For most people, the holidays mean spending time with family and friends. And with the holidays around the corner, it’s time plan something special with loved ones. Whether you intend to go on a long trip with them, or intend to travel a long distance by road just to be with them, you would want the trip to be a happy one.

If you’re contemplating whether or not to take your own car and make that extra long journey, you need to consider a lot of things before taking a decision. No matter what type of trip you plan, selecting a rental car or sticking to your own car can make a lot of difference.

Here are a few things that you should reflect on before deciding.
1. Car Condition

If you’re going to take your own car on the trip, you’ll have to get it thoroughly checked a week or two in advance. You’ll also have to spend money on your car in case it isn’t fit for a long journey. If your car is quite old, it’s advisable to avoid subjecting it to the stress of a long trip.

Most rental companies have a fleet of new cars that you can choose from. By booking a new car on rent for your trip, you can relax knowing that you’re getting a reliable car. Moreover, you won’t be adding extra miles to your car which will save you from future car-related expenses.

2. Maintenance Costs

If your car breaks down at any time during the trip, you’ll have to bear all the costs involved in getting your car running again. With a rental car, you won’t have to worry about these costs.

If your rental car breaks down, all you have to do is inform the car rental company about the problem and they’ll promptly sort it out for you by repairing the car or giving you a replacement.

Keep in mind that if you happen to damage the car in any way, you’ll have to bear the charges related to repair. Of course, you’ll have to pay for repairs even if you damage your own car during the trip.

3. Splitting Travel Costs

Things to Consider before Selecting a Rental Car or Your Own Car for a Long Road Trip

If you’re going on a trip in a rented car with a group of friends, you can split the rental costs among yourselves. As per head cost will decrease substantially, the trip won’t be a burden to anybody.

If you’re taking your own car, you can only split the cost of gasoline. But as mentioned previously, your car will experience significant amount of wear and tear. Not only will you have to pay for your car’s upkeep, but also repairs in case you happen to damage it during the trip.

4. Fuel Economy

Your old car probably won’t give you a good mileage. This could raise fuel costs to a large extent. By hiring a relatively new car, you’re sure to get good mileage.

Furthermore, you might have a car that doesn’t give good mileage on highways or on city roads. By opting for a rental car, you can choose a car that gives optimum mileage depending on the type of your trip.

5. Freedom of Choice

As mentioned in the previous point, by opting to hire a car, you get to select a car that will give you the best mileage. If you have a large-sized car, you may want to leave it at home in favor of a rented compact-sized car to get better mileage.

On the other hand, if you have a small-sized car but want to take a trip with your whole family, you have the liberty of choosing a car that is the perfect size for you and your loved ones.

Additionally, your car might not be able to work efficiently on difficult terrain or you might not want your car to get dirty. As such, renting a car is a favorable option if you want an SUV to go to hilly areas or drive on muddy tracks, or if you want a campervan to go on a special camping trip.

By not having the right car, you could get into trouble. You may also have to let go of your dream of going on a trip with all your loved ones in one vehicle. And what fun would camping be if you couldn’t take all your camping gear with you because it wouldn’t fit into your small car?

Conclusion

By taking these things into consideration, you’re sure to make the right choice between your car and a rented one.

Be open to opinions from others but remember that what works for others may or may not work for you. For some people, their own car can be the best choice for a long trip. For those who don’t have the right car, rental car companies can be a blessing.

It’s important to hire a car from a reputable rental company though as you don’t want to be cheated in any way. Also be sure to read a rental company’s policies thoroughly. You don’t want to be over-charged for simple mistakes that you could have easily avoided.

If you’re already in favor of rental cars, be sure to choose the right type of car as per your needs. By choosing to rent an appropriate car, you can be certain of having a gala time.