Best tips for car rentals

[PalVal]

Where does one begin when they start their search for the best car deals? It seems overwhelming to search each company. I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of time.

 

[Luv2Diz]

1. If you belong to Costco (or another wholesale club), check their website. I often get good deals through Costco.
2. The best rates are usually about 2 weeks before you need to rent the car.
3. Read the Transportation section often here on the DisBoards. You'll see where Diser's are getting the best rates and which coupon codes they are using. That will help you decide which company to rent from.

Good luck!

 

[1tufgt]

Mousesavers is a good place to start.

 

[sympatico]

I usually try carrentalsavers.com Most of the ID codes and coupons are entered for you and you can compare the different companies just by putting in your dates.
Sometimes however on their site you can get a better price by clicking on say Alamo and putting in a different combination. They show the codes and coupons available.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I always book a car when I determine when I am going down to make sure I have a reservation. Then I just keep checking for codes, sales, etc throughout all our planning . I hit up hotwire and priceline a few days before to see if I can get something cheaper, and also go to the website of the rental agency to check out their last minute deals. This time I was able to reserve a midsize on emerald aisle (National) 2 days before the trip for $118 (5 days). Thought that was pretty good

 

[grumpytx]

Take this for what it is worth. I have used Dollar the last several times and have booked sometimes 6 months in advance. On their website they will sometimes offer deals under "city specials" which are pretty good. I generally book and continue to watch and sometimes they offer a last minute deal and sometimes they don't, good luck.

 

[At World's End]

I have had good luck with National and Alamo in the past, mostly due to their frequent renter programs. Sign up for both a few months in advance (free links on Mousesavers.com). They will send you coupons via email. When you rent an intermediate with them you have a good chance of getting a larger car for the same price because you pick from any vehicle on the aisle.

I tend to use the orbitz and expedia just to get an idea of what prices are.
When I see one I am comfortable with, I book it. I then continue to watch the prices every week or so. When they drop, rebook. When you get a coupon, try rebooking. If the price is not lower, call the agency and tell them you just got a coupon and would like it applied to an existing reservation.

Also highly recommend watching the car rental board for your month to see what teh deals are.

In the past, I have found the best deals either way in advance or last minute. Our first trip I got a mini van with National for $325 for 10 days in Jan. - booked 6 months in advance and never saw a better deal. Next trip I rented an Int. with Alamo for $201 for 10 days (also Jan.) (booked the day before departure) and we found a minivan in the int. aisle.

 

[1tufgt]

I say if you come across a rate your comfortable with then book it because you can always cancel it if you find a better deal later on.