random discussion that's not [politics]: y'all ever rent cars for long road trips instead of taking your own?

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction) 11/02/2020 at 11:20 • Filed to: None

0

66

Never have, myself. Pretty much only ever rent cars when I/we fly somewhere.

We end up putting ~ 25k per year on our family/trip car, and just kind of consider it part of enjoying to travel and seeing family regularly (we’re a family of 5, so rarely fly due to the cost). We buy new (or newish) vehicles for this, and shoot to keep them 8 years/200k miles.

For those who have done this or do it regularly , what’s your main reasoning? If mainly financial, do it seem to work out in your favor to rent, and not rack up those miles on your vehicle? 

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Jb boin > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:26

0

I never have but the most common case would be peoples who don’t have a car or only a small or sporty car that is not practical or comfy enough for the job ; not to mention electric cars.

It’s probably less expensive to rent for a few days than buying a car that doesn’t match your daily use that you would “really” use once in a while.

ps: most peoples don’t care about the miles they are putting in their cars as long as they are not rare .

Kiltedpadre > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:27

1

I’ve done it twice; technically three times but the third was because I was given a rental while my car was in the body shop.

Both times  we did it because we needed more space. I had a regular cab truck, and my ex had a subcompact that was uncomfortable for me after anything more than about an hour. 

Michael > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:27

2

I’ve seen folks with less reliable dailies do it, or those on lease that need to keep the mileage down

Michael > Michael 11/02/2020 at 11:27

3

In terms of my own cars, I’m more of a “lets go for the high score” guy, mileage-wise

facw > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:28

1

Not politics, get that shit off oppo! (sarcasm of course! )

In any event, the only time I have ever rented cars for trips is when I flew part way, then drove, or when I lived in NYC and didn’t have my car with me, neither of which really count . I can’t ever see myself renting for a trip otherwise . I mean I get why people might find it fun to try something else out, but I’m cheap and rental cars are expensive(ish).

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:28

1

My dad did this one time when we drove from metro-ATL to DC, but then I think he had a bunch of rewards points, making it cheaper.

I will say, I rented a car to drive to a couple interviews . I did the math and gas alone in the M3 was more than renting a car and paying for fuel, let alone wear and tear on the car. 

ranwhenparked > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:29

1

No, I’ve always looked at it as part of why I own my car, I bought it to drive wherever I want and take long trips. Pre-pandemic, 25-30k has been pretty normal annual mileage for me on the personal vehicle. Of course, I don’t use it for work, so that means about half my driving (another 30k per year) goes on a different vehicle.

When I was a kid, I know my parents rented cars occasionally. My mom preferred small cars, and with 3 kids and luggage, long distance road trips would get a bit cramped, so they occasionally rented a GMC Safari or the like. More room to spread out.

The only times I rent is when I fly somewhere, which, post 9/11, is mostly just west of the Mississippi, since I can drive pretty well anywhere east of it in reasonable enough time. When I do, I try to rent something similar to my car - Mustang/Challenger/Camaro. Unless it’s for work, in which case the timeline is too tight to drive.

MonkeePuzzle > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:29

0

ya. did so for a road trip to yellow stone this year. had the car for 10 days, paid less than $200. felt like we did more than $200 worth of wear on it that would have gone onto our own car.

and had free insurance coverage through our credit card, so a rock chip that became a large crack was covered (reimbursed actually, as we paid $650 out of pocket or whatever)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jb boin 11/02/2020 at 11:30

0

Yes, that makes perfect sense.

With 3 kids and 3 dogs, we need such a car for weekly use, but if a couple had no kids or just a couple, owning a couple small, cheap/efficient commuter cars and then renting something roomier for road trips would be pretty smart.

PartyPooper2012 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:31

2

My cars are all on older side. No AAA since I consider myself reasonably capable DIYer. But I have rented a car to go a few states away. I think having my car would have been better in that the rental ended up having whole lot of issues (cosmetic?)

We were driving. I asked my wife to put something into glove compartment aaaand the glove compartment door came off clean.

