Why Choose Used / Second Hand Cars for Long Term Car Hire in Adelaide

Looking for affordable long term car hire in Adelaide?

Discover how choosing a used car rental or second hand car hire can save you money, offer flexibility and still deliver reliable transportation.

Learn why long term car rental Adelaide options from Rent a Car Adelaide make sense for personal, business, students or relocation purposes.



If you’re searching for “long term car hire Adelaide”, you’ll find many options, but one of the smartest choices is to go with a used car rental or second hand car hire.

In this blog we’ll explore why this option can provide big savings, flexibility, lower commitments and great value for those staying in Adelaide for weeks or months.

We’ll reference how Rent a Car Adelaide provides this through their “Long Term” car hire service.



What is Long Term Car Hire?

Long term car hire typically means renting a vehicle for an extended duration, beyond typical daily or weekly hires.

For example, many providers define a “long term” rental as 28 days or more, or several months. According to our Rent a Car Adelaide website, our long term car hire option begins at 28 days or more.



How it differs from short-term hire or buying

• Short-term hire: usually daily (minimum 2 days hire only) or weekly calculated at a daily rate.

• Buying: full ownership, large upfront cost, depreciation, Interest, maintenance, registration, insurance, servicing, tyres, battery replacement, repairs and resale hassles.

• Long term hire: you enjoy the use of a vehicle for a fixed term, while avoiding the cost of ownership burdens.
• 
  

Relevant to Adelaide’s market

In Adelaide and South Australia, many people stay for extended periods for (relocation, seasonal work, research, holidays, study).

A long term car rental gives you the flexibility you need without committing to buying a vehicle.



Why Choose a Used / Second Hand Car Rental for Long Term Hire in Adelaide?

Cost-effectiveness

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a used car rental / second hand car hire is the lower cost.

 Because the car has already had initial depreciation, the rental provider can pass savings on.

For example, Rent a Car Adelaide promotes “100% clean used cars” for our long term hire.

This means your daily or weekly rate is likely to be lower than renting a brand new vehicle.

Avoiding ownership expenses

With a used long term hire you typically avoid: the purchase cost, depreciation, registration, insurance, servicing (which is included by us).

Rent a Car Adelaide emphasises that long term hires come with servicing, insurance and roadside assistance included. All you need to do is pay the rent and fuel.

Flexibility & no long term commitment

If you’re only in Adelaide temporarily, or you’re unsure how long you’ll need a car, second hand long term hire allows you to pay for what you need without a long term lock in.

Our website states that “Whether you are here for business, relocation, extended holidays … long-term vehicle hire provides flexibility and convenience.” ask us about this today!



Immediately available vehicles

We have a comprehensive range of used cars for rent that are available (Please note that our cars are always subject to availability)

You can often pick up quickly and start driving, useful if you’re relocating or arriving for work/study at short notice.

Lower risk of heavy depreciation

With new cars, the steepest depreciation happens early.

With used vehicles this has mostly been absorbed, so the provider’s cost base is lower, enabling better rates.



Suitable for Adelaide’s driving environment

In South Australia, commuting, relocating, or exploring regional spots often don’t require brand new luxury models.

A reliable used car will serve the purpose and deliver excellent value and flexibility.

See our “LONG TERM CAR RENTAL ADELAIDE” page where we highlight: No lock-in contracts, Pay by week/fortnight/ 28 Days (4 weekly) and our clean used cars.

These are all key value propositions for you to enjoy the maximum benefits of renting a long term vehicle with us.

Key Considerations When Choosing Second Hand Car Hire for Long Term Use In Adelaide

Vehicle condition & maintenance

Even though a vehicle is used, the rental provider must maintain it well.

Ask about servicing schedules, roadside assistance. At Rent a Car Adelaide our long term hire includes 24/7 roadside assistance.

Kilometers and usage limits

Check whether there are limits on kilometres per month or additional charges for excess usage. See Our FAQ's here

Rental term and extension flexibility

Will the provider allow you to extend or upgrade the vehicle mid term? Rent a Car Adelaide makes it easy to extend your hire.

Insurance, registration and hidden costs

Ensure your rate covers registration, insurance and servicing, so you’re not surprised by extra costs.

At Rent A Car Adelaide we cover everything you need to get on the road quickly and minimise costs.

Fit for purpose vehicle

Think about whether you’ll be mainly driving in the city (Adelaide), or exploring regional South Australia (Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula, etc.).

Our used car hire options give you the flexibility to choose a suitable vehicle for your needs.

Reviews & provider reliability

Check online to see our reviews here

Even though the car is used, you still want reliability and support, which is why customers choose us for their long term car hire needs in Adelaide.

Minimum hire period and terms

At Rent a Car Adelaide the minimum period for long term hire is 28 days.

