Long term hire car services have evolved into a sophisticated alternative to vehicle ownership, offering a level of freedom that traditional leases simply cannot match. Whether you are a business professional on a seasonal assignment, a newcomer to the city, or a family planning a summer-long road trip, an extended rental provides a reliable solution without the long-term debt or maintenance headaches. This guide explores the extensive offerings of Mr. Rent A Car, a company that has built its reputation on accessibility and trust since the mid-nineties. We look at their diverse fleet—from eco-friendly hybrids to high-capacity passenger vans—their rigorous safety standards, and their strategic locations across British Columbia and Alberta.
Long term hire car options are increasingly popular because they bridge the gap between short-term rentals and the heavy commitment of a car lease. At Mr. Rent A Car, we recognize that life is unpredictable. You might need a vehicle for three months today, but your needs could change by next month. Our extended rental plans are designed to accommodate this reality, offering significantly discounted rates compared to daily rentals while maintaining the flexibility to swap vehicles or extend your contract as needed. We aim to provide a service that feels less like a transaction and more like a supportive travel partnership, ensuring you have the right wheels for every chapter of your journey.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Mr. Rent A Car: A Legacy Since 1996
When looking for a long term hire car, the stability of the company matters. Mr. Rent A Car was born in 1996 in Richmond, British Columbia. Our founder started the journey with just five vehicles and a strong belief: that people would value a rental service that combined competitive pricing with a human touch. That hunch was correct. Within just two years, our fleet grew tenfold, reflecting the high demand for reliable, accessible transportation.
By the year 2000, we expanded into Vancouver, serving a mix of local residents and international tourists. Over the following decades, we continued to grow, opening branches in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Surrey, and eventually bringing our “best rent prices” philosophy to Alberta with our Calgary locations. Our history is one of steady, purposeful expansion, ensuring that we are always where our customers need us most. This decades-long track record provides the peace of mind that comes with dealing with an established, professional organization.
Financial Wisdom: Why Long-Term Rentals Make Sense
Many people assume that renting a car for a month or more would be prohibitively expensive. However, at Mr. Rent A Car, our long term hire car structure is designed to be highly cost-effective.
Discounted Monthly Rates
When you commit to a rental for a month or longer, our pricing model shifts. We offer attractive monthly rates that can be up to 40% lower than standard daily pricing. This makes an extended rental a viable alternative to owning a car, especially when you factor in the costs of insurance, registration, and depreciation that owners have to bear.
No Hidden Maintenance Costs
One of the biggest financial “shocks” of car ownership is the unexpected repair bill. With a long term hire car from Mr. Rent A Car, that risk is eliminated. We handle all routine servicing, oil changes, and mechanical repairs. If the vehicle needs a tune-up, we simply swap you into another high-quality car, ensuring your daily life is never interrupted by a trip to the mechanic.
Insurance Flexibility
In Canada, specific insurance requirements apply to all vehicles. For rentals that extend 90 days or longer, we treat the arrangement as a short-term lease, which requires a minimum basic insurance package from our office to ensure total compliance and protection. For shorter durations, we work with you to ensure you have the right Damage Waiver (CDW) or third-party liability coverage, giving you a tailored protection plan that fits your budget.
A Fleet for Every Requirement
A primary advantage of a long term hire car is the ability to choose a vehicle that perfectly matches your current lifestyle. Our fleet is modern, diverse, and regularly updated to include the latest automotive technology.
Efficient City Commuters
For solo drivers or professionals needing to navigate urban centers like Vancouver or Calgary, our economy and compact sedans are the top choice. These vehicles are selected for their fuel integrity and ease of parking. They provide a smooth ride for the daily commute while keeping your fuel costs to a minimum.
Versatile SUVs and Crossovers
If your long-term plans involve mountain adventures or navigating the snowy winters of British Columbia and Alberta, our range of SUVs and crossovers provides the necessary stability. These vehicles offer higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features, making them ideal for those who need a bit more power and room for gear.
High-Capacity Passenger Vans
We are a premier provider for groups and large families. Our 7-passenger and 8-passenger minivans are perfect for family life, while our 12-passenger and 15-passenger transit vans serve community groups and corporate teams. Keeping everyone together in one vehicle for an extended period is often much more efficient and enjoyable than managing multiple smaller cars.
Eco-Friendly Options
We are committed to sustainable travel. Our fleet includes a growing selection of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), including Tesla rentals. For a long term hire car, these options are fantastic because they drastically reduce your environmental footprint and save you a significant amount on fuel or charging costs over the course of several months.
