Car rates unusually high now?

[cigar95]

I've been checking rates for our late January / early February trip, and all the *major* rental firms (Hertz/Avis/National/Dollar/Budget) seem really high right now - like $165 a week and up (base rate) for an intermediate/midsize.

I've been able to knock that down a bit with the Carlson discount rate, but it seems like rates booked well in advance used to be the lowest. Has there been some sort of seismic change in the rental car world in the last 6-8 months or so? Or is it just part of the post-9/11 travel slump? (these higher rates didn't happen right away after 9/11 - that's why I'm wondering if it's something else.)

This is just sort of a rambling question. Unless we have rental company execs, we're probably doing a lot of speculating. Nonetheless, thanks for any insights here.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Car rentals overall have slumped since 9/11, which in turn forces the rental companies to raise their rates to remain profitable. Even so, a weekly rate of $165 works out to about $23.57/day which isn't too bad -- at least until you add on all the taxes, fees, recoupments and other charges. I travel on business a lot and usually estimate between $200 - $250 (or more in some larger cities) for a week-long intermediate car rental. If/when the economy picks up and people begin renting more cars, the rates may decline ... but I wouldn't hold my breath for that to happen soon.

 

[Jcricket Fan]

I have been checking rates for our late Jan 04 trip for months and the prices have varied widely. I booked with National at a rate just under $300.00 for 10 days Intermed. Booked the same car type, same time frame in 02 and the cost was under $250.00.

I continue to check the rates several times a day waiting for the rate drop (which I do believe will come) right now the rate has jumped up $30.00 from when I reserved!

As I say, I do believe that they will continue to fluctuate and I will just make a new ressie. when it happens. I also use coupons & contract codes to check different rates.

Keep a good thought...I (and others on the boards) will post if we see the rates dropping so everyone can share in the savings!

Colleen

 

[cigar95]

The days of $70 a week in Orlando are long gone, I'm sure. But even two years ago it seemed like you could get an intermediate for $110.

Some businessman is going to realize that by cutting prices and scaling back his operation a bit, his business will pick up and the public will be lined up at the door waiting to get in.

 

[DebbieB]

Keep checking, prices usually go down in the fall.

 

[disney4me4ever]

The rates seem to have gone up around May and have stayed high ever since. I made a reservation w/National back in April for our September trip and I check at *least* weekly, have tried all of the mousesavers coupon codes (even WWEB which is actually higher than the rate I have now). I keep thinking they will go down, but no deal. Hopefully there will be a break before your trip.

Nancy