To buy or hire a car

Hi Liz

I am in exactly the same boat - so will be following suggestions to you question with interest!

I pondered over this question a few years ago when I bought a holiday home here. I decided to buy a relatively cheap car, €3500, which I keep at the airport when not here. I haven't done a thorough cost comparison but I like the ease of collection at the airport and I find it a better option. 

Alan 

I am also in the same situation. In the summer months we fly to Almeria in the winter months Alicante. The car can only be kept at one airport. These are the compromises to consider. Car hire is increasingly more stressful as the hire companies push extra insurance, breakdown cover etc.   Some companies have a lack of staff making it longer to collect and return the vehicle. Recently we had an issue regarding a scratch on the car that I did not do. €180 taken from my credit card. Fortunately my wife and I photograph and video vehicles when we collect them and on that evidence the money was refunded. 

Anyone selling a car !!!!!   😂

Hi Alan

Yes i was thinking about doing just that, did you buy your car through a dealer or private? I might visit the ford garage in H/O as they seem to have a good reputation.

Thanks for your reply

Liz

Hi we also fly to Almeria in the Summer months and murcia in the winter, however Ryanair have now pulled the East Midlands and Leeds flights through the Winter, I’m not even sure, that they are going to do them in the summer Aaaargh!!!!!!!So maybe we will have to fly from Alicante in the Winter or drive all the way to Manchester to get to Murcia.So even more confused about keeping a car at 1 airport nowRegardsLiz

Yes the Ford dealer is good and the young salesman is English. I bought my car from a dealer as I needed one quickly and I didn't know the correct method of registration. The dealer does it all and it's included in the price.

For me the other good reason for having your own car is that you can come out here with no definite return date. Rental companies want a return date. 

Alan 

We have a place in Alicante and are thinking of selling and buying in Almeria  - just wondering why you don’t Winter in Almeria?   Is it colder than Alicante in winter??

Yes Alan, i agree, it would be great to be more flexible, 

Regards Liz

Hi no not at all, it’s just flights from the North of England into Almeria stop in the Winter time. The climate in almeria is fabulous

Regards

Liz