Aug
29
Car Fuel Consumption
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TeewhY asked:
Australian cars or cars from Australia have different fuel consumptions. The fuel consumptions of cars in Australia are depends on the brand of the car, type of the car, about the driving skills of the driver, and it has something to do with the road also. It has something to do also in the engines of the cars. And of course the fuel consumption of new car is different from the used cars already. According to the used car dealers, their car is less in fuel consumption. Really? Yes, I agree on that but like what I’ve said it depends on the engine and type of the car. Fuel consumptions is one of the major topic when it comes to buying a car. Because the price of fuel is high. So, we need to buy a car that consume only less fuels. For example, we need to find a car that consume 25km/L. But usual cars can only have 11km/L consumptions. Its up to you were to find a car that consume 1 liter of gas that runs for 25km. For me, I want to feature the used cars from Australia that gives full satisfactions to us as a car lovers.
There are lot of used cars that offers online. If we talk on the fuel consumption of it. It was merely deals on the economical consumptions of fuel. Well, fuel consumption of a car is one of the mainstream in finding a perfect car. You have a good looking car but it consume fuels like drinking a bottle of liquor in 1 minute. In finding a car, don’t just look for the nice look of it. Try to make your choice in the quality of the engine and the fuel consumption of it. If we talk on the fuel consumptions, it is better to find a car that can run at least 15km/L. So that’s good enough instead of having a car that can run only 10km/L. There are difference between the fuel consumptions of the car in city consumptions than on highway consumptions. City consumptions are driving only around the city while highway consumption is driving going to out of town or have a visit in the provinces. In Australia, the city fuel consumption is lesser than highway consumption. For example, city consumption can run 9-10km/L while the highway consumption can only run 6-8km/L.
In causes of burning more fuel, there might be improper inflation of the car tires, there might be too much weight of the car causing by many things inside of it, and there are also some engine accessories that keep the engine burning more fuels. For you to get more mileage and having an economical fuel consumptions, avoid traffics because traffics can keep your car burning a fuel. Drive smoothly, don’t put your weight on the the gas pedal. Step on the gas smoothly. Don’t carry more than you need on your car. Reduced unnecessary accessories into your cars. And for having a trip, make sure your car is properly maintained. Especially the engine of your car. Keep on checking it. Because if there is a problem into the engine of your car, it might cause more fuel consumptions.
Florri
Australian cars or cars from Australia have different fuel consumptions. The fuel consumptions of cars in Australia are depends on the brand of the car, type of the car, about the driving skills of the driver, and it has something to do with the road also. It has something to do also in the engines of the cars. And of course the fuel consumption of new car is different from the used cars already. According to the used car dealers, their car is less in fuel consumption. Really? Yes, I agree on that but like what I’ve said it depends on the engine and type of the car. Fuel consumptions is one of the major topic when it comes to buying a car. Because the price of fuel is high. So, we need to buy a car that consume only less fuels. For example, we need to find a car that consume 25km/L. But usual cars can only have 11km/L consumptions. Its up to you were to find a car that consume 1 liter of gas that runs for 25km. For me, I want to feature the used cars from Australia that gives full satisfactions to us as a car lovers.
There are lot of used cars that offers online. If we talk on the fuel consumption of it. It was merely deals on the economical consumptions of fuel. Well, fuel consumption of a car is one of the mainstream in finding a perfect car. You have a good looking car but it consume fuels like drinking a bottle of liquor in 1 minute. In finding a car, don’t just look for the nice look of it. Try to make your choice in the quality of the engine and the fuel consumption of it. If we talk on the fuel consumptions, it is better to find a car that can run at least 15km/L. So that’s good enough instead of having a car that can run only 10km/L. There are difference between the fuel consumptions of the car in city consumptions than on highway consumptions. City consumptions are driving only around the city while highway consumption is driving going to out of town or have a visit in the provinces. In Australia, the city fuel consumption is lesser than highway consumption. For example, city consumption can run 9-10km/L while the highway consumption can only run 6-8km/L.
In causes of burning more fuel, there might be improper inflation of the car tires, there might be too much weight of the car causing by many things inside of it, and there are also some engine accessories that keep the engine burning more fuels. For you to get more mileage and having an economical fuel consumptions, avoid traffics because traffics can keep your car burning a fuel. Drive smoothly, don’t put your weight on the the gas pedal. Step on the gas smoothly. Don’t carry more than you need on your car. Reduced unnecessary accessories into your cars. And for having a trip, make sure your car is properly maintained. Especially the engine of your car. Keep on checking it. Because if there is a problem into the engine of your car, it might cause more fuel consumptions.
