In Reply to: Hiring a car in bali posted by dan_the_man on Friday, 12. February 2010 at 15:52 Bali Time:
Driving around Tuban/Kuta/Legian/Seminyak is a nightmare. So don't get a car for there - just use cabs. Sanur is much easier for driving.
If you want to get away from the touristy areas then having a car is great. As you say, you can stop where you want. Even going to Ubud a car is useful as there are no Bluebirds there &, although most hotels & restaurants have courtesy cars, it can be a huge pain negotiating for transport otherwise. If you book a hotel in advance anywhere be sure to ask if they have parking.
If you head west then you will be in the midst of the convoys of trucks & buses coming from & going to the ferry to Java - horrendous. Avoid it. Mostly, though, the traffic in Bali is quite slow as most road users are on motor scooters. Adang adang (slow slow).
We always get a car in Bali. DO examine the car closely & drive it around before handing over any rupiah. Pay attention to the seats (you'll be sitting in them for yonks) & brakes, especially. Also, many cars have a film across the top of the windscreen which is a huge pain for visibility.
It is great having your own transport & being able to stop whenever & wherever you want. Just take it slowly, be sure to have a good map &/or be prepared to stop & ask. Far cheaper than using a driver. Getting lost can be so much fun. Don't plan to do too much at a time, take it easy - we have verged on divorce more than once, LOL.
Be sure you have a proper international lic & that your travel insurance co will cover you. Enjoy.