Rent a car: 20 advantages and disadvantages

If car rental is an advantageous option in many respects, including monthly payments that are much lower than the purchase, this option also has its share of disadvantages.

Advantage 1: Payments of a rented car are much lower

If you choose renting rather than buying a vehicle, expect to pay less each month. The dealers underestimate the depreciation of a vehicle to provide small monthly payments, leaving more money in your pockets.

Advantage 2: You can rent a car of a higher range

Because the monthly payments of a rented car are lower than the purchase, you have the advantage of being able to choose a higher range for your vehicle. This premium car will often be safer, because better equipped.

Advantage 3: Even on a small budget, you can rent a new car

Benefit 4: You can spend money on other debts with a rented car

In this case, you will simultaneously enjoy a new car and eliminate your money problems.

Advantage 5: A rented car can be changed often

When your rental is complete - usually after a period of two to four years - you have the flexibility to change your make and model of vehicle as you see fit outdoor car cover.

Benefit 6: You do not have to manage the resale of your car

At the end of your rental, you will not have to deal with the heavy sales process of your vehicle.

Benefit 7: You know the depreciation of a rented vehicle

In your lease, the depreciation of a vehicle will be clearly established. This depreciation will then make you know the value of the vehicle at the end of your contract if you wish to purchase it.

Advantage 8: At the end of your contract, you can buy a used car without surprises

You loved your rented car to the point of not wanting to let it go? It will be possible for you, at the end of your lease, to pay the remaining amount on it and to become the owner.

Benefit 9: You benefit from the manufacturer's warranty with a rented car

Even if the rented car does not belong to you, you have the advantage of benefiting from the guarantee of the manufacturer, often throughout your hiring. The warranty is limited by the time and distance travelled, and these items are clearly stated in the rental agreement.

Benefit 10: The dealer has every interest in properly repairing a rented car

When you rent a vehicle, your repairs will usually be under manufacturer's warranty. As a result, the dealer will repair the vehicle as best as possible, as he or she may inherit it sooner or later. He has every interest in keeping it in good condition.

Disadvantage 1: At the end of your rental, you have nothing

When you choose to rent a car instead of buying it, you are sure to own nothing at the end of your lease. The owners of a car do not face this disadvantage, they who can reap a few thousand dollars by reselling their vehicle.

Disadvantage 2: A rented car limits you to mileage

Your rental agreement has a limit of kilometres that you can travel annually. If you exceed this number of kilometres, you must pay a penalty, a disadvantage at a high cost.

Disadvantage 3: The price of insurance of a rented vehicle is higher

The insurance of a rented vehicle is often higher than that of a new vehicle. The tenant must request refurbishment protection in the event of an accident, which allows the insurer to increase his claims.

Disadvantage 4: The rental interest rate is often higher than the purchase

The interest rate on a car rented from a dealership is often higher than that of a car purchased. So even if your monthly payments are lower, you are ultimately paying more for every dollar you borrow.

Disadvantage 5: You cannot cancel your rental agreement

Whatever the reason, you cannot cancel your car rental contract. If, for example, you lose your job, you still have to pay the hundreds of dollars that are claimed each month.

Disadvantage 6: You may be responsible for repairs to the rented vehicle

In addition to the legal warranty and the manufacturer's warranty, some breakages may not be covered, for example a puncture. You must then pay for the repairs, even if the vehicle does not belong to you.

Disadvantage 7: You must make the rental car in excellent condition

At the end of your rental, you must return the vehicle to an acceptable state, according to normal wear and tear. You must, therefore, take jealous care. Also, know that it is important to define clearly from the outset what means "normal wear and tear" with the seller so as not to face high penalties.

Disadvantage 8: You cannot change your rented vehicle permanently

The rental car will have been delivered to you in a certain state, and you will have to return it in the same state. If you make any modifications to the vehicle, such as adding a fin or new accessories, the responsibility for returning it as it was originally will come back to you.

Disadvantage 9: After an accident, the amount of the rental does not change

Even if your vehicle is rough, your contract remains and you must pay it every month. If the rental car is repaired after an accident, its value is not the same, but the payments remain the same.

Disadvantage 10: If you buy the rental car, you pay too much

If you decide to buy your rental vehicle at the end of your contract, you will certainly pay too much. You will then have paid interest on the rental of the car, and you will still pay on the amount borrowed for the purchase. These interest on the purchase will be higher than rent. Finally, you will have paid interest longer than if you had just bought the car.

Home stuff for car maintenance

Some car maintenance glitches can be solved without having to visit a mechanic. Here is a list of common problems that can be easily resolved.

Cracks and splinters of glass

You drive at high speed on the highway when a rock, thrown from a truck, hits the windshield full force. That's enough to make your day disastrous. Not necessarily. Cracks or splinters of glass are easy to repair. First, be sure to prevent dust, mud or other types of dirt from entering the crack (or h***), as this may affect its repair. To do this, stop the vehicle and cover the damaged part with adhesive tape, leave it until the day of repair. Remember to repair your windshield as soon as possible, as the weather and the vibrations caused by driving can make the problem worse. Then, visit a car parts retailer and purchase a repair kit designed for windshields (these kits contain clear resin epoxy). All you have to do is follow the instructions.