We are two couples in our early sixties who intend to go round most of Australia. We are debating either to rent or buy a campervan. We would like to stay in motels as well but would like to have the freedom to make our own meals at times if we want or stop and make a snack or cuppa of we want. Should we get a campervan or a big estate car? Should we rent or buy.
Please advice if you have done this road trip or similar. We hope to be away for 4 months.
Rent or buy campervan
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Jucy campers might be what you are after. They have a small basic camper, that should be cheap. http://www.jucy.com.au/vehicles/jucy-sleeper-long.aspx
We will be hiring something similar when we go to the States for Christmas. The price for the US one is not much different to a normal car. I think we are paying $25 a day. So that if you stay in a Motel etc you are not paying double for your accommodation. Campers can be quite expensive to hire.
Travellers Autobarn is another cheap company. They will sell you a camper and based on how far you travel etc will buy it back from you at a set price. This would be cheaper than hiring. http://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/
We own our own campervan and paid about $23 000 for it last Easter. It is six years old and had done 260000km. We could get about 18-20 000 for it if we sold it.
The good thing about Australia is there are lots of free/cheap places to camp.
I disagree with the Jucy recommendation. Jucy only have compact kind of vehicles that are really just a car that folds out to be a bed.
. When spending an afternoon in horrible rain, sitting in a "car" is not as nice as sitting at a table, drinking coffee and playing cards.
What you really want is a campervan that can have a table and seating inside - and preferably even the cooking. If you are going a long way around Australia you are going to find yourself in rain, hail and shine, not to mention places where the flies are interminable. On those days you will need some cover (and fly screens
Get a campervan with a high-top or a pop-top - these will save you having to bend over inside the vehicle. Pop-tops cost more but are more streamlined to save on fuel.
Travellers Autobarn do have some high tops but there are PLENTY of others to chose from. There is one site that lists every campervan hire company in Australia and I think you can get quotes on most of them. Either way, there is a great list. http://www.ecampervanhire.com