You have come to Tripoli for a season of work, or you have taken on a job that runs until summer, and you need a car. The first idea is usually the same: "I'll buy a cheap used one and sell it when I leave."

Sometimes that works out. Often, though, people who do it count only the purchase price and forget everything else. We sell used cars and we also do long-term car rental, so we see both sides.

What you really pay when you buy for a few months

When you buy a car for a few months, what you pay in the end is the difference between what you spent and what you got back, plus everything you spent in between. That list is longer than most people remember on the day they buy:

  • The ownership transfer, twice: once when you buy and once when you sell.
  • Insurance and road tax for the time you own it.
  • Servicing, and the roadworthiness test (KTEO) if it expires during your months.
  • Anything that breaks, which you cannot predict on a used car you don't know.
  • The gap between the price you paid and the price you sell for.

That last one depends on how much of a hurry you are in. If you are leaving in two weeks and have to sell, you have no room to bargain. You either let it go for less, or you leave it behind and look for a buyer from a distance.

How to work it out in five minutes

Take a sheet of paper and write down three things.

  1. How many months you need the car. Write only the months you know for certain you will stay.
  2. What buying will cost you for those months. Add up everything above and subtract what you realistically expect to get back when you sell.
  3. What leasing will cost for the same period, which is the monthly amount times the number of months. You pay for fuel either way, so leave it out.

If the two numbers are close, count this as well: with a lease you know from the first day what you will pay, while with a purchase you find out when you sell.

When buying makes sense

Buying is the right choice in more cases than you would expect to hear from someone who rents out cars.

  • If you are very likely to stay for more than a year. The longer you stay, the more months the buying costs are spread over.
  • If you know cars, or you have a mechanic you trust to look at it before you buy.
  • If you are under no time pressure to sell, because you can keep the car or take it with you.

In that case, first read how to inspect a used car before you buy, then have a look at the used cars we have available.

When leasing makes sense

  • If you know the date you are leaving, as with a sports season or a job with a fixed end.
  • If you don't want to tie up money in something you will sell soon.
  • If you cannot be without a car even for a day. On a leased car, a breakdown is ours to deal with.
  • If you are self-employed and want one fixed amount a month, with an invoice.

A Bratsos Team long-term rental car in Tripoli, ready for handover

What our long-term rental includes

The lease starts at one month and runs for as long as you need it. The monthly amount covers servicing, the roadworthiness test (KTEO), road tax and insurance. You pay for fuel and for anything caused by misuse.

The full terms are on the page for long-term car rental in Tripoli. If you only need a car for a few days, see car rental in Tripoli.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum lease period?

One month. Beyond that, as long as suits you.

What does the monthly amount include?

Servicing, the roadworthiness test (KTEO), road tax and insurance. Fuel is yours.

Do I get an invoice?

Yes, with every payment.

Not sure which of the two suits you?

Call us on +30 697 367 7817 and tell us how long you are staying and what work you do. If buying is the better deal for you, we will tell you.