Whether you're in the process of selling a vehicle and are looking for wheels to get you about or just looking to rent a car for a special occasion, trip or business, here are some important things to keep in mind.

1. Decide what kind of vehicle would suit your purpose

Consider important factors like distance of journey, time period you want to rent it out for, and most importantly your budget. Many rental companies offer the same model which is popular among the locals and tourists alike. For example cars like Maruti Alto, Perodua Viva offer great value for money as they are easy to park and very good on fuel. Approx Rental of a Alto / Elite would be around Rs. 35,000/= to Rs.40,000/= 

2. Call several car companies

Don’t just call one, call several and compare the prices. You might be able to strike a better deal with one of them. 

Some Rent-A-Car places to check out in Colombo. 

• Ameri Rent A Car | No: 43 School Lane, Colombo-03 | 077 731 2848 | Open until 5:30 PM

• Malkey Rent A Car | No: 58, Pamankada Rd Col 06 | 011 2 365251

• Online Rent Car | No 55B, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Col 03. | 077 214 0000 | Open until 11:59 PM

• Casons Rent A Car | 181, Gothami Garden, Gothami Road, Col 8 | 011 4 377366 | Open 24 hours

• LESPRI Car Rentals | St Lucia's Street Col 13 | 011 2 320498 | Open until 6:00 AM

• Cannan Reliance  | Elvitigala Mawatha | 077 350 6000 | Open until 11:30 PM

• Travel King | 3a, Dharmaraja Mawatha Col 03. | 011 4 222447 | Open 24 hours

3. Read the contract
Once you’ve decided on which company to go with, make sure you read the fine print in their contracts and check if it is satisfactory and if the terms and regulations comply with what they promised you! 

4. Inspect

When you pick up your car, check it inside and out for anything that could potentially be considered damage before you drive away. Look for scratches, scuffs, loose parts, working power windows and mirrors, and more. 

5. Check for all documentation

Before you do drive off, check that the vehicles documentation is intact. Check that the vehicle’s Revenue License has been paid for and valid. (It is printed on a pink piece of paper with an expiration date on it. Usually a photocopy is pasted on the left top corner of the windscreen). 

Also make sure the insurance is up to date; most Rent a Car companies don't provide a Commercial Insurance policy. Double-check this before you finalise the deal.

Thinking of getting your own car without renting? Apply for an HSBC Lifestyle Loan. Call HSBC now on 0112 511 533.

Text by Panchali Illankoon