There was bumper damage the rental company noted, but glove compartment was not part of their assessment . I didn’t want to pay for shit I didn’t break..

but to your point, I have rented a car to go on a long trip - mostly - if car breaks down, you can call 800 number and get a new car.

Actually, I rented a camaro in florida. IDK if related to ignition switch problem, but I was making a u-turn on a very busy road. Car cut out on us. I coasted away from traffic, but having a shut off car and trucks coming at you very fast was not a pleasant experience. I called 800 number and got a replacement. Worth it

barnie > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:32

1

Yes. Years ago I wanted to visit my Grandma for her 100th birthday. Rented a 300C to go from ATL to north central IN. Nice freeway cruiser. I’d just had a plate put in my neck and needed a better ride than my DD. Cost maybe $500 all in and worth every penny. I’d do it again if I wanted to take a trip more than 300 miles.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > facw 11/02/2020 at 11:34

0

I think the math works out for some people in reduced depreciation on their car plus maybe renting something more efficient to lower fuel costs.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:34

1

Yeah. Rented a Passat R-Line once for a two-week midwest tour.

Opened my eyes to how good VW had gotten.  And, best gas mileage this side of a Prius.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > barnie 11/02/2020 at 11:34

0

Smart! Especially since you were recovering.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MonkeePuzzle 11/02/2020 at 11:35

1

That’s a no-brainer at that price!

Glad you all got to get out to Yellowstone. What a magical place.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 11/02/2020 at 11:37

2

Yeah, I remember you doing this a few times. The only times I really took my M3 on long road trips was for the sole purpose of driving my M3 on fun roads. LOL

facw > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:37

1

I have my doubts that that would be the case, though I suppose it depends on how good a deal you get on the rental. On the opposite gas mileage front, I could see a family that usually drives a five-seater renting a bigger, less efficient 3-row car so they’d have more space for the trip.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Michael 11/02/2020 at 11:38

3

Haha - yes!

See all those miles? That’s value , son...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Kiltedpadre 11/02/2020 at 11:38

0

That’s a very good reason to do it!

Jb boin > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:39

1

It’s a little bit like the trucks and big SUVs in the US, most buyers don’t really need them but “just in case”, even if they will use it only once every two years to move some furniture. As gas is quite cheap peoples don’t care about the mileage.

  In here, we either know someone who has a work van (or a car big enough for the need) or simply rent one when needed .

To be fair , i don’t think i really need to use my trunks more than once a year and last times it was to put wheels/tires for my cars.. .

I also have a work colleague that is ~40 and doesn’t even have a driver’s license, even if he has kids .

Another also doesn’t have a car but i think that he has a license and he has no kids.

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:39

6

I have done it a few times. A ways back, my then girlfriend and I were about to take a road trip out to Fallingwater (were I planned to, an ultimately did, propose to her). We were going to take the 2000 Cadillac DeVille I had inherited from my grandma. The day before, the CEL came on. I took it to my local indie mechanic to have it scanned. It was either a bad crankshaft positions sensor, or camshaft position center (I don’t remember which).

He recommended I rent a car instead, and gave me this advice. “I always rent a car for long trips. Even though I’m a mechanic, if my car breaks down on a road trip, my vacation is ruined. If I rented a car, I call the company and they bring me another car.”

I took his advice. While I don’t always do that, there is a definite piece of mind that comes with the rental.

MonkeePuzzle > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:39

1

yeah no doubt. during the pandemic we decided to skip flying (as the reviews of planes and airports were pretty poor early on) and disney had closed. so yellowstone was a good pick.

I suspect the low rental prices were because they were desperate for business, but we do usually get a very good deal through Costco membership.

yellowstone was incredible, and even more so becuase the traffic was light

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ranwhenparked 11/02/2020 at 11:40

0

I’m very much of the same mentality, and since we drive a lot, it factors into our decision of what car to buy. Does make sense for someone who only drives a couple times a year to own a commuter car and rent for trips, though.

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:42

1

Which makes sense, fun roads are a good use of it . I just didn’t see the point in racking up high way mile.

