sharers to pay more to insure. Always shop around to get the best cover to ensure that everyone in the car is covered for their medical costs should there be a traffic accident. The more interesting developments are coming in the car rental business. Instead of the classic temporary holiday or full-time business uses, there is now a new car pooling system. Cars are stored in garages around cities. When you want to use a car, you go online and make a booking. The system tells you where the nearest car is to be found. You pick it up and drop it off at the nominated garage, paying only for the hours you have the car in your possession. The guys who work out statistics reckon that the average person spends about $8,000 a year on car ownership.

Continue reading ‘What to do When Renting a Car’ »

If you have always wanted to own a classic car, but have not been able to realize the dream as of yet hope is still alive. Why not give the antique automobile of your fantasies a spin on your next vacation? Believe it or not, you can rent a classic instead of standard late model vehicles for trips pertaining to business or pleasure.

Classic car rental companies and web sites dedicated to matching owners of classics with those interested in leasing them for a few days are thriving. From America to Europe and beyond, these businesses are providing people with a chance to make their dreams come true at least for a little while.

Private owners of classic cars are getting involved in this movement for a few very good reasons. First off, rentals help offset their own costs. Secondly, private owners might not always have the time to drive their own fleet of classic cars. Renting them out ensures they are run at least once in a while, which is good for keeping vehicles in tiptop condition. Continue reading ‘Renting a Classic Car’ »

Leasing a vehicle is a great alternative way to finance a new car, truck, or SUV and is a viable alternative to purchasing a new car. A lease is basically the renting of a vehicle. Car leases are the best option for many people because a lease allows them to obtain a new car without a down payment, have smaller monthly payments and it gives them the freedom to turn the car back in once the lease has expired.

Car leases are popular because the monthly payment is usually lower than the monthly payment for a purchased vehicle. Leases are subject to different terms and conditions than car rentals and typically vary from one company to another. The leases are generally offered for a period of 3 years. Leasing has become an increasingly popular way to finance even used cars, but many people are still unaware that used-car leases are available and have yet to learn of all the advantages they offer. The best car hire north of Sydney leases are for anyone who enjoys driving a new vehicle without having the worry of high maintenance costs. Continue reading ‘Is Car Leasing Or Renting Cheaper in the Long Run?’ »

Even if you own your own car and pay on an auto loan, there may still be times when you will need to rent a car. Maybe you are traveling and need a ride around a new area or perhaps you are planning a road trip and need a more accommodating vehicle. Whatever the reason, renting a car is not as easy as it used to be. There are a lot of deals to sort through and a lot of changes have been made and if you expect to get a fair price for your rental, here are a few things you need to know:

Dig For Deals

With the advent of the internet, you are likely to find the best deals online. There are a lot of sites that cater to rental vehicles but you might have to sift through a bunch to make sure they are legitimate and actually have good deals. Make sure when you do find something worthwhile that you book it right away to keep your good rate. Also make sure that if the site you are using notes a decrease in price, you will also be eligible to receive it. Continue reading ‘Want to Rent a Vehicle? Be Sure to Avoid the Traps’ »