How much does it cost to rent an automatic and what do you get for that?

And the winner of the 2013 "Plain English" award IS:

Not you.

Read the question again and tell me what you find difficult in that.

I believe you get an automatic car.

what's a pip?

we can't afford another one

That little phrase contains enough information to tell you that she will lose the car.

It looks like Pete's girl-friend currently gets the higher rate mobility element of the Disability Living Allowance. She's traded that in for a new motability vehicle ( insurance tax and breakdown included, and new vehicle every 3 years ). In the next two years or so all the people on DLA are to be re-assessed for Personal Independence Payments ( aka PIP ) - if you are awarded Enhanced Mobility of PIP you can keep the car. If you lose it, it's likely you have to return the car within a month or so.

If renting a car, there are deals at many major car hire companies where you get a car for up to 72 hours at the weekend for less than 50. Deposits of 600 are common though. Insurance, tax and breakdown included. You just need to fuel it and bring it back unscathed.
Fill the freezer and pantry, buy a months drinks and bulky items like kitchen tissue and any other large items, have a day trip to a summer show - job's a good un.

Thanks Bongo for you unconventional, but maybe ultimately practical reply

Look at long term leasing (if that's what you mean) not renting.

Weird, So people on benefits are being advised to rent cars at weekend or even do long term leases?  And OP cant work out for himself whats involved and whats the price is of renting a car.

This must be a fishing expedition!

another one of these benefit layabouts - a car on the tax payer!!??  make me sick - you don't need a car in town - why not just roll out of bed and ring them to deliver your daily white lightning and **** like I do!!!

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http://click.specials.enterprise.com/?qs=c9f7c7a56fe3d016ca10a40db7be7abf58b18b65e1c25ea91a6c4e298c0d0e9d30466a5afba3bdb4c6aeae8226909bc7

is an example of a rental for around 50 for the weekend.
Friday afternoon - big monthly shop, toilet roll, fill freezer etc, any DIY stuff
Saturday - mining museum or chilli festival or other, let them know in advance you're coming and any special requirements
Sunday - pick up the relatives, bring them to yours, Sunday roast with trimmings, get them hammered, drive them home, they'll be grateful for your efforts.
Monday - return car in the morning, get the bus home ( some car hire operators will drive you back if you ask nicely )

For many people planning a monthly budget is somthing they've never needed to do. So they become state dependent zombies queueing at the Post Office counter twice a week where the conversation goes: "How much?" to which they reply "All of it". Then they pause to buy a scratch card from the other counter before leaving. As always there's two sides to the blame game, the benefit dependent, and the government which made them so.