CEM

I rented cars for 20 months while we were deciding whether we'd stay in the UK or move back to Aus. The cheapest (and reliable) company I used almost exclusively was carhire3000 which is now called rentalcars.com.
Might be worth looking at their website - it usually, but not always, came in cheaper than the others and you can just extend the rental period no problem. Enterprise were pretty good too.

kiwibrit101

Thanx for that CEM, where did you end up incidentally?

CEM

For now, the UK...

We're in the NE for the next few years, but who know's where we'll end up eventually.

Good luck with the move. I'd love to live in the SW, but this is where the work is for my oh and it's very beautiful up here too.

kiwibrit101

yes well I am a geordie and as much as I love the place ...I am not putting up with those winters.....frazin!

CEM

That was my big worry. We lived up here 20 years ago and I hated the winters - long, grey and cold. I was dreading coming back (we're up here until our kids finish school - last one in 4 1/2 years), but I can tick this one off and it's been incredibly 'mild'. We've had no snow at all!
Only another 4 to go....

kiwibrit101

There are some good boarding schools in the north....lol Best of luck, Ill be there in May/June for a visit. We may buy a motorhome and tour the country for a while, sneak in a trip to France n Italy.....Regards to the Toon!

CEM

Don't think we haven't thought about it - at least for the last one!

If you decide on a motorhome and are heading along the A69 at anytime, call in for a cuppa/wine, depending to the time of day! We're just outside Hexham..

Good luck!

kiwibrit101

mmmm I used to live in Wylam....

CEM

Took the girls riding there yesterday! Pretty place.

kampaicharger

We are in Melbourne and planning on moving back next year. Works out cheaper to buy a car, only problem is the insurance rates are astronomical.
Loooking at a premium of 2000 pounds on a 6000 pound car.

Mummy in the foothills

Why such a high premium, lots of returnees have fond cheaper insurance than that. Someone had suggested AVIVA but they were staying in UK not visiting for 2 months.

brits1

Depends on your car and also no claims bonus etc....the more eco friendy your car the cheaper the car...if you have a no claims document from your insurance in Aus bring it over that helps. We drive a BMW and the insurance is 394 per year fully comp with two drivers. Our son has a Toyota, he was only 20 when he bought it and he pays 850 per year (the younger you are the more insurance you pay) he could drive our car in Aus but I did not have any documents to prove that otherwise it would of been a lot less for him.....so choose your car wisely it all really helps.

bigals

you were ripped of then ,,,ive been in Canada 11 years and just got a quote in uk for ford mondeo me and my canadian girlfriend 337 pounds for both to drive

kampaicharger

Wasn't sure, I used a comparison site called "go compare" and 2400 pounds was the cheapest for the car (a 6000 pound BMW) while a quote for a 8000 pound caravan was only 85 quid.

It has been suggested to me that I purchase insurance when I buy the car, either way I am on my way and should get there late April next year.

brits1

If you can afford a newer car then as mentioned its helps with cheaper insurance and also depends on what area you live in, also our road tax is only 30 pounds per year. I would buy a car (the best you can afford at the time) but have a look at on web sites advising which cars are usually cheaper on insurance ie the Citreon C1 & C3, Vaux. Corsa, VW Fox, Ford Fiesta ..those types of cars are some the cheapest to insure at the moment. Good luck