Long-term car rental in Calgary can be a great alternative to buying or leasing, especially for those who need transportation for several months. Below is an overview of available options, money-saving tips, and a comparison of offers from local companies.
Main long-term rental options
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1. Traditional rental companies
Avis
- Terms: Rent for 1 month or longer with the option to extend.
- Prices: From 98 CAD/day (for SUVs).
- Advantages: Free cancellation, optional insurance.
- Website: Avis Long-Term Rentals.
Budget
- Discounts: Up to 30% for rentals over 28 days.
- Example: Full-size sedan – from CAD 36/day.
- Special feature: No mileage restrictions for certain rates.
- Website: Budget Calgary.
Hertz Multi-Month
- Minimum term: 63 days.
- Included: Maintenance, no deposit.
- Prices: From CAD 1,200/month (economy class).
- Website: Hertz Multi-Month.
2. Peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms
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Turo
- Advantages: Cheaper due to renting cars from private owners.
- Prices: From 23 CAD/day (economy class), discounts up to 20% for monthly rentals.
- Example: Toyota Corolla – 1,100 CAD/month.
- Website: Turo Calgary.
Roam
- Format: Car subscription with the option to change models.
- Included: Insurance, technical inspection, roadside assistance.
- Prices: From 1,500 CAD/month (sedan).
- Website: Roam.
3. Renting through lease takeover
LeaseBusters
- Essence: You take over someone else's short-term lease agreement (e.g., 6 months).
- Advantages: Fixed monthly payment, often lower than market rent.
- Example: Honda Civic – $350/month + insurance.
- Website: LeaseBusters.
6 tips to save money
- Book in advance: Prices increase by 15-30% two weeks before the start of the rental period.
- Use filters: On Kayak or Skyscanner, select the “long-term rental” and “unlimited mileage” options.
- Avoid the airport: Renting in the city (for example, at Routes Car & Truck Rentals) is 20-40% cheaper.
- Choose economy class: Compact cars (such as Hyundai Elantra) consume less fuel (6.5 l/100 km).
- Check included services: Some companies (Hertz, Roam) include technical inspection in the price.
- Negotiate: For rentals longer than 3 months, ask for individual rates.
Comparison of options
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| Criterion | Traditional companies | P2P (Turo) | Lease Takeover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum term | 1 month | 1 day | 3-6 months |
| Insurance included | Partial (for an additional fee) | Yes (all plans) | No (separate) |
| Mileage | Partial restrictions | Depends on the owner | As per the lease agreement |
| Average cost | 1,500–2,500 CAD/month | 1,100–1,800 CAD/month | 300–700 CAD/month |
Hidden costs: what to look out for?
- Insurance: With traditional companies, up to CAD 30/day. Insurance is already included with Turo.
- Fuel: Return the car with a full tank to avoid a 50-100% surcharge.
- Additional drivers: Free with Turo; with rental companies, up to CAD 15/day.
Conclusion
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The cheapest options are lease transfer through LeaseBusters or rental through Turo. For those who value convenience, Hertz Multi-Month or Roam programs are suitable. Always compare terms, check reviews, and don't ignore the fine print in contracts. With the right strategy, you can find a reliable car for $1,000–$1,500/month even during peak season.