Can anyone help. I can't get a reasonable 9 day rental for mid Jan!

[sweetp267]

I have tried my darndest in the past month to track down a reasonable price for a minivan for Jan 14-22, 04. The best I've come up with is Alamo for about $320. I know that I can do better, and I usually do, but usually around this amount of time before departure, I can find a better deal. Is it because all of the promos and rate codes expire before Xmas? If there will be new deals coming out for '04, when should I expect them? Also, is it because my rental period falls during MLK day would that affect the price?

Thanks for any help

Jon

 

[sweetp267]

bump

 

[Rpsemont]

I have found that rentals over 7 days can be tough. I am currently holidng a 7 day rental for Pres Week Feb with the vacation outlet codes and coupons that's $180 (total cost) for a full size. At this point, I told DH maybe we'll do a one day - one way rental from MCO to WDW and return the car. Live without a car for one day, and than pick up the 7 day rental at WDW and return to MCO.

Depending on where you're staying and if you plan right that might be something to consider.

 

[mousefansmom]

I have a full size car reserved through Priceline (got Hertz) for $21/day --15 days/Christmas Week and the week after. My total with fees and tax is close to what others are paying for just one week.
Good Luck!

Mousefansmom

 

[Rpsemont]

While I have used priceline in the past, be sure to weigh all the costs. I find when I book through traditional methods, I am able to verify all costs, e.g. extra driver fees (with National EA - spouse are free) If you get an agency with pricline that charges extra driver fees, that could add $10 DAY to the rental.

 

[mousefansmom]

RPSEMONT--You are right, you need to be careful. However, from MCO, only the top companies are used. For example, in the case of Hertz, if you are affiliated with their rental club (Hertz #1 Gold club and other clubs (AAA, AARP etc) they do not charge their regular $7/day charge for the additional driver. You can usually get the membership fee waived, too, just check around! You just need to make sure that out of all of the possible companies at whichever location you rent from, that you know the ins and outs. That way there are no surprises. The taxes are added on after your purchase, but that would be the case with booking directly ( they usually advertise the price without fees added). If you are a savvy consumer, you can be well-prepared, AND save money!
Good Luck Sweetp267!

Mousefansmom

 

[xlstacey]

We are going to Orlando and will be there the first 2 week in January. I too have had a very difficult time getting a good rate. Costco always has good discount codes and will be coming out with the new ones in November. I have a minivan reserved and do keep trying priceline with the price I want as well. I have been denied about 4x as of yet. I figure that a lot of codes will be coming out this next month & you can keep trying priceline too. Mousesavers.com has a ton of info too and will probably be updated w/those car rental codes next month too Good luck!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mousefansmom
RPSEMONT--You are right, you need to be careful. However, from MCO, only the top companies are used. For example, in the case of Hertz, if you are affiliated with their rental club (Hertz #1 Gold club and other clubs (AAA, AARP etc) they do not charge their regular $7/day charge for the additional driver. You can usually get the membership fee waived, too, just check around! You just need to make sure that out of all of the possible companies at whichever location you rent from, that you know the ins and outs. That way there are no surprises. The taxes are added on after your purchase, but that would be the case with booking directly ( they usually advertise the price without fees added). If you are a savvy consumer, you can be well-prepared, AND save money!
Good Luck Sweetp267!

Mousefansmom

Just to make sure we are on the same page, are you saying that Priceline does not disclose the total price of the rental before you submit a bid? If so, I think you are mistaken. They disclose the entire amount, including their service charge, BEFORE you hit submit for the final time. You know what you are paying in total.

Most of the sites will give you the total amount before you book, so, again, no surprises.

 

[mousefansmom]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
Just to make sure we are on the same page, are you saying that Priceline does not disclose the total price of the rental before you submit a bid? If so, I think you are mistaken. They disclose the entire amount, including their service charge, BEFORE you hit submit for the final time. You know what you are paying in total.

Most of the sites will give you the total amount before you book, so, again, no surprises.

Well, I meant the bid price, but if I remember correctly I submitted my price with my credit card number, and it was charged as soon as the bid was accepted. After that I saw the page with the taxes, but I already knew what they would be (had figured it out before bidding). At that point, I don't think I could have changed my mind, but I may be wrong. I am more familiar with Hotwire, and only have used Priceline sporadically. Regardless, if one does their homework, it helps to alleviate the stress from unwanted surprises. Hope that clarifies.

Mousefansmom