6 answers
Summer
Student
Edison, New Jersey
10
Questions
Asked
2837 views
Is it worth it to rent a car for less than a year or buy one and sell it?
Hi,
I'm a incoming senior who will be getting their license in the winter. I was wondering since that's already half of the year and majority of the colleges and universities I am interested in applying to don't allow freshmen to park on campus (I will be staying in a dorm), would it be worth it to just rent a car for less than a month rather than buying a car, and then have to sell it. (Majority of--if not all, of my schools are out of state and I don't have anyone who I can rely on to make sure my car isn't stolen)
6 answers
Wodala Lowe
Insurance Agent
14
Answers
Covington, Georgia
Updated
Wodala’s Answer
Hi Summer!
I suggest thinking it over. In my opinion, you don't need a car if you're living on campus. It's better to use public transit for now. Cars can be expensive with insurance, maintenance, and gas. Plus, buying a car is a big commitment, even if you plan to sell it later.
Take care!
I suggest thinking it over. In my opinion, you don't need a car if you're living on campus. It's better to use public transit for now. Cars can be expensive with insurance, maintenance, and gas. Plus, buying a car is a big commitment, even if you plan to sell it later.
Take care!
Rahuldev Areekulangara
1
Answer
Updated
Rahuldev’s Answer
If you need a car for less than a year, whether to rent or buy and resell depends on your priorities. Renting is convenient, hassle-free, and ideal for short durations, but it tends to be more expensive in the long run due to higher monthly costs and possible mileage limits. On the other hand, buying a used car and selling it later can be significantly cheaper over a period of 6 to 12 months, though it involves effort in terms of paperwork, maintenance, and eventual resale. If you're planning to use the car for more than 4–5 months and are comfortable managing the ownership process, buying and reselling is usually more cost-effective. However, for shorter or more flexible needs, renting remains the simpler choice.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Summer,
It is great that you are considering different transportation options for the rest of the summer before you start your freshman year. Congratulations on starting your college studies soon and for stepping up and figuring out how to handle your transportation. New Jersey, and the United States in general highly relies on motor vehicles which can be difficult for numerous reasons.
Firstly, buying a car can take time and selling one can take even longer. From someone who has bought and sold many used things, some times if you get lucky things can go quick, but if you are looking to get the majority of your money back, it can take a while. Specially if you will be away and do not have somewhere to store it. However, if you are interesting in buying one and want to have that experience, you can always look to sell it to a repair shop that resells cars. You will most likely get more for it there a scrap yard. Since it is such a short time, I would not invest too much money into it regardless, and know that buying a used can can have it's risk as there is no telling how much maintainence, time, and money will be involved once you have it.
Renting a car for a month can be a more secure option. Make sure to look at different website to compare prices. Take your time while doing this and make sure to go all the way to before you have to pay to see any hidden fees. Check to see if insurance is included and what kind of deals they might have for month long rents or if it chargers per mile.
You should also consider how much you need to get around in general. Is it possible to take public transportation for the majority of your travels? If so, this might be the most practical way to go. Do research into what buses and trains are near you and if you can do about your life for a bit using one. It might take a little to get used to, but make sure to leave extra early at first. Also, make sure to used the NJ Transit app when looking at schedules as it might differ from your phone. It can be a bit difficult to use, but give yourself some time to play around with it and to get used to it. I am sure there are also videos on how to use it.
Best of luck on your search!
It is great that you are considering different transportation options for the rest of the summer before you start your freshman year. Congratulations on starting your college studies soon and for stepping up and figuring out how to handle your transportation. New Jersey, and the United States in general highly relies on motor vehicles which can be difficult for numerous reasons.
Firstly, buying a car can take time and selling one can take even longer. From someone who has bought and sold many used things, some times if you get lucky things can go quick, but if you are looking to get the majority of your money back, it can take a while. Specially if you will be away and do not have somewhere to store it. However, if you are interesting in buying one and want to have that experience, you can always look to sell it to a repair shop that resells cars. You will most likely get more for it there a scrap yard. Since it is such a short time, I would not invest too much money into it regardless, and know that buying a used can can have it's risk as there is no telling how much maintainence, time, and money will be involved once you have it.
Renting a car for a month can be a more secure option. Make sure to look at different website to compare prices. Take your time while doing this and make sure to go all the way to before you have to pay to see any hidden fees. Check to see if insurance is included and what kind of deals they might have for month long rents or if it chargers per mile.
You should also consider how much you need to get around in general. Is it possible to take public transportation for the majority of your travels? If so, this might be the most practical way to go. Do research into what buses and trains are near you and if you can do about your life for a bit using one. It might take a little to get used to, but make sure to leave extra early at first. Also, make sure to used the NJ Transit app when looking at schedules as it might differ from your phone. It can be a bit difficult to use, but give yourself some time to play around with it and to get used to it. I am sure there are also videos on how to use it.
Best of luck on your search!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Summer !
Whether you rent or buy a car is totally up to you. You didn't mention what city or town you will be attending college in, so I will give you some general advice but less information than if you would have indicated what location you'd be attending college at.
Depending on exactly where you'll be going to college, most places do have a bus system and some in addition, have rail/train/subway services. If you decide to not buy a car (your first year of tuition will be a more expensive out of state price) you will have to explore and learn the public transpiration services offered in that place once you know exactly where you'll go to college. My advice is to wait to decide what to do once you know the actual college and city or town it is in. Whether to buy a car or not before knowing where you'd be at college depends on what your circumstances will be at that time. You also have to consider if you can afford the extra expense for the car, too, like registration, gas, insurance, maintenance and required inspections if your state has them.
Besides public transportation, most places have Taxis, too. So give this some time until you know exactly where you're going to be, which college you will decide to enroll in.
Best wishes in all you do !
Whether you rent or buy a car is totally up to you. You didn't mention what city or town you will be attending college in, so I will give you some general advice but less information than if you would have indicated what location you'd be attending college at.
Depending on exactly where you'll be going to college, most places do have a bus system and some in addition, have rail/train/subway services. If you decide to not buy a car (your first year of tuition will be a more expensive out of state price) you will have to explore and learn the public transpiration services offered in that place once you know exactly where you'll go to college. My advice is to wait to decide what to do once you know the actual college and city or town it is in. Whether to buy a car or not before knowing where you'd be at college depends on what your circumstances will be at that time. You also have to consider if you can afford the extra expense for the car, too, like registration, gas, insurance, maintenance and required inspections if your state has them.
Besides public transportation, most places have Taxis, too. So give this some time until you know exactly where you're going to be, which college you will decide to enroll in.
Best wishes in all you do !
Sara Rusheidat
Intern
18
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hey! Just a thought, have you considered other forms of transportation that the school might offer, or if you live close or on campus, utilizing bikes, scooters, etc.? Those might be cheaper and more versatile for you when you move for school.
Ogonna Okonkwo
Pharmaceuticals Sales, Social Impact
1
Answer
Westfield, New Jersey
Updated
Ogonna’s Answer
Hi Summer!
As someone who worked in the car industry for a few years in the past, Renting a car may be a bit expensive, considering most car rental agencies have underage fees associated with those under 25 years of age, as well as some may require you to have full insurance due to age restrictions. I would assess the cost of both! I would definitely explore the public transportation route for a little while!
Best of luck!
As someone who worked in the car industry for a few years in the past, Renting a car may be a bit expensive, considering most car rental agencies have underage fees associated with those under 25 years of age, as well as some may require you to have full insurance due to age restrictions. I would assess the cost of both! I would definitely explore the public transportation route for a little while!
Best of luck!
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