Car rental options – Which to choose?

If you are planning a Self Drive holiday around South Africa, there are three vehicle options open to you.

• Short Term Rental • Long Term Rental • Buy Back

So how do you figure out which is the best value for money and most practical option for you?

Let’s unpack these three options…

Short Term Car Rental If you’re planning to hire a vehicle for anywhere up to a month this will be your best option. Short term car hire is available across a wide range – whatever vehicle you require, whatever your budget, you will be able to get mobile from one day to 30 days with any reputable local car hire company. The staff will walk you through the standard procedures and explain what is included – such as unlimited mileage, a free tank of petrol etc, as well as help you to select a car which meets your requirements in terms of features and extras like power steering, air-con etc.

If you plan to stay for 6 to 8 weeks or longer you want to weigh up the merits of Long Term Rental and Buy Back.

Long Term Car Rental Most car hire companies offer discounted rates on Long Term Rentals. This term applies to any vehicle hired for longer than a month – in some instances it needs to be longer than 40 days for the discounted rates to apply.

Buy Back This option has become increasingly popular in recent times. You are usually offered a completely serviced vehicle and are guaranteed that the agent will buy the vehicle back from you at a set price (depending on the condition of the returned vehicle) when you wish to cash it in. For periods of more than 6 weeks, Buy Back can be up to 60% more cost effective than long term rental options.

Many students prefer this option if they are going to be staying in South Africa for any length of time. Business men or working holiday makers also prefer this option.

It makes more sense to buy from an agency than to try buying a second-hand car independently – especially if you end up buying from the newspaper or from the ‘side of the road’. The Buy Back vehicle should be road worthy, comprehensively insured, Automobile Association registered, and covered for breakdowns. All this will be undertaken by the reputable agent. There should also be a limited guarantee on the vehicle. There is no hassle with trying to sell the vehicle privately when you have to leave the country, as the buy back clause ensures that the dealer will be paying you the agreed amount for the vehicle on your departure – no advertising costs, no hassle.

So what are the main differences between Buy Back and Long Term Rental options?

With a Rented car you get: • Unlimited mileage • Lower initial cost • No age-restrictions on insurance • Cheaper insurance • East border crossings • Unlimited number of drivers

With a Buy Back scenario you have: • Insurance protection • Vehicle guarantee • Time and Energy saving • AA membership • Serviced vehicle prior to sale

You are now in the position to make an informed choice on whether to go for Short or Long Term Hire or Buy Back.

Whatever you choose you can be sure that the countryside of South Africa is beautiful from whichever vehicle you’re enjoying the scenery!

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