johnqh
Well-known member
dgpcolorado said:I've often thought about doing that. Definitely tempting to take a rental on my 2200 mile trip in a few weeks as opposed to my eighteen year old (but only 107,000 miles) ICE car. But the ICE car gets used little enough as it is.johnqh said:Rent a car when you take long trips.
Even if you own ICE, you should do that.
If I lived where it was more convenient to get rentals I could get rid of the ICE car entirely. Those who live within pick-up/drop-off distance of rental or car sharing companies might be able to do that.
The reason for rental:
1. depreciation. Each mile causes about $0.10 to $0.20 in depreciation for a car with moderate age. The number should be much lower for your 18-year ICE car. Still, let's put a number on it. I think it is fair to say the trip will cost you $50 in depreciation.
2. gas mileage. Often, we can rent a car with way better mileage than the one we have. This can be a major factor for you. Assuming your 18-yo car gets 20 mpg, and you can rent a 30 mpg car, the gas saving is close to $160.
So #1 and #2 together is #210. That's enough to offset most of the car rental cost.
3. More importantly, peace of mind. What happens if you break down in the middle of the trip? With a rental, call them up and have them deal with it. With your own car, it is a disaster and completely ruin your trip. This is a more important factor for your 18yo car.
But I understand the issue with the location of rental car companies. That's why I think they should install EVSE at their customer parking and make it a free/moderate fee long term parking for the EV duration of the rental.
I have a Leaf right now. I may replace my other ICE with a Smart fortwo ED in a couple of years. A major factor is that now I have severn zip cars (including SUV and van) in three locations within 3 blocks of my house, so I can take the minimalist approach with my own vehicles instead of trying to cover all usages.