Florri
Aug
19
Driveaway Holidays Named Australia’s Best Car Rental Wholesaler 2008
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Car Guru asked:
It has been a huge month for us all here at DriveAway Holidays. We kicked July off in style at the annual AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. Always a good night, this year was even more exciting than last as we were hoping to walk off (or drive away with) an award for the third year in a row which is exactly what we did! It was a tense wait, with DriveAway being nominated in one of the last categories to be announced - which may explain the amount of wine being drunk by staff members at the table… But our wait finally came to an end when hosts Larry and Kylie from the Morning Show announced us as winners of the Best Car Rental Wholesaler category. Dan, our MD, gave an Oscar worthy speech and the award was promptly passed around the table for photo ops. A great night all round and another award to add to the DriveAway collection
General consensus among the ladies….it wasn’t as good as last year…but only because last year’s host was the gorgeous Tom Williams! Maybe next year! After celebrating being NTIA’s Best Car Rental Wholesaler 2008, DriveAway Holidays had more cause for celebration this month with our 20th Birthday on 25 July 2008. There was much excitement amongst staff with lots of birthday cake (from www.sweetdreamscakes.com.au), iPod giveaways to our Reservations team and of course, for older staff members, the joy in saying “It’s our 20th birthday” (it’s been a long time since some of us could claim that!). Since the doors opened for DriveAway Holidays 20 years ago in Manly, NSW (now North Sydney, NSW)
-We have become the leader in car rental, car leasing and self-drive holidays.
-We have grown from 2 to over 90 staff.
-We now work with over 20 rental suppliers with access to rates at over 4000 locations worldwide. Of course, we couldn’t have done any of it without the support of our customers, staff past and present, suppliers, partners…so a big thank you to everyone that has helped over the years to make DriveAway the success it is!
Olympia
It has been a huge month for us all here at DriveAway Holidays. We kicked July off in style at the annual AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. Always a good night, this year was even more exciting than last as we were hoping to walk off (or drive away with) an award for the third year in a row which is exactly what we did! It was a tense wait, with DriveAway being nominated in one of the last categories to be announced - which may explain the amount of wine being drunk by staff members at the table… But our wait finally came to an end when hosts Larry and Kylie from the Morning Show announced us as winners of the Best Car Rental Wholesaler category. Dan, our MD, gave an Oscar worthy speech and the award was promptly passed around the table for photo ops. A great night all round and another award to add to the DriveAway collection
General consensus among the ladies….it wasn’t as good as last year…but only because last year’s host was the gorgeous Tom Williams! Maybe next year! After celebrating being NTIA’s Best Car Rental Wholesaler 2008, DriveAway Holidays had more cause for celebration this month with our 20th Birthday on 25 July 2008. There was much excitement amongst staff with lots of birthday cake (from www.sweetdreamscakes.com.au), iPod giveaways to our Reservations team and of course, for older staff members, the joy in saying “It’s our 20th birthday” (it’s been a long time since some of us could claim that!). Since the doors opened for DriveAway Holidays 20 years ago in Manly, NSW (now North Sydney, NSW)
-We have become the leader in car rental, car leasing and self-drive holidays.
-We have grown from 2 to over 90 staff.
-We now work with over 20 rental suppliers with access to rates at over 4000 locations worldwide. Of course, we couldn’t have done any of it without the support of our customers, staff past and present, suppliers, partners…so a big thank you to everyone that has helped over the years to make DriveAway the success it is!
Olympia
Aug
17
Car Rental Faqs - Part 1
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Car Guru asked:
Q. Why take a ‘driving holiday’?
A. A drive holiday gives you the freedom and flexibility to decide on where you travel and what you see and do. You are in charge of how much time you wish to spend at a particular attraction. You have the independence to move around as much or as little as you like. A drive holiday allows you to discover so much more as a car will allow you to drive through the little villages in out of the way places.
Q. How is car rental charged?
A. Car rental is based on 24 hour periods and charged accordingly. If you pick up a car at 9am on Thursday and return at 9am the following day, this is one 24 hour period and therefore a one day booking.
