[bogart]

We live in Colorado and fly to The Villages and rent a car at the airport. This has worked well in the past but now that we've purchased a place, we'll be spending more time in TV. It's been so convenient to use a rental car but we think it would be less expensive to go ahead and buy a decent used car and keep it in our villa garage. We would then have to find ground transportation for us and our dog.

We're just not sure how much we would save by buying a car vs continuing to rent. I realize that there are lots of variables but has anyone been in a similar situation and come up with a good solution? We plan on two trips a year --- fall for one month and winter for 3 months. Do cars do okay stored in a garage in FL when not in use for long periods?

Thanks for any suggestions. Does anyone have a nice used car to sell us if we decide to purchase when we return in January?

[SeaCruiser]

I'm sorry I don't have a car to sell here in The Villages but I am looking to buy a college student car in Colorado! It's difficult because I am here and have a daughter in Fort Collins. If you have any friends selling a decent vehicle there please let me know!

Thanks..

Sea..

[Talk Host]

Ocala Lincoln Mercury has lots of nice used cars and they are great people. Easy to deal with and love Villages residents. They are also sponsors on this forum.

[Frank2]

We plan on two trips a year --- fall for one month and winter for 3 months. Do cars do okay stored in a garage in FL when not in use for long periods?


bogart, renting an auto for those two visits would be a substantial expense.

I've been in the Villages for seven years and do the following: I purchased a used Camry from the Toyota dealer in Leesburg and leave it in my garage while I'm away. I have a neighbor who drives it around the block once every two weeks and that seems to work fine. (you can watch the classified ads in the Daily Sun for used cars )

When I return to Florida via Orlando Airport, I make a reservation at Enterprise auto rental, drive it one way to the Villages and return it at LSL, without drop off charges. I do the same when I leave the Villages.

When purchasing from a used car dealer the customary cautions apply, let the buyer beware. :dontknow:

One other point, you can remove a substantial portion of your insurance cost when the car is garaged also, you can do the same with your auto at home while you're using the one in the Villages.

Good luck.

[l2ridehd]

Probably a dumb question, but what is LSL?

[DickY]

LSL=Lake Sumter Landing

[golfnut]

Frank2, what was the charge to rent from Enterprise at airport and drop at LSL?

[Frank2]

golfnut,

The cost of renting an intermediate size auto ($30) was less than the cost of the shuttle for one person, $35. So, for two people on the shuttle the cost is $70. If I have four persons in the party I rent a SUV ( the ladies have a luggage issue ) for $80 plus $10 for gas.......the shuttle cost would be $140. one way.

As you can see the rental is a whole lot better deal..however, you must put up with the risk and inconvenience, as well as the cost of fuel when you rent from Enterprise. Hint: be certain to verify that there are no drop off charges as I always do.

[golfnut]

great info, thanks frank2.

[Midge538]

I have my 2002 Buick Park Ave ready to sell as I bought a new car last month. It has 50 K and is excellent/good. Haven't advertised it yet .... too busy.

[Gary S]

There are a lot of low mileage used cars around The Villages. (like the one above). We recently bought a 98 Buick Century with 50K miles for $4,000. Of course there is still insurance to consider.

Cars last a long time in Florida. No salt on the roads and The Villages is not near the salt water.

Good luck
Gary

[bogart]

Thank you. It looks like we should be in the market for a reliable used car when we return to TV in a couple weeks. If anyone has something to sell; nothing too big as we own a villa, please send me a private message or email.

Bo

[golfnut]

Gary S was that picture in your avatar taken a Orange Blossom?