For a long time, the relocation of hire vehicles was something of a secret society. Once upon a time, if you kept in touch with the hire car companies, you could be lucky and find a vehicle that needed relocating and get it for a few dollars a day.
These one-way return rides used to take some finesse, but nowadays, several websites exist to help you actually plan such a trip, with listings of available vehicles and their intended destinations.
These are mostly campers and motorhomes, but you can also find sedans, SUVs and light commercial vehicles.
A new player in the market is U R Drive, a prestige vehicle hire company that frequently shifts new and near-new vehicles all across the country. These vehicles are mostly German luxury SUVs and sedans, such as Audi A3s and A5s and their SUV stablemates, Q3s and Q5s, as well as equivalent BMWs, KIAs and Mercedes-Benz.
The best time to avail yourself of a relocation is during peak season when airfares are sky high (so to speak) and you have two or three companions with luggage. Driving an empty vehicle on your own is of little benefit unless you have time to kill.
There is the added benefit of the simple pleasure of a road trip and this effort can be lightened when a fuel subsidy is offered. A fuel subsidy, you say? Yes, depending on the distance and urgency, the hire car company may provide you with a fuel rebate. It doesn’t hurt to ask even if the rebate is not advertised.
If you like the idea of a fancy luxury German vehicle, contact U R Drive directly and ask about current relocations. Their website lists current fleet vehicles (of which there are almost 300) but not relocations, so you’ll need to call.
And if you just need a nice car for a few days while you’re in town on business, you’ll find their daily rates surprisingly affordable.
