Any recommendations for who and where to get a good deal on a hire car; or is it better to buy a runaround until I secure a job.

Nothing specific but have a look at these -

www.rentnewcars.com.au

www.standbycars.com.au

Avoid getting a car at the airport if you can (extra tax). The taxi ride is less than a day's car hire. We rented for 2 weeks - as long as it took to buy one. If you're in the RAC you can transfer membership to the RACQ and they give you free maps.

I always thought it cost more to hire from the airport but...when I checked last time I put Airport pickup and CBD pickup and they both came out exactly the same.

One word of warning : Damage excess in Oz is crazilly high so go for the reduction waiver (and even that only drops it to a couple of hundred $$)

I wonder if they add the airport taxes on separately, after the quote, Marco? Airport taxes are high, as Lesley said.

Agree with you about the crazy excesses (probably due to stolen rentals) - worth it to get the extra waiver.


Personally, Manx, I would go for a cheap runabout rather than the rental car. If it lasts the distance it could even become a second car (maybe one for your daughter?)! :grin:

Good thinking PR, better make it a good one then, the daughter may be a bit picky! - tough!