Sell your car for cash and join a car club

It has been revealed that it costs on average over £2,500 each year to maintain a car, according to research by Sainsbury's Finance.

With the increase in fuel duty that figure is set to grow. One suggestion to counteract the increasing price of owning and running a car is to sell your car for cash and join a car club. Becoming a member of a car club allows you to rent a vehicle whenever you wish, for the price of a membership fee and small hire costs.

The popularity of such car clubs has been growing over the past few years, especially in urban areas where factors like the lengthy application process for a parking permits have encouraged many people to sell their cars.

One nationwide car club operator, announced last month that its membership grew by 90 per cent in 2009. They will be growing their fleet by 50 per cent in the next year.

Hailed as a cost effective, greener alternative to owning a car, car clubs charge as little as £5 an hour for cars that can be booked online or over the phone at a moment's notice.

Owners of luxury brand cars are the people who would see the greatest savings by selling a car and joining a car club. Instead of paying to maintain and insure a luxury car, you can rent one from a luxury car club. Car clubs allow you to continue to drive in the luxury you're accustomed to, at a fraction of the price.

Stuart Travis, Doncaster, Kia Sorento CRDi XS

Phil Packham, Shoreham-by-sea, Toyota Rav 4