From time to time, we might ask ourselves whether we really need a utility vehicle, or if simply renting a truck or van for our occasional needs makes more financial sense. But what about scenarios where the opposite is true? What if you need to rent a car or truck for a longer period of time? Does it ever actually make more sense to just buy a used econobox instead? When presented with that exact scenario, one of our California-based producers decided to find out for himself.
Joey was facing a three-week road trip around the Midwest that was to culminate with some track time. That last bit tends to be problematic with rental companies, which led Joey to the back yard of a friend’s shop in Kentucky and a 2007 Toyota Yaris. Sticker price for the five-speed hatchback? $2,300—$300 less than he would have paid for a round-trip rental. Not bad, right? But remember, we’re talking about a 3,000-mile loop around the center of the country with some hot-lapping thrown in for good measure, all in a car that has been sitting in a field.
That $300 went right back into the car, which wasn’t exactly flawless. Joey put several hundred miles on the Yaris just driving it around the Midwest sourcing parts. Ultimately, his goal is to turn this into his regional runabout and time attack car, so it needs to be both reliable enough to get him from venue to venue and durable enough to be run hard. So, basics first, then a test run at VIR to see how things are going.
That run ends up lasting just one session thanks to a finicky clutch slave cylinder, which belched its fluid out on-track and left Joey unable to shift. After a tow off-track and some careful re-appropriation of some hood bolts, the Yaris was once again ship-shape and ready for more laps—not to mention the remaining road trip miles.
All-in, Joey spent quite a bit more than his original budget, so it’s safe to say this particular econobox wasn’t cheaper than a rental car. But another way to look at it is that he spent more to get more. Not only does he have something to drive home at the end of the day, but he has the foundation for a whole new project. Win-win.
Got a good story about buying rather than renting? Let us know in the comments, or reach out to [email protected]!
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