Renting a Car vs Buying in Melbourne
Buying a car means thousands upfront, plus rego, insurance, servicing, and the hassle of selling. Here's when renting makes more sense.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Buying a Used Car
Total upfront: $5,000-$10,000+
Plus ongoing costs and the hassle of selling when you leave
Renting from Savvy
Total upfront: $575-$620
First week + refundable bond. Then pay weekly. Return with 48 hours notice.
Break-Even Analysis
For stays under 6 months, renting is almost always cheaper when you factor in purchase price, running costs, and the money you lose selling.
| Duration | Buying Total Cost | Renting Total Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $5,000-$9,000+ upfront | $700-$880 | Rent |
| 3 months | $5,500-$10,000+ | $2,100-$2,640 | Rent |
| 6 months | $5,800-$10,500+ | $4,550-$5,720 | Close call |
| 12 months | $6,500-$11,500+ | $9,100-$11,440 | Buy (if staying) |
Buying costs include purchase, rego, insurance, and estimated depreciation/selling loss. Renting costs are based on $175-$220/week long-term rates (28+ day hires).
No Risk, No Hassle
When you buy a used car, you take on all the risk: breakdowns, unexpected repairs, depreciation, and the nightmare of trying to sell it when you're done, often for less than you paid.
With Savvy, the car is maintained, insured, and covered by roadside assistance. If something goes wrong, we deal with it. When you're done, you hand the keys back and walk away. Selling the car is our problem.
Renting is Perfect If You're...
A backpacker or traveller
In Melbourne for a few weeks or months? Renting saves you thousands compared to buying and selling a car.
On a temporary work contract
3-6 month contract? Rent for the duration and return it when the contract ends. Depreciation and the resale are ours to worry about.
Between cars
Waiting on a new car or just sold yours? Weekly hire fills the gap without committing to a purchase.
An international student
Here for a semester or two? Renting is far cheaper than buying when you factor in everything.
Skip the hassle of buying
Browse our fleet, see the weekly price, and book in minutes. Insurance, roadside, and servicing all included, just drive.