Returning a car early?

[Bob NC]

I'm finding 7 day rental rates lower than the rates for the 3+ days I actually need the car. Anyone have any experience in renting a car for a week and returning it almost 4 days early? How rediculous is this anyway? lol

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

LOL! That is weird. When I was travelling I remember seeing weekly rates that might be equal to a 5-day or 6-day rental, but not 3.

I know if you rent a car for 5 days and return it a day or two early, they will only charge you for the time rented, which usually results in a decrease in the bill. Not sure what they would do in this case, Bob. Have you tried calling the rental companies and asked them (anonymously, of course)?

[GoldenOldie]

True that they will only charge you for the time rented but since most (all?) of the car rental companies base their weekly rates on 5 days, anything less than that gets charged the higher daily rate not a prorated share of the weekly rate. So by returning it earlier, you could be paying more than by keeping it for the 5 day minimum.