Hire Car versus Car Ownership

[war horse]

We are in a dilemma at the moment. We are new to TRNC and have an apartment in Tatlisu, and we be flying out in a few weeks. The question is do we purchase a small second hand car or do we rent one?

We will be out for 10 weeks this time, returning again for 2 months in September, and again for a month over Xmas.

We own on a secure complex and believe other owners there have their own cars, which we have seen covered up when they go back home, but not sure which way to go,

Any advice or suggestion would be appreciated,

Thanks

[Cally]

If I were you I would check out the price of cars, they are very expensive, it might help you make up your mind.

[Sultan]

Have saved a small fortune over the years having bought a second hand car. They are expensive to purchase, but hold their value so can be recouped if you go on to sell. Leave mine under a shelter with a solar battery trickle feeder and never had a problem over seven years. Tax, insurance etc not that expensive.

[PoshinDevon]

Agree with Sultan.

At least when you have purchased a vehicle....yes it does cost more compared to the U.K, you have an asset to sell if needs be. Plus they do hold there value.

[effonine]

You'd probably be spending something like £2500 a year on car hire with c22 weeks a year in NC, I'd definitely think about purchasing. As others have said although expensive to buy running costs are low and the car will hold a good value. Good luck if you decide to go for it.
F09

[Mowgli597]

I believe that if you spend over 90 days here in a year then you will need a TRNC driving licence. Buying a car makes it more likely that you will be stopped at a police checkpoint and asked for your licence (because you have a local number plate rather than a hire car one). This happened to a friend of ours, who now has his TRNC licence (a simple process).

[frugal90]

Following with interest as in a similar position come Sept.
What is the process for TRNC licence?
Thinking about getting one of those little suzuki alto, as don't need anything flash. Do car covers stay on with the winds? Do the tyres wear with the uv light?

[teatime]

The BRS website gives details about driving licences etc. http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php/lifest ... rth-cyprus
Car covers need securing well as they can blow off in the wind and they deteriorate fast, but they are not expensive so replacing them each year would make sense.
Tyres also tend to wear out faster here.

[tomsteel]

The BRS website gives details about driving licences etc. http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php/lifest ... rth-cyprus
Car covers need securing well as they can blow off in the wind and they deteriorate fast, but they are not expensive so replacing them each year would make sense.
Tyres also tend to wear out faster here.

As do car batteries. However, I live near Tatlisu and you'll certainly need independent transport whatever the length of your stay. The nearest car hire company to you is Brisk in Esentepe. Try to get a quote or from Carrington's, a short distance further west. Personally, I would purchase a 2nd hard vehicle from a reputable company: Tigra or Akin who both enjoy expat support for their vehicles and post-purchase service.

[geroff]

It's swings and roundabouts really, hire car is the best way if you dont want the bother of maintenance and running around getting tax insurance tyres and maybe other problems.

We like car hire as it means they deliver when you want and take when finished. You takes your choice .

[war horse]

Thanks for all the helpful comments, we have had a quote for £760 for 74 days which l thought was excellent but have still not decided what to do. Also was interested about the solar trickle battery charger, if we find a reasonable priced car,

Thanks

[Keithcaley]

/// was interested about the solar trickle battery charger, if we find a reasonable priced car, Thanks

There's probably loads available on Ebay / Amazon, but not terribly expensive at retail prices from Maplin if you just want to 'pop in and buy one'

Although they tend to come with a cigarette lighter adaptor, unless yours is permanently 'live', you would need to use the 'alligator clip onto the battery terminals' option...

[war horse]

Thanks Keith, have seen one at Maplins so will pop in tow and have a look

[Keithcaley]

Thanks Keith, have seen one at Maplins so will pop in tow and have a look

2 x sizes...Larger is better than smaller!