Rents and
releases are the way to go even for transportation needs.
As it turns
out, the apparent appeal of 2nd hand car rental and lease compared
to brand new purchase or buying a brand new one is no longer just a passing
fancy but is actually a universal trend. Apparently too, the shifting nature
ownership from temporary ownership to transient one cuts across various modern
items from services to more concrete materials like appliances, gadgets and
yes, even houses and cars. In other words more and more people today prefer
renting or leasing out instead of buying a car.
Permanent versus Temporary Ownership
The logic is
simple enough to understand. When you buy a new car, you end up stuck with that
unit for extended periods usually 5 or more years. In rentals and leases, you
can pot to change units every so often even just within a month. This allows
you to keep up with newer makes and models and allows you to try a variety
every so often. In other words, the temporary ownership model afforded by car
rentals and leases provide greater flexibility and this preference has
manifested around the globe.
And then there
is the economics of it. Temporary rentals and leases, or both short-term daily car rental and long-term
significantly reduces costs which include monthly amortization compounded by
regular maintenance expenses and insurance costs. It car rentals and leases also takes away
with the inconveniences of periodic maintenance, regular check-ups, repairs
hinting for spare parts and accredited technicians which is often
time-consuming and wearisome. In terms of parts, new second hand cars units out
for rentals have significantly improved in quality and range. Since cheaper
equipment and parts have become more readily and cheaply accessible online, rent a car companies have managed to
maintain the impressive quality of their cars. And the
choices have also vastly expanded. Whereas before, only luxury or vintage
vehicles were available for rentals, now sedans, SUVs, vane, trucks and almost
any type of vehicle are available for rental which gives consumers a vast pool
of choices and upgrade options.
Daily Rentals versus Long-Term Lease
With the many advantages of car rentals, the next question is duration. What is the ideal terms and durations of long term car rental. The answer may not be as simple and varies depending on a number of factors.
For instance, for special occasions like weddings, family or school reunions which will not require extended periods of car use, daily car rental of vintage and luxury vehicle may suffice and is in fact the most obvious practical option. For busy professionals regularly travelling abroad to urban centers for business meetings or driving to the airports daily car rentals is also a better choice. For tour purposes, short-term van and SUV car rentals is the best choice especially when staying for a week with family and friends in an out-of-town rendezvous.
But for foreigners planning on extended stays to finish a project, start-up a company or for students finishing a degree abroad, long-term rental or lease is a better choice against both a buying your own car and compared to daily rentals. This is also the true for locals looking only to try out different makes or brands every so often. In these cases, a month’s rental is ideal.
