Tips for Renting a Car for a Long Australian Road Trip
Posted on: 31 March 2017
Australia has some beautiful scenic drives, so many tourists like the idea of hiring a car and taking a road trip. However, it pays to read the fine print as many car hire agreements have a clause around reasonable use that can limit you to only a few hundred kilometres a day. Here are some of the options to get around these issues.
Buy out the clause
Many car companies have an option where you can buy out certain clauses, such as agreeing to pay an extra amount for each excess kilometre driven. It may turn out that on an average day (with some city days) you don't do too many kilometres over the limit, and as a result, this could be the easiest and most efficient option.
Head for a specialist chain
If you are looking for a car that is suitable for long drives, as well as for some potential off-roading, it might be best to head to a chain that specialises in long distance drives. They often have cars and packages that are suitable for these longer road trips.
Many people who are looking to hire a car for a long period for these sorts of driving holidays like to get camper vans as this can also allow you the flexibility to sleep in the back of the van if there is no suitable accommodation at some of the stops along the way.
Buy a car
Another option if you have a long period in Australia is to organise to buy a car, which you then sell at the end of your trip. This can be a good option for travellers on a very limited budget who are looking to 'hire a bomb' as it may be cheaper than hiring a car and you are likely to be able to sell an older car for nearly the price you bought it for as the depreciation won't be high. This is only a good idea if you are very confident with DIY auto repairs, though, as there is little chance of roadside assistance on remote roads and it can be a long walk to the next town.
Taking a road trip across large parts of Australia can be a great way to explore the country and truly appreciate its vast spaces. The right car hire option for you will depend on your budget and planned route for the trip.
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