Your own set of wheels promises freedom - and a few headaches, writes Jane E. Fraser.

Buying would be so much cheaper than renting a car: such was our response to the question of how to navigate North America on an extended trip. Even if we had to dump it at the end of our six-month trip, we ought to be thousands of dollars in front, or so we reasoned.

Buying a car would be considerably cheaper than any form of public transport and would give us a great deal more freedom.

The short version of what transpired is that we bought a Volkswagen Kombi van in Los Angeles, drove it 23,000kilometres around the US and Canada and sold it near New York for a profit.

The profit we made on the vehicle covered most of the cost of our insurance and repairs for the trip, which meant we had travelled for six months for not much more than the cost of the petrol.

Having our own vehicle meant we were able to travel wherever we wanted, including national parks and out-of-the-way places, and having a campervan saved us a fortune on accommodation, as well as enabling us to stop anywhere that took our fancy.

Of course it was not quite that simple, as it is difficult for a non-resident to buy and insure a car in the US.

We spent hours and hours on the internet, combing through various states' rules and regulations, and encountered more than a few hiccups.

We deemed the effort and hassle to be worth it for the length of time we were travelling and the freedom and cost savings that having our own vehicle gave us - but carrying out our decision did require a certain amount of determination.

If you want to buy a vehicle to travel around Britain and Europe you will find it a lot easier.

There are no restrictions on who can buy a vehicle in Britain - all you need is a friend or relative's address to use - and you can take the car on the ferry across to France and travel through Europe.

It is also possible to buy a car or campervan in Africa and South America, and in some places you will even find companies that offer guaranteed buy-back, although the buy-back price is often low.

The savings in buying your own vehicle are a temptation, but the purchase requires careful consideration.

If you do not know one end of an engine from the other you could find yourself stranded in odd places and spending a lot of money on repairs - particularly if you are tempted to buy an old campervan or something else at the bottom of the market.

Investigate whether any Australian motorists' associations have reciprocal rights overseas.

Our NRMA membership saved us on a few occasions when our battery went flat, as there was an arrangement with North American roadside assistance organisations.

From California to French Canada, we were able to phone up and get service, just as we would at home.

You also need to ask yourself whether you are willing to spend up to a week at either end of the trip finding and then selling a vehicle.

Some internet research before you leave can save a lot of time and give you an idea of prices, but selling the vehicle at the other end can involve a bit of luck. We put a sign in the window towards the end of our trip and sold the van easily, but we were prepared to dump it if necessary.

Many cities have unofficial car trading areas, where backpackers buy and sell vehicles. These sites are often useful for buying camping gear and everything else you need for a long haul.

The best way to find out where to buy is to ask around or put up notices at youth hostels or backpackers' accommodation.

And don't forget to get an international driver's licence before you go - rules vary from country to country but it is best to have one.

ASK YOURSELF

Hiring a car

Does the price include unlimited kilometres?

Is there a cheaper rate for long-term hire?

Are you allowed to take the vehicle across borders?

Are you allowed to take the vehicle on dirt roads?

Can your vehicle double as accommodation?

Are there extra charges for returning the vehicle to a different depot?

Buying a car

Are you confident in buying and selling vehicles?

Do you have any mechanical skills?

Have you factored in the cost of insurance and repairs?

Are you a member of a motoring organisation with reciprocal overseas services?

Can your vehicle double as accommodation?

Can you spare up to a week at each end of your trip for buying and selling?

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