Q. Is it cheaper to pre-book my car rental or should I book when I arrive?
A. Pre-booking will save you money almost every time! With a wholesaler like DriveAway Holidays, you receive the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices with the major car rental suppliers are considerably lower than walking in off the street in a foreign country to rent a car. In addition you are pre-paying in Australian dollars so the risk of fluctuations in the currency are reduced.
Q. How does a prepaid rental work?
A. The booking is made in advance, paid for and a voucher is issued. The voucher is then used as payment when you go to pick up the car from the supplier.
Q. What additional extras will I have to pay?
A. It depends on what the rental covers. DriveAway Holidays in most cases include all mandatory charges, like road taxes or airport surcharges. Many optional charges are applicable such as young or additional drivers, Insurance Excess Reduction or extra equipment like child seats. Be sure to check out rate inclusions – first when you are choosing your vehicle online and when you have made your booking (the inclusions will be on your voucher)
Q. What happens when I pick up the car?
A. Present the rental voucher, a valid drivers license and a credit card for a security deposit. Any additional charges will be explained as well as the conditions of the rental. A signature will be required to accept or decline additional charges and to acknowledge that the rental conditions are understood.
Q. What does the supplier do with the renters credit card?
A. It varies depending on the supplier – they may freeze a specific amount as a deposit, an imprint may be taken as a deposit or an amount may be charged to cover the security deposit and then refunded on the return of the vehicle. In some instances the bond can be paid in cash – check with the supplier/broker when you book.
Q. Will there be fuel in the vehicle?
A. Yes, there should be enough to get you on your way. Different companies have different policies regarding fuel – most will supply a full tank and require the car to be returned with a full tank of fuel, otherwise the renter is charged the difference. Some companies provide minimum fuel and is to returned as the renter wishes.
Q. What is a Pre-Paid Fuel Option?
A. Most car rental companies provide a full tank of fuel and will charge you for re-fuelling the vehicle if it is not returned with a full tank. By accepting a Pre-paid fuel option you are agreeing to pay a pre-determined price for fuel regardless of whether you return the vehicle with a full, partially full or empty tank. This means you won’t need to search for a petrol station before you return the car, but there is no refund for any fuel remaining in the tank.
Q. Should I check out the condition of the rental car before driving away?
A. Yes, it is a good idea to check the vehicle before you leave the depot. Any damage or unusual dents/scratches should be noted on the contract before leaving.
Look out for our 2nd part of car rental FAQs!
Marlyn
Q. Why take a ‘driving holiday’?
A. A drive holiday gives you the freedom and flexibility to decide on where you travel and what you see and do. You are in charge of how much time you wish to spend at a particular attraction. You have the independence to move around as much or as little as you like. A drive holiday allows you to discover so much more as a car will allow you to drive through the little villages in out of the way places.
Q. How is car rental charged?
A. Car rental is based on 24 hour periods and charged accordingly. If you pick up a car at 9am on Thursday and return at 9am the following day, this is one 24 hour period and therefore a one day booking.
Q. Is it cheaper to pre-book my car rental or should I book when I arrive?
A. Pre-booking will save you money almost every time! With a wholesaler like DriveAway Holidays, you receive the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices with the major car rental suppliers are considerably lower than walking in off the street in a foreign country to rent a car. In addition you are pre-paying in Australian dollars so the risk of fluctuations in the currency are reduced.
Q. How does a prepaid rental work?
A. The booking is made in advance, paid for and a voucher is issued. The voucher is then used as payment when you go to pick up the car from the supplier.
Q. What additional extras will I have to pay?
A. It depends on what the rental covers. DriveAway Holidays in most cases include all mandatory charges, like road taxes or airport surcharges. Many optional charges are applicable such as young or additional drivers, Insurance Excess Reduction or extra equipment like child seats. Be sure to check out rate inclusions – first when you are choosing your vehicle online and when you have made your booking (the inclusions will be on your voucher)
Q. What happens when I pick up the car?
A. Present the rental voucher, a valid drivers license and a credit card for a security deposit. Any additional charges will be explained as well as the conditions of the rental. A signature will be required to accept or decline additional charges and to acknowledge that the rental conditions are understood.
Q. What does the supplier do with the renters credit card?
A. It varies depending on the supplier – they may freeze a specific amount as a deposit, an imprint may be taken as a deposit or an amount may be charged to cover the security deposit and then refunded on the return of the vehicle. In some instances the bond can be paid in cash – check with the supplier/broker when you book.
