A challenge to those who KNOW how to rent cars!

[riu girl]

Using codes from mousesavers I have secured a car rental ressie for TPA Dec 17 1030am-Dec 31 10 am for $350 US (Thrifty using the Wrmt code).

I am just wondering if anyone knows how could I could find a cheaper rental?

It seems that rentals are cheaper in MCO (national, contract ID 6600330, coupn 10009123) $211 inc. taxes and I am just wondering if we should fly into MCO vs. TPA. I really don't want to do this since our destination is Siesta Key (about 1 - 1.5 hours south of Tampa) and that will be a long drive from MCO.

Any suggestions on finding a less expensive rental in TPA:
pick up: Dec 17 (10:30 am pickup) 2005
drop off: Dec 31 (1000 drop off) drop off

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Suzy V.

 

[seashoreCM]

Get more codes from different companies, and go their websites and plug them in frequently. Every time you find something cheaper, book it and thenc ancel what you booked previously.

There is no other way.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[siobhan1997]

We saved money by using the "TP7" budget location in Tampa, it is not even 5 minutes from the tampa airport, but because it was off airport property we saved a bundle on our mid size SUV. Try using the walmart code w81001 and see what rate you get.

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the tips. I checked the off site Budget rental and it worked out to be just $15 less ($335 vs. $350) then my Thrifty rental. I figure I would spend at least $15 on cabs to get to/from the off site Budget rental place. But thanks anyway.

Any other suggestions???

Suzy V.

 

[DisneyBill]

The best rates I've found on the last 2 needs were through southwest's site. However, they are only booking through the 1st week of September at this time. Their rates killed anything I found using codes that I had, including the ones you mentioned from mousesavers.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Thanks for the tips. I checked the off site Budget rental and it worked out to be just $15 less ($335 vs. $350) then my Thrifty rental. I figure I would spend at least $15 on cabs to get to/from the off site Budget rental place. But thanks anyway.

Any other suggestions???

Suzy V.

You might inquire as to whether Budget has a free shuttle to the off site rental location. In busier airports this isn't uncommon.

 

[sweetp267]

You have plenty of time. Keep checking weekly. The rate will go down. My rental at MCO with National started at around $220 for Mar 30. I started looking in November and now my lowest went all the way down to $136 total for a mid size emerald aisle. Be patient you have plenty of time and shop around, Thrifty might not be the cheapest.

Good luck!

 

[llyolf]

check out www.rentalcarmomma.com I plugged your dates in with an Intermediate from Thrifty and got 295 and a Full-size for $326... that's about all I could find.... everything else was WAY high...

Thanks,
Paul

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for doing that legwork for me Paul. I checked the intermediate with THrifty and with taxes/fees etc. it came to $387(intermediate). Maybe my rate of $350 /2 weeks with Thrifty isn't too bad after all.
Any other ideas???

Thanks
Suzy V.

 

[dvc guy]

While you may find a cheaper rate Christmas week is the most expensive week for car rentals in Fl. I have been renting for years during that week and the rate you got is not bad considering the length and time of year.