Alamo v. Dollar

[sarha]

Which do you prefer?
I have gotten almost identical rates using BJ's codes and I'm wondering how to choose between them.
We have always used National before and love their cars,convenience and service but this trip their rates are way too high.
So, can people please tell me which car rental agency they prefer, Alamo or Dollar?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by sarha
Which do you prefer?
I have gotten almost identical rates using BJ's codes and I'm wondering how to choose between them.
We have always used National before and love their cars,convenience and service but this trip their rates are way too high.
So, can people please tell me which car rental agency they prefer, Alamo or Dollar?

I prefer Alamo, mainly because they do not put a hold on your credit card for the rental. They charge you upfront and only the total of your reservation.
Also, you can select the car you want from Alamo, dollar assigns them.
Also, while the both accept Debit cards, Dollar runs a credit check on you if you use one which can mess up your credit when it shows an inquiry made for purchasing a car.
Also, if they don't like your credit report, they will refuse to rent to you even if you present a credit card.
Bottom line, I don't like Dollar's business practices, hence, I will probably never rent from them.

 

[sarha]

Gail, thanks for the info. I didn't realise Dollar put a hold on your card.
This certainly makes my choice easier.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by sarha
Gail, thanks for the info. I didn't realise Dollar put a hold on your card.
This certainly makes my choice easier.

Yep, they sure do, the cost of the rental plus. They tell you that, but, you have to dig for the info.

 

[sorchamac]

Originally posted by sarha
Which do you prefer?
I have gotten almost identical rates using BJ's codes and I'm wondering how to choose between them.
We have always used National before and love their cars,convenience and service but this trip their rates are way too high.
So, can people please tell me which car rental agency they prefer, Alamo or Dollar?

Did you check Mary Waring's page on www.mousesavers.com about National car rental? I was just reading it last night. She has some contract ID numbers that you can use that might help you get a better rate. It worked for me - I got a weekly rental in Nov for a total of $200 with taxes and everything, and that's an intermediate Emerald Aisle rental.

HTH

Sorcha

 

[sarha]

Thankyou both for all the info.
I had forgotten about using the Entertainment coupon, and between that and the fact that the WWEB code seems to have been extended to July 14th I was able to get an intermediate for $186 which is about $40 LESS THAN ALAMO AND DOLLAR.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by sarha
Thankyou both for all the info.
I had forgotten about using the Entertainment coupon, and between that and the fact that the WWEB code seems to have been extended to July 14th I was able to get an intermediate for $186 which is about $40 LESS THAN ALAMO AND DOLLAR.

Try using the 6600330 for the contract code. That seems to eliminate one of the taxes.
I have a full size for 8 days for 178.13.

 

[sarha]

Thanks Gail, I used the BJ Member code and it gave me the same rate as using 6600330 for the contract code.
I'm hoping the rates might go down further but that's probably being overly optimistic.