Too soon for car rental deal 2/2-2/9?

[MartDM]

Hi,

We'll be arriving in Orlando on 2/2 and departing from Sarasota on 2/9. The best deals for an economy car seemed to be about $140 total after the usual organizational and coupon discounts (AAA, BJs, DC, etc.) were deducted and all the taxes & fees added. I already booked National (with DC rate & free day coupon) in case rates don't come down but I'd like a better deal (last year we had a much bigger car for less).

Obviously, I'll be rebooking if rates come down but I've been a bit out of touch from the boards during the summer. Just wondering what the scuttlebutt is on deals for that time. We really like National (used them for the first time last year thanks to DC deal) but ultimately are looking for a deal. Can I expect rates to come down? Are there any particular times they generally do?

Thanks for any advice!

[robinb]

You just never know about car rental rates. Sometimes they go up and sometimes they go down. You've done the best thing you can in making your reservation already. Just check back at National every once in awhile for lower rates. It's easiest to book the new rate and cancel the old one.

[Jcricket Fan]

This will show you my need to get a life......

I have a ressie. with National for 1/22/02-2/01/02. I have been tracking rates for this time period since last year so I would know a good rate when I saw it. According to my research the prices for our trip times should be dropping in a few weeks IF it follows last years pattern.

I have booked an Intermediate size and have never checked the rates for an economy car like what you have reserved.

My weekly rate right now is $147.00 for my time period. Last year when the rate dropped in Aug. for rentals during 1/01-2/01 it went to $114. a week!

I am waiting on the big drop right now! I don't know if this helps but I do believe the rate you have now should be dropping soon.

Colleen

[MartDM]

Thanks very much for the info!!! I'll keep an eye on the rates (and this board!).

[ParkFreak]

I have booked no less than 9 reservations for September through Emerald Aisle since April! There is no penalty in cancellation, so every time the price goes down a few bucks, I just make a new one! So far, our 8 days (with DC discounts) has gone from 216.29 to 141.47!

Wish I could say more, but I've got to check the National web site again!;)

[Jcricket Fan]

I will post on this board when I do see the rates for next year drop...it's the least I can do after all the great info. from these boards!
It makes me shudder to think how much money we wasted on other WDW trips before I came here.
I know we paid several hundred $$ more then necessary on our 1998 trip for a car....we just didn't know any better.

A big thanks to everyone who shares their knowledge!

Colleen:earsgirl:

[travelcoupons]

I get a rate of $107.20 with all taxes and fees included for a compact car for your dates using Hertz & the Northwest Airlines Frequent Flier CDP# found at http://www.travelcouponsonline.com/best.html .
You must be a member of Northwest Airlines frequent flier program (FREE) and you do not have to use Northwest Airlines. (I'm using Delta for my trip.)

Ooops...I didn't see that you are using a one-way rental. I get $149 total for one way with return at Sarasota.