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COST COMPARISON

Used cars vs Car hire: which hides more?

Own it or rent it — both are sold on a number that leaves plenty off the page. Buying a car versus hiring one: which hides more of the real cost?

THE VERDICT · FROM THE DATA

Car hire hides more — about +105% versus +62%, a gap of roughly 43 points. Both are worth checking before you book.

USED CARS
+62%
hidden over the advertised price, on average
TOP HIDDEN COSTS
Fuel over 5 years37%
Insurance over 5 years32%
Servicing over 5 years18%
Motor tax over 5 years9%
Full used cars breakdown →
CAR HIRE
+105%
hidden over the advertised price, on average
TOP HIDDEN COSTS
Excess-waiver cover49%
Full-to-empty fuel policy19%
Full excess cover8%
Full excess insurance7%
Full car hire breakdown →

Both figures are computed the same way — every disclosed extra on the example items in our calculator, divided by the advertised price and averaged — so the comparison is like-for-like. These are illustrative sample figures today and switch to live feeds at launch. Method: True Cost Methodology.

Compare your actual options

These are category averages. Run the specific options you’re weighing through the calculator for a sourced, dated true total on each — no business ranked above another.

More cost comparisons, the full Hidden-Fee Index, or all buyer guides.