semray

I'm moving out to Brisbane with the wife for a job placement of 12 months duration and wanted to get some info on whether it was worth buying a car for that period of time or renting. So far the rental costs are working out quite expensive (from major company websites). Does anyone have any advice on the best course of action?

Beoz

I did a comparison on owning vs using something like GoGet in Sydney a few years back. GoGet Carshare

It worked out that if I needed a car only on weekends and took public transport to work during the week, the car share scheme worked out cheaper after insurances, purchase, maintenance, etc.

But car sharing was no substitute for convenience so in the end I bought a car,

spuddyo

Renting a small budget car will be around $350 a week with insurance, so far cheaper to buy a car and sell it when you leave. A new Korean shopping hatchback will be cheaper to buy than rent over a year. You will pick up a reliable used car for way less.

ABCD......

The best rate I found for car hire was $3,482 for 3 months hire, unlimited mileage. So $13,928 for 12 months ($268 per week) ... Including Rego, Insurance, Roadside cover, $zero damage excess, etc. For a recent, but not new model, Toyota Corolla.

Buy or rent ?? Good question....

I would probably buy, then sell it afterwards. But consider also the extra $2,000 for rego and insurance for the year, and repairs etc...

Bermudashorts

I should think it much cheaper to buy than rent. Assuming you mean rent for a year and not for infrequent trips as and when you need.

semray

Hi all,

Many thanks for your suggestions. It seems like buying would be the most logical option in the long run.

astera

And how much would that car cost brand-new from a dealer, and then how much could you sell it for after one year? Subtract costs like insurance, etc., and it should be easy to see if we are talking about a substantial difference here.

ABCD......

A$15,000 for a 2012 model Toyota Corolla Ascent.
Add $2k for insurance and rego
Maybe another $2k for maintenance
Total $19k

Sell for 50% later get $7,500 back

Net cost $11,500. But could be less cost if you sell for a higher price.

Beoz

Certainly would not go near a new car in Australia. 10 year old luxury model of something in the order of $10-15k.

ABCD......

My last two cars were one being a 10+year old luxury car for near $15k and a brand new small car also $15k.

The old one cost me another $10k in repairs, and the new one cost nothing.

From the comfort view, the old one was best, but financially, the new one was best.

I sold the old one for $3,000 and new one for $10k

So the old one cost me $22k net.
The new one cost me $5k net.

Both for about 2 years.

An expert mechanic may be able to buy better in second hand, but that's not me

astera

I think rule #1 should be not to go for a new car when only planning on staying for one year. In this case I would go for something a few years old at least.

Is there a good Australian web site for getting general prices for used cars?

semray

I'd second this. I'd only be considering something small for two people to use to commute to work and for domestic/social purposes.

rabble_rouser

Laughable. Buy obviously. I have never managed to rent a car at the advertised price. I have seldom ever been able to book a budget car due to availability. I have never found a rental place that would pick you up and drop you back (for personal not business use).

ABCD......

Aus: www.drive.com.au/car-valuations

and carsales.com.au for actual on sale vehicles

skinnygeorge

Bought the wife a 2nd hand Toyota Echo,`06 110,000 kms $6000.In 3 years replaced battery and change oil every 10,000 kms. Now at 155,000 no problems. Recommend a Toyota to anyone, Yaris, Camry, Corrolla. Cant go wrong. Aim for low kms and check on-line reviews for issues. Cam belts etc. Carsales.com has a perfect search system-model-year-kms-transmission-price range-area. Avoid turbo diesel. And kms to year ratio aim for normal use. Very low kms can mean seldom usage and short trips. Not good for engines and can bring on early problems. And avoid anything with a towball unless you are prepared to renew the clutch. Happy hunting