BreakMyWallet > E90M3 11/02/2020 at 11:44

2

This was me as well. Had a B6 S4 and it was cheaper to rent+gas than put gas in my own car, not to mention the sub-300-mile range on a full tank which made for a super annoying road trip experience. Might as well save the miles and the money at that point.

Edit to add: as someone who prefers vehicles that don't have the best reputation for reliability, it is also nice to have a rental, so when it breaks down you just shoot it and leave it on the side of the road, departing in the replacement car they provide for you, rather than trying to find an electric water pump for a BMW at the o'reilly's in a town with no stoplights

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 11/02/2020 at 11:45

1

What a beautiful place to propose! Nicely done.

Sage advice from your mechanic.

Spanfeller is a twat > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:45

1

It would probably depend by rental company, but given very few people rent to have the car “idle” at a family member’s house for a week , unless you’re constantly moving around you might not find a great benefit when compared to depreciation and maintenance plus resale value of your own car which you would use all the time . Of course, miles cause depreciation but I think it’s a closer function of age than of mileage... Specially newer cars. tires could be an issue, but perhaps if you’re worried about being frugal you could get some really hard rubber for the road trips and save on fuel and tires.

Given you’re buying outright and have no limits on mileage like a lease would , I think it’s probably better for the road trip machine to be your car.

We sometimes think about this because in our case we rent cars when we visit family in Spain, and the last time I did the analysis renting a car for us becomes more expensive than buying one after a round ten or eleven years, but we only drive 5000-6000 km in any given year .

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:46

0

I buy cars that I want to drive places, making the the idea of renting seem absurd (people hauling /cargo hauling/flying notwithstanding). Other than the Hertz Mustang, there aren’t really any fun, affordable rentals out there.

For people hauling, unless you’re getting an “unlimited miles $5 0/day!” deal or something, I can’t see how it’s worth it, especially since most families already have family car on hand.

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:48

1

Thank you!

He’s a good dude.  I’m glad to have him around.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 11/02/2020 at 11:48

1

Nice. They definitely seem to have the best interiors of the non-luxury brands. Haven’t kept up with them on reliability - hopefully their reputation is improving.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Spanfeller is a twat 11/02/2020 at 11:50

0

Yeah, mileage on a newer car definitely takes a bigger hit than mileage on an older car.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:51

1

We used to rent a nice car for road trips to California because our cars were crap and we didn’t trust them to make the trip. Now I just use my personal cars, we do not drive that much as it is and I end up with old cars without many miles. (2013 Outback with 80k, 2006 Mazda with 90k)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] 11/02/2020 at 11:55

0

Yeah, I’m kind of of the same mentality.

Spanfeller is a twat > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 11:56

1

If you’re going to “stay put” in a place for more than three or four days, renting is probably not worth it, unless you want to go through the hassle of renting twice (when you go and when you leave), rental companies make money whether their cars move or they don’t, and since you’re paying for the specific service of “moving” family visits are the kind of occasions were it might not be as cheap as using your own. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > PartyPooper2012 11/02/2020 at 12:00

1

I hadn’t considered the part about them being there for you with a replacement vehicle if you have any trouble.

subexpression > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:02

1

I haven’t, but I’ve known people who did.

One guy rented a 4-door pickup because it was going to be a family camping trip and he and his wife owned a mid-size sedan and a compact sedan. A pickup was a more practical option for carrying everything and getting to the spot they were staying. That experience was part of what prompted him to buy a truck when it was time to replace his car.

Another guy rented for a road trip because he more or less scammed his employer in to paying for a family trip every year. He just coincidentally happened to need to go visit sites to check on equipment at the same time and to the same area where he had a family vacation planned . He rented a car on the company account, packed his whole family in to it, and dropped them off while he stopped by to make an appearance at the facilities .

smobgirl > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:03

1

When I didn’t have the Camryvan, yes. It was too risky with the Fiat, too uncomfortable, and didn’t fit anything. And by risky I mean both a higher chance of something going wrong, and a higher chance of what I needEd not being available if it did. Even a flat tire in the wrong city could’ve stranded me for a couple days.

