rent or buy for 5 months?

I'm probably only going to be in the UK for 5 months, but I'm having a hard time getting around without a car with 2 kids. The rental options are expensive, would it make more sense to buy a car? Am I missing some affordable long term rental option, I'm getting quotes around 600 a month.

Can you insure a purchased vehicle if you are not resident? I had to show proof of residency for my insurance and to purchase the car from a dealership, but private sales are different.

Public transportation is pretty good but it depends on your plans!

I'm probably only going to be in the UK for 5 months, but I'm having a hard time getting around without a car with 2 kids. The rental options are expensive, would it make more sense to buy a car? Am I missing some affordable long term rental option, I'm getting quotes around 600 a month.

I'd stick with renting vs trying to purchase for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which, margo mentioned already.
 
Don't know if this place is any good but it came up when I searched.   https://www.apexrental.co.uk

When I was here as a visitor in 2012, I purchased a car from a private seller, registered it in my name to my now-husband's address, and insured it through USAA's London affiliate.  I paid cash for the car, so there were no financing issues to worry about.

As far as I know, there was nothing untoward with what I did.  DVLA had no issue with me being the registered keeper of the vehicle, and I was able to insure it.