Is it better to drive or rent?
Need to visit SO in another 350 miles each way for one day during weekend. Rental at Hertz is $31 ($26 when you factor in the 500 Skymiles I'll earn at 0.01 a piece), for a Nissan Rogue. Nissan Rogue gets similar gas mileage to the car I currently drive, a 2013 Toyota Camry with 85K miles. I plugged my car in KBB and my trade in value decreased by $50 (Idk if that's significant) after 700 miles
My main reasons for renting:
Depreciation ($50, which isn't significant in long run), wear and tear (my Michelin tires lasted 30K miles after spending $900 on them last time. Replaced under warranty but still spent $600+ for labor/fees. I will estimate tires at 2cents/mile, so $14), engine oil/brakes (0.01/mile, $7)
Newer/Safer Car (My car got a IIHS Poor rating). Nissan Rogues also have blind spot, and forward collision warning.
INSURANCE: This is my biggest reason. I have a $2500 deductible for both comprehensive and collision and minimum liability insurance for my state. With Hertz, I will have no deductible because of credit card. I am also a member of an organization that provides 500K liability.
Cons:
Marginally worse fuel economy (35mpg vs 33 mpg)
Unfamiliarity with car.
Also, is it better to get gold reward points or 500 delta miles for the rental. Do you get one gold rewards point, or 10 points, for every dollar spend (I'm a gold member)