Best rates for rental cars?

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I'm not just talking in CA. We're driving from Utah and could take our own vehicle but are toying with the idea of renting a larger one for comfort reasons. Are there any good tips or tricks for getting the best price? We'll need it for a week and maybe 2 days.

 

[Nonsuch]

Check Costco, we used them on several trips (not DL, since we drive from home).

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Check Costco, we used them on several trips (not DL, since we drive from home).

Thank you! I never would have thought of costco.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Use third party sites like Kayak.com or Hotwire.com to search for who has the best deals...but then STRONGLY recommend booking directly with the rental car agency.

Costco is solid though.

 

[whoopsiedoodle]

Also check with your insurance company to see if they have discounts with any companies. We rent a car to drive to DL and our insurance has a 20% discount with Enterprise I believe!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Ok you guys are great, thank you!

 

[Cal-Pie]

Definitely use Costco, and book well in advance, then keep checking rates. Budget typically has the lowest rates in Utah. Neighborhood locations almost always have lower rates than airport locations. Make sure you check every location within your area, because rates can vary wildly between locations.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Ok cool. I've never used budget, just enterprise and we definitely didn't get an amazing rate last time.

 

[ParkHopper1]

When you are pricing it out...also look at the option of picking up and returning the car at an airport location. Can often be cheaper than the neighborhood stores.

 

[Aussie Princess]

I also use car rental savers for our car hire last trip collates all specials

 

[tzeitel]

Check the transportation board here on the Dis. I was looking for a car yesterday (for Oct) and found some great codes on that board

 

[idle]

When you are pricing it out...also look at the option of picking up and returning the car at an airport location. Can often be cheaper than the neighborhood stores.

I've found this to vary because in many cases the airport locations charge airport fees. LAX for example will charge ~11% airport concession fee and a $10 facility charge on top of the usual taxes/fees at a neighborhood location. So unless the rate per day is much cheaper, you'll likely pay more from the airport. But if you don't rent from the airport, you have to figure out a way (taxi, uber, etc.) to get to the neighborhood location which also costs $.

Best rates I've seen usually come from Costco and/or Sam's (LMTC) - especially if you pay in full in advance.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Best rates I've seen usually come from Costco and/or Sam's (LMTC) - especially if you pay in full in advance.

If you prepay on these 3rd party sites with your credit card, do you know if you'= still benefit from the CDW coverage some cards have? I can see a great pre-pay deal on LMT but I'm hesitant to do so for that reason.

 

[xlxo]

Other thoughts....

• you mentioned larger vehicle... love minivans and SUV's.... especially with luggage.
• if you are not comfortable driving a larger vehicle.... look for vehicles with backup cameras for confidence/safetly when parking.
• Thrifty's is my preferred choice as their minivan have backup cameras. I was very disappointed with Dollar when they gave me a Pathfinder with no backup cameras on a recent trip.

 

[idle]

If you prepay on these 3rd party sites with your credit card, do you know if you'= still benefit from the CDW coverage some cards have? I can see a great pre-pay deal on LMT but I'm hesitant to do so for that reason.

Great question. I googled it and came up with this site: http://www.doctorofcredit.com/car-rental-insurance-are-priceline-rentals-covered-by-the-credit-card/

Looks like it would be OK, but before taking it at face value, i'd contact your card issuer to get official word.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Great question. I googled it and came up with this site: http://www.doctorofcredit.com/car-rental-insurance-are-priceline-rentals-covered-by-the-credit-card/

Looks like it would be OK, but before taking it at face value, i'd contact your card issuer to get official word.

Thank you! I called my card company (TD visa) like you suggested just to be sure and it is, as long as the entire rental is charged to the card.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Other thoughts....

• you mentioned larger vehicle... love minivans and SUV's.... especially with luggage.
• if you are not comfortable driving a larger vehicle.... look for vehicles with backup cameras for confidence/safetly when parking.
• Thrifty's is my preferred choice as their minivan have backup cameras. I was very disappointed with Dollar when they gave me a Pathfinder with no backup cameras on a recent trip.

I think we're gonna go for a minivan. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[LaVon]

we just got a great deal on a mini van through Airport Van Rentals We got it for 8 days at 263.

 

[Flickor]

I book Avis through Wyndham rewards, usually beats anything else I see by a lot