Car for intermittent use

bodmil

I don't know if such a thing is possible, but I'm looking for a car to fit into a.... strange lifestyle. I work away from home, anything up to 2 months at a time. My last car died on me on such an occasion, but it was rather old. The odd flat battery I can deal with, but is there anything I can do to try to keep a car going longer under such conditions? My mum often nips out in my car while I'm away, but can't give it regular usage, and when I move out and become a big girl that won't be possible at all.

I'm currently looking for a new car. I haven't a clue what to look for in a car so I'm planning to buy from a brand dealer, something years and <20k on the clock. Is there anything else I could look at to help with the situation in hand?

Kilty_2

How often do you actually need to use the car?

Car hire isn't that expensive compared with fixing stuff caused by being parked up for months on end.

bodmil

I'm under 25 so car hire is a lot for me. I do want a car when I want it, ie sitting on the driveway ready for me, I don't want to faff with hire cars. I have considered it but it's just not for me. When I'm home I'll be using it every day probably, from popping to the shops to driving hours to see friends.

Kilty_2

Fair enough. Buying something new/low mileage isn't going to be of much benefit though, you'll still always be fixing stuff.

getmore4less

Car storage is an option but can be expensive and may not be anywhere local that does 2 month ish storgage.

Invest in proper battery conditioner/charger to maintain electrics.
Something designed to be permanently connected.

If you can garage it or get access to power. a decent mains one.

Ctek seem to get the reviews but Lidl do a similar one cheaper sometimes.

if not it might need to be solar powered if they do one good enough.

As for vehicle not sure any are particulary suited to long layups

vikingaero

I agree get a battery charger or get someone to teach you to disconnect the battery.

spiro

How many miles per year do you drive and what sort of journeys (2 miles or 200 miles or in between)?

opinions4u

Don't rule out the local taxi firm as a potentially cheaper and reasonably flexible option.

shaun_from_Africa

Sounds like I'm in the same situation as you bodmil.

I work away for 6 weeks at a time, and on my old motor I occasionally came home to find a flat battery. Someone suggested that I buy one of these
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/icp-solar/dz-500-solar-car-battery-charger.aspx
And it made all the difference.

You just leave it on the dash and plug it into the lighter socket (make sure that this socket is powered when the ignition is turned off), and it will help keep the battery fully charged.
You can get cheaper ones, but their output is far lower.

When leaving a car sitting for a long time, it's also a good idea not to leave the handbrake on.
It's fairly common for the brake pads and shoes to stick on a bit when you first drive the car (the front disk brakes were terrible on mine, and when I first drove it there was always a very loud bang when they released).
If possible, and it's safe to do so, leaving it parked on a flat surface and in gear is better for the car.

reduceditem

You could consider City Car Club.

Don't know how much it costs, but they have 2 (seriously) bays on my street with cars in them.

It seems to be a service that you can use as and when you like and easier than hiring as you just enter a code or something to take the car, then just pop it back in the bay when finished. I assume you pay only for the time you used it.

getmore4less

I would do an audit of your typical trips and costs for taxi and car hire to replace.

It costs £500+ just to have a car sit on the drive, depreciation is probably at least another £500 maybe £1000, fuel 10p+a mile say another £500ish

If you are away for 1/3 of the year and on holiday for a bit thats say 35weeks at home. £40-£60 quid a week for taxi and car hire or longer trips.