We had to go to a wedding this weekend....about 750 miles round trip.

I was going to take the Rover, but since it's relatively "new to me," I wasn't thrilled about a long road trip. (I've only put 500 miles or so on it since I've had it). Then I sighed at the wonderful mileage we all get. I then realized it's the off season for car rentals so just for fun I priced one out. It's pretty sad that I can actually pay to rent a car and still come out ahead.

750 miles / 15mpg = 50 gallons @ $3.30/g..... $165
750 miles / 32mpg = 23.4 gallons @ $3.00/g.....$70.20
total cost to rent full size car (got a Hyundai Sonata) Fri-Sun...$42.11
Total cost of rental and fuel $112.31. So I came out $52.69 ahead and put the miles and wear on the rental car. I wouldn't buy a Sonata, but not too bad for a weekend trip.

 

That's funny, with my truck at 8-9 mpg that'd be painful....

 

yep
last summer road trip.........2500-3000miles @ 7ish. prolly could have bought another disco for that.

 

you only came out $32.69 ahead there is a $20.00 penalty for driving hyundai

 

Only $20? I thought I'd catch more crap for that post.

 

Being a moderator I have to be kind..... Besides when I need economy I drive my MGB

 

It must be the new math. How are you getting 15 mpg? Downhill with a tailwind?

 

In combined driving on my commute into and out of Chicago I'm getting 15.5 mpg. Straight highway I hit 19 mpg

 

My parents are about 400 miles away and when I go there for Thanksgiving or Christmas I usually rent.. did the same math.

You have to continue with that logic though.. what if something happens and you have to get a tow a few hundred miles back? Or fix locally? Or you blow a tire ($200 min) yeah rentals cover all of that. Relatively speaking rentals are SUPER CHEAP compared to the alternatives.

 

I would have taken your 96 Impala SS.

I used to get awesome mileage on long runs in my 96 with the center console shifter, last of the real Chevy rwd v8's, (sob/tear) before I gave it away to the ex. (sob/tear). I really miss her... - the Impala that is!