This threshold is important to understand to get more value out of your long term hire car rental, and you have the option to pay upfront for a better rate.

Benefits Specific to Adelaide and South Australia

Wide area, varied destinations

Adelaide is not just a city only destination, you may drive across many suburbs, to the Adelaide Hills, to wine regions or coastal drives across South Australia.

Having your own vehicle under a long term arrangement gives you freedom and options to go where and when you please within Adelaide South Australia.

Avoiding city only public transport constraints

Public transport in Adelaide covers many areas but isn’t always ideal for relocation, business commuting or extended stays.

A rental car gives you independence and freedom.

Resolving transition periods

If you’re moving to Adelaide, waiting for a new car, employed temporarily, or studying, long term used car hire is an easy solution.

Better value in South Australia’s market

Given the relatively lower cost of vehicles in SA compared to some big cities, used car hire rates can be especially competitive in Adelaide.

Local support and servicing

Using a local provider (like Rent a Car Adelaide, based in Edwardstown, SA) means receiving excellence in servicing, support and understanding of our local roads, Adelaide conditions and regulations, helping you every step of the way.

Tips to Maximise Value from Your Long Term Used Car Hire

Book early

Vehicles suitable for long term hire can get booked quickly in busy periods (e.g., special occasions, festivals, university semesters, school holidays). Booking ahead ensures availability.

Rent a Car Adelaide advises booking ahead during peak periods to ensure we can provide you with a suitable vehicle hire to suit your needs.

Choose fuel-efficient vehicles

If you’ll be commuting or driving often, pick a used car with good fuel economy to reduce ongoing costs.

Negotiate or clarify extension terms

Check whether the original rate holds if you extend the hire, or whether there is flexibility for upgrades.

Understand your usage (kilometres)

If you’ll drive a lot (regional trips, inter-city), confirm whether there are kilometre caps or extra charges for high usage. See our FAQ's Here

Care for the vehicle

Even though you’re renting, responsible use will avoid excess charges for unexpected damage, or wear & tear outside of the normal we see regularly.

Compare providers

Look at a few offers to ensure your rate is competitive, include the full cost (insurance, registration, servicing).

We know our rates are very competitive and that we can help you with Adelaide's best range of long term second hand rental cars ready to hire now!

Read the contract

Understand what is included (maintenance, roadside assistance), what is excluded, what your obligations are (fuel refill, return condition, where you can drive).

  Rent a Car Adelaide lists key points such as return the car with a full tank, no credit checks, SA only use for all cars rented from us in Adelaide. 

Comparing Used/Second Hand Car Hire vs New Car Hire

Upfront cost

Used car hire: Lower daily/weekly/monthly rate.

New car hire: Higher rental cost due to higher vehicle cost and depreciation.

Depreciation and value

With a used car, most of the rapid depreciation is already factored in by the provider, so you benefit.

With a new car hire you pay more to cover that depreciation.

Maintenance & reliability

Trusted used car rental providers keep their fleet well maintained, ensuring reliability.

With new car hire you may get newer reliability, but at premium cost.

Flexibility and long term value

Used car rental for long term hire often offers better value and flexibility.

New car long term hire (or subscriptions, leases) may give premium experience but higher cost.

Ideal for different needs

If your priority is budget and value: used/second hand car hire is ideal.

If your priority is premium brand, new vehicle, prestige: new car hire may be justified.

In Adelaide many people opting for long stays (students, relocation, temporary work) will prefer value, thus making used car rental an appealing and attractive offer in Adelaide.

Why Rent a Car Adelaide Is a Great Option

Here are some of the reasons why Rent a Car Adelaide stands out:

Our dedicated “Long Term Car Rental” page clearly outlines benefits of long term hire and how we help accommodate stays for weeks, months or longer.

See our used car rental/second hand car hire page showing that we offer 100% clean used cars and no credit checks



We allow flexible hire terms (pay by week/fortnight/month) and no lock in contracts for certain durations.

We are locally based in Edwardstown, SA (49A Woodlands Terrace) which means we provide local support and excellent service.

We also provide   Monthly Car Rentals see here

Choosing a used car rental or second hand car hire   for your long term car rental in Adelaide can be a smart, cost effective, and flexible solution, especially if you are relocating, working in Adelaide for some months, studying, or simply need a vehicle for an extended period.

You will avoid the hassles of ownership, enjoy predictable costs, and retain freedom to move around Adelaide and South Australia.

For the best fit, consider Rent a Car Adelaide for your long term car hire needs and used car rental for stays of weeks, months or longer in Adelaide.

Are you ready to explore your long term car rental options?

Visit the Long Term Car Rental Adelaidepage for full details, or contact us directly on 0460 868 887 to discuss your hire term, used vehicle options and pricing.