Q. Will there be fuel in the vehicle?
A. Yes, there should be enough to get you on your way. Different companies have different policies regarding fuel – most will supply a full tank and require the car to be returned with a full tank of fuel, otherwise the renter is charged the difference. Some companies provide minimum fuel and is to returned as the renter wishes.
Q. What is a Pre-Paid Fuel Option?
A. Most car rental companies provide a full tank of fuel and will charge you for re-fuelling the vehicle if it is not returned with a full tank. By accepting a Pre-paid fuel option you are agreeing to pay a pre-determined price for fuel regardless of whether you return the vehicle with a full, partially full or empty tank. This means you won’t need to search for a petrol station before you return the car, but there is no refund for any fuel remaining in the tank.
Q. Should I check out the condition of the rental car before driving away?
A. Yes, it is a good idea to check the vehicle before you leave the depot. Any damage or unusual dents/scratches should be noted on the contract before leaving.
Look out for our 2nd part of car rental FAQs!
Marlyn
Aug
15
Car Rental Glossary
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Car Guru asked:
Car rental can sometimes be a little confusing with lots of phrases being thrown around. To help you out, we have put together a glossary which will hopefully help with your next car rental booking.
Additional Driver: Additional to the main driver, registered and listed on the Rental Agreement. May be an extra charge for an additional driver, depending on the supplier.
Additional Liability Insurance (ALI): Provides additional protection for bodily injury or death plus property damage.
Airport Fee: Charge applied by airport authorities for terminal and off terminal locations. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle other than by theft or attempted theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
Excess Reduction (ER): Optional charge offered by the car rental company to reduce or waive the insurance excess in the event of an insurance claim against damage or theft.
Gazetted Roads: A sealed or unsealed road regularly maintained by a local, state or government body or council.
Insurance Excess: The amount the client is responsible for in the event the rental vehicle is damaged (whether the driver is at fault or not) or stolen.
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage and theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
One Way Fee: This fee is imposed to cover the costs of returning the vehicle back to the originating location. In Australia & USA, charges may apply between cities within the same State and renting between States. Some countries charge for one way fees between airport and downtown locations within the same city.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers the driver and additional passengers of the rental vehicle for personal and physical injuries incurred in an accident.
Premium Location Surcharge/Location Service Charge: Charge applied by car rental companies at selected downtown and railway locations. This additional item also includes the Airport Fee. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.
Rental Period: Your car rental period starts when you pick up the rental car and ends when you drop it off. Rental periods are based on 24 hours periods from the time of pick up – so, for example, from 9am on a Friday to 9am the following day is charged as a one day rental.
Sealed Road: A road sealed with a hard material such as tar, bitumen or concrete.
Security Deposit: Amount frozen on the client’s credit card at time of collection. The amount frozen is usually the full insurance excess amount. However, if an insurance excess is not applicable or the full excess is not frozen then an amount may still be frozen for incidentals such as fuel bond, optional charges, loss of keys etc.
Senior Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age.
Theft Protection (TP): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of theft, attempted theft or vandalism. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
Third Party: Provides coverage against bodily injury to persons other than the driver of the rented car and property damage to anything other than the rental vehicle and contents of same.
Vehicle Licensing Fee/Vehicle Road Registration Fee: Government imposed levy for each rental car in the car provider’s fleet. Charge to partially recover the vehicle registration costs.
Young Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by young drivers under a specific age.
Camino
Car rental can sometimes be a little confusing with lots of phrases being thrown around. To help you out, we have put together a glossary which will hopefully help with your next car rental booking.
Additional Driver: Additional to the main driver, registered and listed on the Rental Agreement. May be an extra charge for an additional driver, depending on the supplier.
Additional Liability Insurance (ALI): Provides additional protection for bodily injury or death plus property damage.
Airport Fee: Charge applied by airport authorities for terminal and off terminal locations. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle other than by theft or attempted theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
Excess Reduction (ER): Optional charge offered by the car rental company to reduce or waive the insurance excess in the event of an insurance claim against damage or theft.
Gazetted Roads: A sealed or unsealed road regularly maintained by a local, state or government body or council.
Insurance Excess: The amount the client is responsible for in the event the rental vehicle is damaged (whether the driver is at fault or not) or stolen.
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage and theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
One Way Fee: This fee is imposed to cover the costs of returning the vehicle back to the originating location. In Australia & USA, charges may apply between cities within the same State and renting between States. Some countries charge for one way fees between airport and downtown locations within the same city.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers the driver and additional passengers of the rental vehicle for personal and physical injuries incurred in an accident.