Strategically Located for Your Convenience
Accessibility is key to a successful long-term partnership. Mr. Rent A Car has locations situated near major travel hubs and residential areas across two provinces.
- Vancouver and YVR Offsite: Our location on Drake Street is in the heart of the city, while our offsite branch just minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is perfect for those arriving from afar.
- Richmond: Our original home on River Road remains a hub for locals and those working near the industrial parks.
- Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam: These locations provide suburban access, meaning you don’t have to travel into the city center to pick up or service your long-term vehicle.
- Calgary and YYC Offsite: Our presence in Alberta, including a branch near Calgary International Airport (YYC), supports those exploring the prairies or the Rockies.
Having multiple locations means that if you need to exchange a vehicle or speak with a staff member in person, a Mr. Rent A Car office is never far away.
Safety and Reliability: Our Garages are Our Pride
When you drive a long term hire car, your safety is our top priority. We don’t just wash the cars; we maintain them to the highest professional standards. Reliability is built in our garages, not just on the showroom floor.
Rigorous Maintenance Protocols
Every vehicle is checked before and after each rental. Our professional mechanics perform regular servicing to catch any potential issues early. We check brakes, tires, lights, and engine performance to ensure everything is functioning perfectly. Because our fleet consists of modern vehicles—usually less than two or three years old—you are also benefiting from the latest safety engineering.
Advanced Safety Technology
Many of our vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Depending on the model you choose for your long term hire car, you may have access to:
- Collision Avoidance: Automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warnings.
- Lane Discipline: Lane departure warnings and lane-keeping assist.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and fatigue alerts.
- Integrated Telematics: For added security and real-time support if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation.
Recall Management
We monitor manufacturer recalls daily. If a vehicle has a safety alert, it is grounded immediately. It stays off the road until it is serviced and certified safe. This level of proactive care ensures that our long-term renters are always in the safest possible hands.
Transparent Policies for Peace of Mind
At Mr. Rent A Car, we believe in total transparency. We want you to understand exactly what is required to secure your long term hire car.
Documentation and Requirements
- Valid Driver’s License: A Class 5 BC license or equivalent is required. For larger vehicles with more than 10 seats, a Class 4 license is necessary.
- Age Policies: The standard age to rent is 25. Drivers between 21 and 25 are welcome but may be subject to a higher security deposit and an underage surcharge.
- Major Credit Card: We require a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) in the renter’s name for the security deposit hold. Please note that we do not accept debit cards or prepaid cards for this authorization.
The Security Deposit
Transparency extends to our deposits. For economy to full-size cars, the deposit is lower for those over 25. For specialized vehicles like SUVs, luxury cars, or large vans, the deposit is standardized to ensure the safety of our high-value fleet. These amounts are clearly communicated before you sign your contract.
Seamless Online Reservations
Planning a long term hire car doesn’t have to be a chore. Our website is available 24/7, allowing you to browse our inventory and book your vehicle in just a few clicks. The online system calculates your discounted long-term rate automatically, ensuring you get the best price for your duration.
Our website is also “logistical sanity” in digital form. You can see seating capacities, luggage space, and fuel types for every model. You can even choose to go paperless with digital contracts, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly and modern business practices.
Additional Features for Your Journey
We offer more than just the car. To make your extended rental as comfortable as possible, you can add various extras:
- Additional Drivers: We make it easy to add a second or third driver to your contract. Both drivers must be present with their licenses, but having an extra driver is a great investment in safety and comfort for long road trips.
- GPS and Child Seats: If you are new to the area or traveling with little ones, we provide high-quality GPS units and safety-certified child seats for a nominal fee.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Should you ever encounter a flat tire or a dead battery, our support team is just a phone call away, day or night.
A Human Approach to Car Rental
While we have grown significantly since 1996, Mr. Rent A Car remains a brand that values the human connection. We avoid using the ultimate word because we believe that “reliability” and “transparency” are the true benchmarks of a great rental company. Our staff at every location are trained to perform a pre-rental walkthrough, showing you how to use the safety features and ensuring you feel confident before you drive away.
Whether you are a business traveler needing a professional image or a local family needing a temporary replacement for a vehicle in the shop, we treat every long term hire car contract with the same level of professional care. We are proud of our history and the role we play in the communities of Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Calgary.
