September 2015 Car Rental Watch

alc571 · May 4, 2015

richmo said:
You should book something, just so you have it. Although not great, the $340 for 10 days for a mid-SUV isn't horrible. But try not to be impatient, September is still 5 months off and the best rates generally show up in the last month. But, especially since you're looking at a non-standard car class, you should have something to hold onto in case the rates don't behave like they usually do. Just don't prepay!

We are looking for a standard car - the mid-SUV is cheaper then them, which is the only reason I quoted it. I'm happy with anything in the mid-size/standard/full-size range. We will not be booking with Dollar. We had a bad experience with them last trip, and not great the couple times before, so we're moving on to Alamo. As soon as I can book a car in our price range, I'm booking - even if I pre-pay to get a lower rate. I just stop looking after that :flower:

Dis5150 · May 4, 2015

We have decided to fly and rent a car instead of renting a car to drive 16 hours to get there. It will come out roughly the same price, since we were going to do motels going and going home. So, now I can book with anyone, not just Enterprise, yay!

Daisybell911 · May 5, 2015

I'm going September 23-29 and hoping I can find a convertible cheaper than the $400 they are asking for now!

Mommy2aPrince · May 7, 2015

7 passenger mini-van: P/U & D/O @ MCO, 9/27 thru 10/4 thru Alamo using insider log on - VROOM Code (299851) and $30 off (AD2338fdf) for $244.61!! :yay:

That is the cheapest I have found in quite a while.

TwoMisfits · May 7, 2015

Thank you, thank you for the codes (where do they come from - I have an entertainment book and AAA and insider status, so I can show all that stuff) - just booked 11 days in Sept in a minivan for $403.41 total

...

cantwaitvaca09 · May 7, 2015

Mommy2aPrince said:
7 passenger mini-van: P/U & D/O @ MCO, 9/27 thru 10/4 thru Alamo using insider log on - VROOM Code (299851) and $30 off (AD2338fdf) for $244.61!!
That is the cheapest I have found in quite a while.

Thank you so very much for sharing this however, is anyone having issues with Alamo.com it keeps bring me pack to the first page after I enter the codes??

jskacoc · May 7, 2015

What makes a person qualify for the vroom vroom code? I'm thinking this won't work for me since I am picking up at Port Canaveral and I've seen it works best when skipping the counter?

chocolatemint · May 8, 2015

Does the code work in the "coupon code" box? I'm showing it as invalid.

Jarmo · May 8, 2015

Looks like the $30 off coupon requires a Saturday, and we're going Sunday - Friday... but it didn't seem to affect the price when using the vroom code. However, isn't that code for international drivers only?

Other than the vroom code, the best deal I have so far for a week is through the Capital One rewards page, Midsize SUV for $206

richmo · May 8, 2015

chocolatemint said:
Does the code work in the "coupon code" box? I'm showing it as invalid.

The Vroom code is a Contract ID, not a coupon. Just a disclaimer: Although you probably won't have to, you should be able to document any code that you use. If you use a Costco Contract ID, you could be asked to show Costco membership (actually I think Alamo started asking for the membership number at reservation time, but I'm not sure about that). Same goes for Vroom...not sure what the fine print is, but it would be best if you at least know what the eligibility is. Generally speaking, Alamo does not check your credentials or ask for coupons at MCO (most coupons have gone electronic anyway), but its always possible they could...

cantwaitvaca09 · May 8, 2015

I did not know you have to be a member for Vroom code. How do you become a member. I was able to get a mini van for my 9 day trip in September with this code for $323

richmo · May 8, 2015

cantwaitvaca09 said:
I did not know you have to be a member for Vroom code. How do you become a member. I was able to get a mini van for my 9 day trip in September with this code for $323

I'm not saying you have to be a member for Vroom. I'm not sure what their conditions are, if any. I'm just saying that when plugging codes in, just be aware of requirements (if any).

I remember a few years ago, someone was using a code...I think it might have been for Avis...that had really good rates and included all the insurance that most people decline. That should have been a red flag. Anyway, they got in an accident, which caused problems because the insurance was supposed to cover employees and they weren't an employee. Not sure what the resolution was, but the company wasn't too happy about it.

chocolatemint · May 8, 2015

richmo said:
The Vroom code is a Contract ID, not a coupon. Just a disclaimer: Although you probably won't have to, you should be able to document any code that you use. If you use a Costco Contract ID, you could be asked to show Costco membership (actually I think Alamo started asking for the membership number at reservation time, but I'm not sure about that). Same goes for Vroom...not sure what the fine print is, but it would be best if you at least know what the eligibility is. Generally speaking, Alamo does not check your credentials or ask for coupons at MCO (most coupons have gone electronic anyway), but its always possible they could...

Thank you! Yesterday I did try it in that box too but it didn't work; tried it again today and success!! Also, for anyone reading, I wasn't able to stack the $30 off initially, but once I began the reservation, was able to go back and add it on.

Does anyone know if an additional driver is included? I couldn't find out anything in the small print and there was no option to add it.

chocolatemint · May 8, 2015

chocolatemint said:
Does anyone know if an additional driver is included? I couldn't find out anything in the small print and there was no option to add it.

I dug around and think I've answered my own question -- in the past, the VROOM code DID include the add'l driver, but no longer. To add an add'l driver you'll pay $9.99 extra per day. For our two week rental that's not inconsequential.

I went ahead and reserved but will keep hoping for a lower price closer to the trip.

richmo · May 8, 2015

chocolatemint said:
...Does anyone know if an additional driver is included? I couldn't find out anything in the small print and there was no option to add it.

I'm not sure which code you put in, but at least with Alamo, the second driver has always been included using the Costco contract id.

chocolatemint · May 8, 2015

richmo said:
I'm not sure which code you put in, but at least with Alamo, the second driver has always been included using the Costco contract id.

I used the VROOM code (it's half the price of the Costco code).

Dis5150 · May 8, 2015

Has anyone rented from Fox Car Rental? They have a really good deal, Sept 17-23, $200 and change for a Jeep Patriot, thru Sam's Club. That price includes all tax, insurance, roadside service and a 2nd driver. I know you have to take a shuttle to get to them, but I asked my DH and he doesn't mind. We won't be going to parks on the 17th anyway, just hanging out, so no rush. And the same on the 23rd, so no rush there either. I just have never heard of them.

12disneybee · May 9, 2015

just reserved a Ford Fusion, 5 people thru fox, $432/Total with tax/fees for for 16 nights in September, used no code. Best rate so far, beat Alamo with their codes, I don't mind the shuttle.

jessiegirl1982 · May 9, 2015

I always use Hotwire for rentals at MCO, and have never paid more than $18 a day for a full size. This year, we are going 9/20ish-10/3 (driving up to Gainesville first to visit family), and will need an SUV this time. Right now, rates are expensive. I will check back in June or July to start tracking rates. September is off peak, so rates go super low on Hotwire. I always end up with a Hertz or Budget, and never have to take a shuttle.

12disneybee · May 10, 2015

I will never use HOTWIRE again. I had to make a last minute changes a few days prior to leaving for vacation and wanted to ad few days, since I used HOTWIRE, I had to go back to the airport and pick up another car...never again.

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