Any experience with Simply Wheels?

[BlakeNJ]

I have a mini van rented for our November trip (Thanksgiving) and thought I got a good deal at $250. Are there better deals to be had?

Thanks,
Blakely

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Here's what I posted about Simply Wheelz recently:

Simply Wheelz is an effort by Hertz to compete for the price-sensitive leisure market, while maintaining traditional Hertz services and pricing for business travelers and loyal Hertz customers.

I've used Simply Wheelz twice. Both times, the rates were dirt cheap.

You board a regular Hertz bus at the airport, which provides very frequent service. After a few minutes, you get to the Hertz lot just north of the airport. Hertz #1 Gold members get off the bus at the first stop. Other Hertz customers get off at the second stop. Simply Wheelz customers get off at the third stop.

You use a self-service kiosk to check in. The kiosk spits out your contract and parking stall number. You go to your car in that stall; the keys are in it. You present your contract to the guard as you exit from the Hertz lot.

Both times, I reserved "Ford Taurus or similar." Both times, the actual car was a Honda Accord. The first time, it was a shiny, new, low-mileage Accord (very nice). The second time, it was a dented, older Accord (with about 20K miles). I asked an employee at the Simply Wheelz counter if Simply Wheelz customers are now getting the cars that are too old for Hertz. He assured that Simply Wheelz and Hertz pull from the same fleet, and that it's just a matter of luck.

You don't get frequent flyer points. And if you're a Hertz #1 Gold customer, you don't enjoy the usual benefits.

It seems that Simply Wheelz pricing varies wildly depending on what dates you're looking for and how far in advance you're booking. The rates seem to get better if you're not booking for way out in the future.

For my first two Simply Wheelz rentals, I paid about half the corporate rate I usually pay for Hertz. But, recently, when I tried to book another Simply Wheelz rental for later this year, the Simply Wheelz rates were higher than my corporate rate (my employer's rate contract with Hertz applies to business and personal car rentals).

I would gladly use Simply Wheelz again if I can get a good rate.​

 

[BlakeNJ]

Thanks Horace. Sounds like you had a good experience. I'll post mine when I return!

Blakely

 

[seashoreCM]

I haven't tried them yet but to me they're "just another company".

They might have a different check in method or the cars might be in a different lot but what counts is they could be sold out or have higher rates some of the time.

I forget the name and city but I once saw another rental company with a vending machine with contracts and keys inside for customers (maybe just customers with reservations) to check in using.

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

 

[rwdavis2]

Based on the rate I got from Dollar for our January 2009 trip, Simply Wheelz, was double the price for the same type of vehicle. $150 vs. $300+
Bob