Professional Tips for Long-Term Renters
To get the most out of your extended rental, keep these tips in mind:
- The “Full-to-Full” Policy: Always return the car with the same amount of fuel it had at the start. This is the gold standard for fairness and helps you avoid extra refueling charges.
- Golden Hour Inspection: Take photos of the vehicle at the start of your rental. This documentation ensures there is no confusion regarding the vehicle’s condition when it is returned.
- Smart Driving Habits: Driving at a steady speed and avoiding sudden starts and stops saves fuel and reduces wear, making your journey smoother and more eco-friendly.
- Regular Checkups: Even for a rental, if you have it for months, it’s wise to occasionally check tire pressure and fluid levels. Our staff is always here to assist if you think the car needs a quick look-over.
A Growing Brand for the Future
Mr. Rent A Car is not just a place to hire a car; it is a vision of modern mobility. We offer franchise opportunities for those who want to bring our high standards to new communities. We provide a complete system of operations, reflecting the professionalized nature of our brand. This ensures that whether you are at our original Richmond store or our newest branch, the quality of your long term hire car remains consistent.
We are excited about the future of travel, including expanding our eco-friendly fleet and exploring carbon offset programs. Every small step we take towards sustainability ensures that the beautiful destinations we love to drive remain pristine for future generations.
In conclusion, choosing a long term hire car is a strategic decision that offers unmatched flexibility, financial savings, and peace of mind for anyone needing a vehicle for an extended period. Mr. Rent A Car stands out as a reliable partner, with a rich history dating back to 1996 and a strong presence across British Columbia and Alberta. By offering a diverse fleet that ranges from fuel-efficient hybrids to high-capacity passenger vans, the company ensures that every driver’s specific needs are met.
The commitment to safety through rigorous maintenance and modern technology, combined with a transparent pricing model and convenient branch locations, makes the entire process seamless. Whether you are navigating the busy streets of Vancouver or the wide-open highways of Calgary, having a well-maintained vehicle from a professional provider allows you to focus on your goals rather than your logistics. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and vehicle quality for nearly thirty years, we have established ourselves as the premier choice for long-term mobility in Western Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent a large passenger van in Canada?
You can find a variety of high-capacity passenger vans at our locations throughout British Columbia and Alberta, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and the surrounding Lower Mainland.
What are the best options for long-term car rental?
We offer specialized monthly and multi-month rental programs that provide significantly lower rates than daily rentals, making them ideal for corporate projects, extended vacations, or new residents.
How much does it cost to rent a large van for a week or weekend?
Rates vary based on the season and specific model. We offer competitive tiered pricing where the daily rate decreases as the rental duration increases, ensuring value for weekend getaways or week-long trips.
What are the requirements for renting a 12 or 15-passenger van?
Drivers must meet the minimum age requirement (typically 25 for large vans), hold a valid driver’s license, and provide a major credit card. Specific license classes may be required depending on provincial regulations for high-capacity vehicles.
Are there unlimited mileage options for long-term rentals?
Many of our long-term rental agreements include generous mileage allowances. Depending on your specific travel needs, we can often customize a package that includes extended or unlimited mileage.
Can I book a one-way rental between Vancouver and Calgary?
Yes, we facilitate one-way travel between our major hubs in BC and Alberta. This is a popular choice for groups looking to explore the Canadian Rockies without returning to their starting point.
What insurance is needed for extended or large vehicle rentals?
We offer several coverage options, including Loss Damage Waivers (LDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance. We recommend checking with your personal provider or credit card to see what additional coverage you may already have.
How do I book a vehicle for several months?
Long-term bookings can be initiated through our online reservation system. For stays exceeding 30 days, our team can provide a customized quote to ensure you receive our best “long-stay” rates.
Do you offer cargo vans for moving furniture?
While our fleet focuses on passenger comfort and group travel, our large SUVs and minivans offer significant interior space for smaller moving tasks or transporting personal belongings.
Where is the closest Mr. Rent A Car location near the airport?
We provide convenient service near major Western Canadian airports, including Vancouver International (YVR), Calgary International (YYC), and Edmonton International (YEG), often including shuttle or meet-and-greet services.
What are the advantages of a monthly rental over a lease?
A monthly rental with us provides the benefits of a vehicle without the long-term legal commitment, maintenance costs, or high down payments associated with traditional dealership leasing.
How can I compare SUV rental prices for a cross-province trip?
You can use our website to view and compare different SUV classes—from compact to full-size. Our system automatically applies the best available rates for long-distance, cross-province itineraries.
