Sydney City – Best Independent Car Hire Companies

For Sydney City car rentals, one company though limited in variety, emerged as the clear winner for those who prefer having a reduced excess. For what they offer, they beat everyone out there including all of the Big Boys of Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and Europcar.

Bayswater Car Rental… a.k.a. No Birds Go To Site

Our #1 pick. Toyota Corolla Hatch & Sedan only. Excess reduction included free. Unlimited km’s

This is the company the locals rent their cars from. They offer brand new Toyota Corolla Hatches and Sedans and their prices include unlimited km’s and reduced damage responsibility of A$300 (most other car rental companies, including the Big Boys, usually have an average damage liability of A$2750 that they then charge a whopping A$14-27/day to lower equivalently). This makes for excellent value. However, if you just want the lowest absolute price and are ready to take on a higher damage liability, have a look at the other independents.

Note: you need to book for a minimum of 3 days. Any less and you’ll have to take the 1-yr old Corolla Hatch city-use package which includes only 100km/day (A$0.30/extra km).

East Coast Car Rentals Go To Site

Competitive prices on all cars particularly SUVs and Vans. Unlimited km’s

East Coast Car Rentals is one company worth checking. With unlimited km’s included just like the Big Boys, they often offer cheaper rates on a range of cars. They particularly shine through on SUVs and Vans and are even more likely to save you when you rent for longer durations (e.g. a week and above).

Their cars come with a A$3000 standard liability. You can have that lowered to A$200 for A$13.20/day or A$11/day for 8-14 day rentals or A$8.80/day for 15+ day rentals. Most car hire companies charge noticeably more for such Excess Reduction. Before you purchase such coverage, have a read of our car rental insurance section.

Discount Car Rental Go To Site

Check for Compact or Intermediate cars. 250km/day

The site may be rather basic but if you don’t need the included Excess Reduction offered by Bayswater Car Rental, there’s a good chance you’ll find deals on small and mid-size cars at Discount Car Rental. Basic car rentals include 250km/day with a A$2750 collision damage liability that can be dropped to A$550 for A$16/day.