Premium Location Surcharge/Location Service Charge: Charge applied by car rental companies at selected downtown and railway locations. This additional item also includes the Airport Fee. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.
Rental Period: Your car rental period starts when you pick up the rental car and ends when you drop it off. Rental periods are based on 24 hours periods from the time of pick up – so, for example, from 9am on a Friday to 9am the following day is charged as a one day rental.
Sealed Road: A road sealed with a hard material such as tar, bitumen or concrete.
Security Deposit: Amount frozen on the client’s credit card at time of collection. The amount frozen is usually the full insurance excess amount. However, if an insurance excess is not applicable or the full excess is not frozen then an amount may still be frozen for incidentals such as fuel bond, optional charges, loss of keys etc.
Senior Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age.
Theft Protection (TP): Covers the rental vehicle in the event of theft, attempted theft or vandalism. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.
Third Party: Provides coverage against bodily injury to persons other than the driver of the rented car and property damage to anything other than the rental vehicle and contents of same.
Vehicle Licensing Fee/Vehicle Road Registration Fee: Government imposed levy for each rental car in the car provider’s fleet. Charge to partially recover the vehicle registration costs.
Young Driver Surcharge: Surcharge payable by young drivers under a specific age.
Camino
Aug
4
Too Old to Drive a Rental Car?
Filed Under Cars | Comments Off
Car Guru asked:
As the population in Australia gets older, the problem of renting a car both in Australia and overseas becomes more of an issue. Most car companies will have some kind of restriction if the older generation is looking to rent a vehicle. Whilst you may think that as someone that has been driving for 50 years or more, car rental companies can see you as a major risk to their asset
The Senior Driver Surcharge is payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age. This depends on country and/or car rental company. It is just the same as our car insurance companies here in Australia charge a higher premium if you have a driver aged 21 years on the insurance.
The reason why it is charged is because the car rental company sees senior drivers as high risk and they get charged a premium to have senior drivers covered by their insurance company. However, other car rental companies just restrict the driving age so they don’t have to get additional insurance.
To give you a few examples on how it differs between suppliers, let’s take a look at Car Rental in Ireland. One car rental company has a maximum age of 74 years with no surcharge payable. Another car rental company charges a EUR29 incl Tax /day fee for drivers aged between 70-74 years. And, a third car rental company doesn’t charge a surcharge but they require additional documentation from driver’s aged between 76-79 years, as follows -
1) Note from their Insurers stating that they have not been involved in any accidents within the past 5 years.
2) Note from their doctor stating that they are in full health.
When booking your car rental, it is advisable to always be truthful of the age/s of all drivers and ask the car rental company if there are any additional conditions for senior driver’s. Failure to do so may result in you using public transport to get around on your holiday.
Car Rental brokers, such as DriveAway Holidays will be able to advise quickly as to which company is going to be able to accomodate the older driver.
Eleanor
As the population in Australia gets older, the problem of renting a car both in Australia and overseas becomes more of an issue. Most car companies will have some kind of restriction if the older generation is looking to rent a vehicle. Whilst you may think that as someone that has been driving for 50 years or more, car rental companies can see you as a major risk to their asset
The Senior Driver Surcharge is payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age. This depends on country and/or car rental company. It is just the same as our car insurance companies here in Australia charge a higher premium if you have a driver aged 21 years on the insurance.
The reason why it is charged is because the car rental company sees senior drivers as high risk and they get charged a premium to have senior drivers covered by their insurance company. However, other car rental companies just restrict the driving age so they don’t have to get additional insurance.
To give you a few examples on how it differs between suppliers, let’s take a look at Car Rental in Ireland. One car rental company has a maximum age of 74 years with no surcharge payable. Another car rental company charges a EUR29 incl Tax /day fee for drivers aged between 70-74 years. And, a third car rental company doesn’t charge a surcharge but they require additional documentation from driver’s aged between 76-79 years, as follows -
1) Note from their Insurers stating that they have not been involved in any accidents within the past 5 years.
2) Note from their doctor stating that they are in full health.
When booking your car rental, it is advisable to always be truthful of the age/s of all drivers and ask the car rental company if there are any additional conditions for senior driver’s. Failure to do so may result in you using public transport to get around on your holiday.
Car Rental brokers, such as DriveAway Holidays will be able to advise quickly as to which company is going to be able to accomodate the older driver.
Eleanor