The neighborhood rental place sometimes has cars for as low as $20/day, or if it was a super long distance trip (like, Denver to Virginia) I’d break my usual rule and get it from the cheapest shittiest rental agency rather than my usual loyalty brand.

(The caveat here is, the car must be better than mine to make it worth it. I’m not renting a Versa for that)

ranwhenparked > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:03

1

If you're one of those people I've never met, but apparently exist, who only drives 20-50 miles a day, definitely. Buy yourself a moped or a Changli and rent otherwise. 

PartyPooper2012 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:05

1

They are obviously not following you around with a replacement car. It will take some time depending on how far you are away from local place and time of day, but yeah. Jumping into a replacement car and going on about your day is worth a lot. 

wafflesnfalafel > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:06

1

yep - several times when we had older vehicles. Put the miles on the rental and get a likely more reliable and more comfortable vehicle for the longer trip.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:11

1

It just depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing when I get there.  If it is just a long highway slog with no opportunity for fun or interesting things to happen on the way, I’ll usually take a rental.  If there are twisty roads or some offroading to be done, I’ll consider taking my own car.

As noted, it is nice that the rental car is not your problem once the rental ends. Door dings, rock chips, wear and tear, etc are are someone else’ s problem. Additionally rentals these days seems to have a lot of safety tech that is terrible in most circumstances, but for a long highway drive can be nice. Also most rentals get phenomenal MPGs compared to my vehicles.

That said, the flip side is that rental cars and the agencies that rent them both suck. Also IIRC a lot of rental places don’t “allow” you to take a rental further than adjacent states. Or at least that was a thing a while back, I haven’t looked recently.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > smobgirl 11/02/2020 at 12:11

0

There are definitely some uber-frugal dads that absolutely would make their family suffer for thousands of miles to save a few bucks - ha!

longtimelurkingtdiguy > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:14

1

I’ve done it once or twice when I’ve had a 500+ mile one day trip. With Costco, I think the rates were like 35ish dollars for a Jetta or similar at the local rental places. I figured it was worth paying 35 bucks to save a 1-2weeks  worth of wear from my personal car.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:17

1

That damn thing gave a solid 42 MPG... and is huge inside. Massive trunk.  2.0 sumpin’ sumpin R-Line.

smobgirl > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:24

1

None of our family cars had air conditioning...in Virginia. My dad was that guy. Thankfully we had an RV for the long distance trips (because he wasn’t going to spend money on a hotel). Also he worked for the railroad so the trip to the grandparents was free.

Some days I wonder if I picked my job just because everything about it is SO DIFFERENT from my childhood. In a year, I fly more than my extended family has in my whole lifetime. I rent cars. I stay in hotels. I eat at restaurants. I do  miss trains though...

fintail > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:26

1

Last year, my mom wanted to visit some family, and she doesn’t like getting in and out of my car. I rented a middle premium SUV from Sixt, ended up getting an Escalade.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:34

1

I did this a lot before I had my company truck/gas card and still relied on my 12+ year old, 200k mile vw. Not that I ever doubted the car, it just never seemed worth the risk.

I will add that I only rented fun cars. I’ve taken several hemi challengers and 5.0 mustangs. Plus more ecoboosts and v6 camaros than I can count. Even a ND Miata once.  I always enjoyed doing this and have considered it since I've had the truck. As much as I love the 348, it isn't really a good vehicle to take on a road trip. It's lovely to drive, but not great at being a car when you need that sort of thing.

Mid Engine > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:36

1

Drove 1500 miles in five d ays in the Miata, never occurred to me to rent something

BigBlock440 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:41

1

I did once, because my wife packs heavy, we were going for a week with a toddler, and the last weekend trip we took had things piled on her lap and feet, so we rented a van.  It sold her on the minivan thing.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:48

1

One word: sand.

Second word: dogs.

Don’t give a crap if the rental comes back with six tons of sand in it from a week at the beach. Don’t care if the pups left fur and drool everywhere.

And yeah, not putting a few extra thousand on my tires and brakes helps, too. 

