[ralphnev]

we are going to Montpellier for 10months or so in August
i've wondering about the cost of car ownership ...
if it is possible or even worth the hassle - or just get one of the long term rentals ($$$)

presuming we can walk on to a dealership & purchace a car -- is it possible to be insured since we are only in the country for less than a year ?

our Ontairo Driver lic allow us to drive for up to a year without resorting to a Frence Drivers Lic.

 

[Bevdeforges]

If you manage to find a place to stay that is handy to the public transport lines, your best (and cheapest) bet might be to do without a car. You can always rent a car for weekends when you want to make a trip somewhere. (And there are cheap rentals through some of the hypermarkets - like SuperU.)
Cheers,
Bev

 

[GALLUS]

Thanks Bev

Super U has gone expensive now, nothing below 600 euros a month.
zilok.fr is another option, rent from 'PARTICULIER"

 

[Bevdeforges]

Thanks Bev

Super U has gone expensive now, nothing below 600 euros a month.
zilok.fr is another option, rent from 'PARTICULIER"

I'm talking about only renting a car for a couple days at a time - i.e. when you actually need one for making a weekend trip.

The supermarket vehicle rental is geared for short usage like that. I don't doubt they "penalize" you for renting over the long term. But generations of city dwellers have gotten by without owning a car, but just renting one as needed. Saves on things like insurance and car maintenance, too.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[ralphnev]

I'm talking about only renting a car for a couple days at a time - i.e. when you actually need one for making a weekend trip.

The supermarket vehicle rental is geared for short usage like that. I don't doubt they "penalize" you for renting over the long term. But generations of city dwellers have gotten by without owning a car, but just renting one as needed. Saves on things like insurance and car maintenance, too.
Cheers,
Bev

this is part of the equasion as well..
Montpellier has a "Modulauto" but limited - if were are going farther a field / more exploring this may not be practical & it depend on a limited resource / (I.E durring the school breaks - how available are they ?? ...)

 

[rynd2it]

this is part of the equasion as well..
Montpellier has a "Modulauto" but limited - if were are going farther a field / more exploring this may not be practical & it depend on a limited resource / (I.E durring the school breaks - how available are they ?? ...)

I have no specifics on the actual costs but the major car manufacturers offer a lease/buyback scheme for medium term renters. Basically you get a brand new car and they agree to take it back when you are done with it - you pay by the month (or whatever). Worth a look because you get a guaranteed new car to your specifications.

Bonne Route

 

[ralphnev]

I have no specifics on the actual costs but the major car manufacturers offer a lease/buyback scheme for medium term renters. Basically you get a brand new car and they agree to take it back when you are done with it - you pay by the month (or whatever). Worth a look because you get a guaranteed new car to your specifications.

Bonne Route

Yes, I've looked in to this was (very approximate) 8500$ (CND ~6500euro) for the 10mo.
not by the month but paid up front (!!!) , but a new car with 24/7 roadside assistance

 

[rynd2it]

Yes, I've looked in to this was (very approximate) 8500$ (CND ~6500euro) for the 10mo.
not by the month but paid up front (!!!) , but a new car with 24/7 roadside assistance

I paid $650 (US) for 15 days rental last year and that was a discount rate for booking from the US. Plus insurance which is included on the manufacturer programs.

Renault is offering a promotion right now - looks pretty good:

Renault Eurodrive 2012

Cheers

 

[ralphnev]

I paid $650 (US) for 15 days rental last year and that was a discount rate for booking from the US. Plus insurance which is included on the manufacturer programs.

Renault is offering a promotion right now - looks pretty good:

Renault Eurodrive 2012

Cheers

much better rate ~4300euro / though limited "available" selection in the low end Autos

 

[RayRay]

much better rate ~4300euro / though limited "available" selection in the low end Autos

Typically long term leases also include full insurance, so you may want to factor that in. We get a corporate rate with Hertz of about 400 euro/month NOT including insurance, so 4,300 euro for 10 months sounds very good.

Keep in mind that a low end car with a diesel engine and as high a mileage/liter as you can find is your best choice. The cost of petrol and diesel is very high in France.

Good luck!

Ray

 

[rynd2it]

Keep in mind that a low end car with a diesel engine and as high a mileage/liter as you can find is your best choice. The cost of petrol and diesel is very high in France.

Good luck!

Ray

Also diesels get MUCH better mileage - so you save twice; goes further for less money.

Cheers

 

[TOrner]

Auto Europe

Try Auto Europe. I've reserved a diesel for approx $400/month, including liability insur.
Terry