For a variety of reasons (working in london, using a bike for short journeys, environmental concerns) at the beginning of 2013 I sold my car and decided to experiment withy renting when needed - some weekends, holidays, or business where I need a car. Having a Europcar office not too far away helped in the decision.

I have just done a quick review of the year 2013 to see how much it cost me, and a rough comparision with owning a car. One of the advantages of renting is that you can rent what you need - small car if its just me to a larger car is needed.

Rental days - exactly 100.

Total rental cost. £1823

Miles driven 7818.

Petrol - not sure - (it would have been the same with my own car) but say £1092

CDW insurance - nil - as I always book on my Amex platinum.

Ancilliary benefits

Avios earned - 19500
MR points - 1823
Topcashback £145.84

In the course of this, I have also qualified as Europcar Elite tier for 2014, which gives a 30% dicount of rentals for next year, upgrades, a free weekend rental, as well as a free second driver.

So my rough calculation, based on 1p per avios, is

net Rental cost £1463
Petrol £1092

Total £2555.93

Cost per mile 32.75

________

I havent looked in detail at costs of owning a car yet - but I think the depreciation alone would be getting on for 20% pa in the first couple of years. So the cost of renting is more than covered by depreciation, and of course then there is no servicing, maintenance, tyres, road tax, insurance, RAC cost.

So:

Advantages - flexibility of vehicle, cost savings.

Disadvantages - inconvenience of having to pick up and drop off vehicle, loss of spontaneity.