I need a car just for a few weeks - what's best?

Eliza_2

As subject line really, I need a car just for a few weeks, I'll do max 20 miles a day. A hire car seems very expensive, buying a very cheap one might be around the same price perhaps? Are there alternatives? I'm not sure what best to do - can anyone advise? Thank you.

forgotmyname

Depends on your insurance. If your young or have zero no claims then insurance may cost more than hiring.

SailorSam

It may be cheaper to get a taxi.

agrinnall

What do you need the car for, where will you be using it, and at what times?

Eliza_2

Middle aged, endless no claims bonus, need car for work, shopping, taxi costs £15 one way to work/nearest town - but only 4 days a week so still pretty expensive. My car having long term work done. Thanks for any ideas.

Aretnap

Buy an old banger for £500? If it doesn't fall to pieces over the next few weeks you can probably sell it for about the same price when you're finished with it, and if you're lucky you might even get £600.

arcon5

Well you probably looking at about £140 for 3 weeks insurance. Then if you buy a car you'll have to pay £20 tax. Breakdown cover for the few weeks. Cost of the car itself - which you may actually be able to keep quite minimal. Maybe £50 if you buy one then sell it at near same price, so just fees. But then there's the complication of waiting for the V5 to arrive to sell as selling without will put a lot of people off.

You may get away with saving some money over taxis, you may not.

waamo

Nissan allow a 7 day test drive of their cars and Vauxhall do 3 days. I've known BMW do 7 days too.

There you go free motoring and nice new motors that won't break down.

Eliza_2

Thanks all. Looks like taxis still work out the best.

marlot

When I worked abroad, many of the car hire firms advertised in the expat press - offering longer term car hire deals for people back in the UK on leave etc.

Often decent prices for a month or so of hire. Might be worth a google. eg. http://www.avis.co.uk/drive-avis/car-hire-services/long-term-car-hire

jbainbridge

If you're making regular journeys a local taxi firm might do you a deal.