Jayvincent > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 12:49

1

We rented a minivan for week long family trips through the TN m ountains. My personal vehicles were too small or too old to fit the whole family plus a week’s luggage.  Got a good deal on the rental, it pays to shop around

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 13:13

1

I used to frequently. My group of friends has been a traveling party since 2005. Trips are less frequent now and the party is a different, cleaner kind of fun, and the accommodations are a lot nicer.

Back when the party was hard, and plans were open ended as were accommodations , I rented. It was almost always an SUV so I could sleep in it if necessary and it could go anywhere. This is 100% because of the M3. It was my DD and mostly only car from age 22 to age 28. I always wanted to take it places because driving but would always regret it when we got to where we were going and parking was non-optimal. Either we’d be at a college campus where it was likely to be vandalized or we’d be out in the woods or at the beach where parking was “unsafe” as far as I was concerned.

Finally I decided to rent for these trips and never looked back. So nice not to have to worry while you’re away (if your the worrying type) and nice not to have to “de road trip” your car when you get home.

We don’t do it now because the Forester accommodates the whole family comfortably. I can tell you that if we have another child, I will be going back to the rental routine at least for long trips.

barnie > E90M3 11/02/2020 at 13:20

1

I had 3-days and 1200 miles. Freeway all the way. Why I got the 300C instead of a fun car. It is an amazingly comfortable highway cruiser. Long range, cruise control, good stereo, comfortable seats.

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 13:23

1

My next long trip, I probably will. By long, I mean another CO to NY trip. Other vehicles are more suited to 28 hrs of cruise control at 85MPH than a lifted 4Runner, especially if I end up in the passenger seat for any stretch of time . Mine wouldn’t be cost related, mostly comfort.

Easy, single day trips (up to say 10-12 hours), no rental.

barnie > PartyPooper2012 11/02/2020 at 13:24

0

AAA is cheap if your insurance doesn’t include towing. ~ $ 60 a year covers 3 200-mile tows a year. Since my friends in ATL are ~350 miles away, I can get there or home, whichever is shorter.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 13:53

1

Don’t forget to check corporate rates you may have access to through your employer.

I did this a few times for longer trips - needing a minivan when family visited, roadtrip in Alaska when I was under 25, etc. Helped save a decent chunk of change.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a long roadtrip though but hoping to change that slowly as our toddler gets older (she absolutely hates the car seat and always has). 

PartyPooper2012 > barnie 11/02/2020 at 13:58

0

My problem is this: if I have a shitty ass vehicle that had used up the three tows in a year, what then? Pay for AAA still and still have to pay for a tow?

I was never impressed with AAA. Only thing they might be good for are tows. Dead battery and flat tires are not a thing I worry about. Yes. they can happen, but I maintain batteries and keep a look out on tire issues regularly. Sure. Rogue nail could creep up on anyone, but fixing that isn’t that big of a deal. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > subexpression 11/02/2020 at 14:08

0

Well, points for creativity, I suppose.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > smobgirl 11/02/2020 at 14:11

0

Haha - I can believe that played into it!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 11/02/2020 at 14:12

1

Very impressive!

My SS averages... less. LOL

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Mid Engine 11/02/2020 at 14:17

0

LOL - Oppo requires a detailed trip report!

Mid Engine > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 14:54

1

Ima lazy :)

Captain of the Enterprise > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 17:52

1

I haven’t but my aunt works for enterprise pet time now that she’s retired and she gets discounts. She rented a transit van for a trip in Colorado because they had about 7 people to drive around. 

TheRealBicycleBuck > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 18:52

1

Yes! Especially when we had a small truck and a Neon. Renting an SUV or van was the best way to get the space we needed for a long road trip. We weren’t really concerned with miles. It’s always about the space.

We have two more road trips planned for this year. We’ll probably rent something again. 

perryair52 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/02/2020 at 20:26

1

i do quite often. i have decent status level with national as well as live near the airport. with a mid size suv and a manual 2 door sports car (that the wife hasn’t learned to drive) , we’ll rent a larger suv for road trips and an (auto) convertible for fun trips . sure beats the cost of those car payments to own those extra vehicles .

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > perryair52 11/02/2020 at 22:31

0

Nice - I’ve thought of renting a convertible before.