Alamo vs. Dollar

[TChrist05]

My DW and I will be in Orlando for 8 days in September. Dollar and Alamo have almost the same rate for a full size car. Which company would you choose? Thanks for any input.

 

[MillauFr]

I have used both and would say they are about the same. I have good luck with Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Avis, National. I usually go for the cheapest.

 

[ktate82]

Assuming you are picking the car up from MCO, I would go with Alamo. Thats because you can sign up for their free membership program, do online check in, go straight to the row, and pick a car. Not having to waste time standing in line and at the counter is so worth it to me.

 

[magicwdw]

It always comes down to Alamo vs Dollar for me. Both are usually the cheapest. I like Alamo Insiders program better than Dollar Express but I will still go with the cheapest. Dollar City Special has worked the best for me my last few trips. I have rented from both many times and never have had a problem.

 

[gmboy95]

I can only speak for Alamo, and they were great the last two times we used them

 

[alc571]

Love Alamo! Will not rent from anyone else now. We book a Standard (which MCO doesn't have, so you get a Fullsize for the same price), and do the online checkin to skip the counter completely. I hate the upselling!! The cars are nicer, newer and in better shape as well.

I will never EVER rent from Dollar at MCO again. The last time we rented there, we had to pick up our car at midnight and they had nothing left. They were the only rental agency with a huge line of people waiting to get cars, and they were giving everyone a minivan (which we did NOT want at all) but charging them for it - not a like a "sorry we are out of the car you booked here's a free upgrade" kind of thing. We get to the counter, and the guy says "well you can walk out there and see if there happens to be a car in the aisle" and then REFUSED to rent us a car without buying their insurance. We have coverage under our own auto policy, as well as our AMEX Gold card. He would not let us take the car. At this point, our flight had been delayed an hour, it was 1am and our son was dead tired, and there was no one else open that we could see. Our $250 rental (13 days) turned into over $800 with their insurance and other fees. And then we get to the car - it hadn't been cleaned, had dents and scratches all over it, and ran like a piece of garbage. Never Ever again!!!

 

[BigAlsGal]

Alamo! Dollar/thrifty is awful. Long waits, crappy cars, and pushy salespeople paid commission on upgrades.

Alamo you go in, give your info, and drive away. No one trying to upgrade you.

I will never choose Dollar again. No matter what money it saves me.

My experience was at Sanford International. Unfamiliar with other airports.

 

[Donna M]

We have rented from Dollar and haven't had a problem. We have Dollar Express and avoid the counter also. We go with the cheapest company on grounds.