Everyone talks about how it’s all about the journey. Yet, few mention what actually enjoying the journey does to your budget.
After all, journeys look different for everyone – setting up a pop-up store, exploring off-the-map stops or embarking on an all-out adventure.
Here’s what actually impacts the cost of renting a vehicle.
Car hire costs by vehicle type
Car rental classes actually vary quite a bit. A lot more than you think. Who you’re road-tripping with, luggage and comfort all come into play.
Romantic weekend getaways suit compact cars; families will need that extra seating and boot space, while others prefer to opt for flair over functionality.
| Vehicle Type | Features | Price |
| Compact Cars | Easy to drive, fuel-efficient | From $25 a day |
| Sedans | Comfortable for highways, great boot space | From $35 a day |
| SUVs | Higher ride height, fuel-conscious | From $45 a day |
| Luxury Vehicles | Premium interiors, prestige makes | From $65 a day |
| Vans | Spacious cargo capacity | From $85 a day |
| Ute | Durable, high clearance, tray space | From $120 a day |
| Moving Trucks & Vans | Heavy-duty payload capacity | From $145 a day |
| Family SUV/7-Seater | Spacious for the whole family | From $80 a day |
| Mini Buses | Group transportation made easy | From $170 a day |
What’s included in the car hire price?
- Additional drivers
As the renter, you can choose to have one additional driver for your vehicle at no extra charge.
- No under-25 driver surcharge
Drivers between 21–25 pay the same rate as over-25s. Unlike other rental companies, you won’t find any young driver penalties when you drive with us.
- Pick-up/Drop-off Service from the airport
For depots that are located a few minutes away from the airport, you can enjoy convenient airport pick-up and drop-off options. It’s a smooth start and finish to your trip.
- Unlimited kilometres on passenger vehicles (except NT)
If you hire a passenger vehicle, you can enjoy unlimited kilometres at most locations (NT excluded).
- Limited liability protection
Like most car hire companies, our vehicles come with limited liability protection to reduce your excess. To keep costs predictable, we suggest opting for full coverage where available. It’s often the easiest way to avoid a big bill down the track.
To see a breakdown of additional coverage options, view all liability information on our Terms & Conditions page.
What impacts the cost of a car rental?
| Cause | Description | What can increase the cost? | What can decrease the cost? |
| Vehicle type | The size, class and features of the vehicle you choose for your hire. | Choosing a premium model, a large SUV or anything with a higher capacity. | Compact or economy vehicles with lower fuel use and fewer features |
| Rental duration | How long you hire the vehicle for, charged in 24-hour periods. | Short bookings during peak demand, returning late and rolling into another day. | Longer hires with weekly or monthly rates, and returning your vehicle on time. |
| Seasonality and demand | How busy the rental period is, based on events or travel demand. | School holidays, festivals, long weekends and peak travel seasons. | Off-peak dates, mid-week hires, booking well ahead. |
| Pick-up and drop-off location | Where you collect and return your vehicle. | One-way rentals. | Same-location returns. |
| Insurance protection | The level of cover you select to reduce excess and risk. | Adding excess reduction or premium insurance options. | Choosing limited liability cover. The downside? You’ll have to foot the bill if any damage occurs, which could be costly in the long run. |
How to get the best value when hiring a car
- Book direct whenever possible
Booking directly means you’ll save 5% straight away and avoid third-party fees that can quietly push up the total cost of your rental.
- Book early to lock in lower rates
Rental prices are often cheaper when demand is low, so securing your car well in advance can save you money. Remember, rentals run in 24-hour blocks — even going slightly over time can trigger an extra day’s charge.
- Plan for additional costs upfront
Extras like one-way hire, child car seats or optional add-ons can affect the final price. Only select what you actually need to keep costs under control.
- Watch out for hidden fees
Airport surcharges, booking fees and premium location charges can add up fast. Choosing a provider with transparent pricing ensures there are no surprises at the counter.
Start your journey with confidence
Whatever type of trip you’ve got planned, we have insights to help you plan better, spend less and enjoy the drive.
Browse our locations, compare vehicles and tap into helpful tips designed to make your journey smoother — from booking advice to everything you need to know about picking up your mode of transport.
Can I add an extra driver, and how much does it cost?
Yes! You can add additional drivers to your rental car. While other car rentals allow extra drivers for a small daily fee, you can include one additional driver at no extra cost by hiring a car with Bargain Car Rentals.
Each driver must hold a valid licence, and all added drivers need to be present at pickup to be authorised.
How does long-term car hire pricing work?
Long-term car hire refers to rental periods longer than 30 days, which is effectively lower than the normal daily rate. As always, prices will depend on vehicle type, rental duration and availability. Long-term hires often include flexibility to extend or adjust bookings, making it ideal for commercial use, businesses in a bind, relocations or extended travel.
Are there age restrictions or surcharges for young drivers?
Yes. All drivers at Bargain Car Rentals must be at least 21, with certain vehicle types limited to drivers over 25. Unlike many providers, we don’t charge a young driver surcharge. Please note that a full licence is required for all drivers, and that some specialty vehicles may have additional conditions.
Can I drive a rental car interstate or in a different state?
Generally, yes, but you must check your rental agreement. Many providers allow interstate travel within Australia, but some restrictions may apply for remote areas or special vehicle types. So, if you’re planning to pick up a car on the Gold Coast, then head to Byron Bay, you’ll need to inform us at booking to ensure coverage and avoid extra fees.
Share This Article:
