Top 10 Advantages to Renting a Car

People rent cars for many reasons: business trips, family vacations, or to replace a car that's being repaired. Whatever the circumstances, renting a car can have many advantages over driving your own.

1. If you live in a large metropolitan area where subways, trains, and other community transportation is common, you may have found that owning your own vehicle isn't necessary. When vacations or other events take you beyond the reach of the city's subway service, though, renting a car can be the best choice.
2. Renting a large vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, can allow you to travel with a large group of friends or extended family. Some rental agencies may also be able to provide customers with a 9- or 15-passenger van.
3. When renting a vehicle for a business trip or leisure vacation, you avoid putting excess wear and tear on your personal vehicle. This can lower your maintenance and repair costs over time.
4. If your personal vehicle is an older model, renting a car for extended trips can help you save money on gasoline. Most car rental agencies keep only newer model vehicles that get very good gas mileage.
5. No matter where you travel with a rented vehicle, breaking down isn't a worry. Should the car break down during your rental period, the agency will provide another car at no charge. This can give great peace of mind during long trips especially.
6. A rental car can take you where your personal vehicle can't. If you'd like to travel where the roads are less favorable, for example, renting a Jeep or SUV can be a great idea.
7. When taking a trip hundreds of miles away from home, renting a car can give you more time to enjoy yourself. By taking an airplane to your destination and renting a car once you've arrived, you'll spend far less time traveling to your vacation spot and more time sightseeing and relaxing.
8. Renting a vehicle can help you decide if you would like to purchase that type of car, truck, or SUV. When you're in the market for a new car, renting one for a day or two gives you an extended test drive to discover nuances about the vehicle that you couldn't otherwise.
9. A car rental agency can enable you to rent a certain type of vehicle for a special occasion. Whether you'd like a minivan to take all the cousins on a camping trip or a luxury car to take your wife our for an anniversary dinner, renting makes a great option.
10. A rental car can help you project a certain image to business contacts or associates. Depending on your needs, a new, clean SUV may be preferable to your usual two-door coupe.