gracejoan3

I would still do the Kemwel lease/buyback, as previously stated. It covers everything that I want, in every way.

Do what you feel is best for you....

Michael

If cost is an issue, just try go through the process of leasing and renting on the same site until you are asked for the credit card number. You will then get accurate pricing for both options.

BTW, the lease/buy back option covers everything but your time. The agency will not replace your car in case of a breakdown--it happened to me.

gracejoan3

I was curious about your reply of not replacing a car if a breakdown..

I just called Kemwel and was told that Puegeot is most anxious to get you off and running again. They provide a number for service, perhaps it is towed to nearest garage and you go from there...If a major problem, you will receive another vehicle..it does depend somewhat on whether it is a problem caused by you..seems there are variables...

NeoPatrick

It's now been a couple of years, but we've done the "tax free" lease plan for 17 days or more with Auto France a number of times. That gives you the brand new Peugeot, total insurance, and no surprises you first mentioned. I think their plan is great.
you can find them online or call 1-800-572-9655.

gracejoan3

Neo Patrick...I checked online and that is the same plan that Kemwel has..called open Europe...

My pevious experience was excellent..all as you said. I will be doing it again for a Brittany one month trip, picking it up in Rennes.

You can always turn the car in early..if you rent for the necessary 17 daysw and your trip is actually shorter. Compare the rates with a rental, and what you get. If I were to rent it would be an automatic and all the coverage offerred..my comparison checking has always found the lease/buyback to be cheaper..and ...with more!!

Michael

As to replacing a car, I would check with Peugeot and Renault directly. Perhaps the system has been changed somewhat, but originally, one had "purchased" the car with all the proper papers, the difference between a resident buyer and the foreign buyer being that the latter purchased a tax-free car. All this involves paperwork, including obtaining a registration. My repair finally occurred in Barcelona, for a problem that was discovered in France but the part was unavailable except when pre-ordered, which we did from San Sebastian. I doubt that the car could have been quickly replaced had that been necessary. Of course, the chances of having a major problem with a brand-new car are much less than with a used car, but I suspect that it would be easier to replace the rental if necessary.

BTW, I would use the purchase/buy back system if it were cost effective. For the car that I want or am willing to take from a rental agency, I pay much less than what I would pay on a purchase/buy back plan (I can furnish the current differential on demand). The break even point for me is about 6 to 7 weeks. As has been pointed out, that break even point might be lower if an automatic is required.

envoyage

these post are outdated, and I am back in 2013 at making a decision for 57 days with a car in France this time, not much driving in my plans , just commuting to visit relatives and friends in Nantes area. 3 options I am looking at:
1. leasing a car
2. renting a car
3. buying a second hand car and getting insurance for it there
Any of you recommend what would be my best option?
I will add that I usually go for long term yearly in France as my Parents are aging, so this expenses is unfortunately a yearly repeat!
Thank you

DebitNM

Start a new thread.

Michael

envoyage,

it depends on your comfort zone in terms of insurance. If you are willing to have your credit card carry the CDW--mine does, with no deductible--then a rental is the cheapest. However, you will have to switch cars at mid-point because the credit card will probably not cover your car for more than one month. Last year I inquired, because someone suggested that the credit card might not accept the subterfuge of renting cars back-to-back, but I was assured that this was not a problem. If on the other hand you are not comfortable with that solution and wish to rent a car with full coverage and no deductible, a lease might be the way to go. Only you can determine the cost by going on line and compare what Autoeurope and Kemwel would charge for 29 days rental time two, and what Peugeot or Renault would charge for a similar lease.

http://www.renaultusa.com/

Finally, I am willing to rent the smallest car available which size is usually not available as a lease.

ParisAmsterdam

You can't buy a car and insure it if you're a visitor anymore. You need to prove residency. So scrap that plan. ;^(

NeoPatrick

ParisAmsterdam, are you referring to outright buying a used car or are you referring to one of those "lease plans" which really amounts to a visitor buying a car and selling it back -- all pre-arranged and including insurance. Or are you saying that kind of plan is now not available?

Michael

He means an outright buying of a used car. The "lease" option is still available, as can be seen on the Renault site and on the Autoeurope site for Peugeot.