Car Rental - Am I going about this wrong?

[latexscooter]

I know it's early but I wanted to get ahead of things as much as possible. I'm okay waiting for a better rate but I want to make sure I have a good understanding of the rates before booking.

We're going May 25 to June 2, 2010 (8 nights/9 days). I know the rental rates will kill ya when you go over a week so I thought I would try to book through National with a pickup at the Dolphin or the Car Care Center on the 26th with a return to Orlando International on June 2.

Right now I'm looking at compact rates of $298 ($238 before fees) for the week. Granted thats without codes which I hope to get as we get closer. But since that isn't guaranteed I'm not banking on it.

Do you think I'm going about this wrong? Should I try and do both a pick-up and drop off at the airport and pay for a couple extra days? Or should I try another location that is closer? I'm concerned I'm going about this wrong and would love to hear what others do to get the best rate or when they are in a situation like mine.

Thanks for the help.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

The highest rates usually go to those booking for a short-term rental mid-week and without a weekend stay. Business travelers. Once you rent for an entire week you don't get gouged with the extra days beyond that. Obviously it's cheaper to rent for 7 days than 8 days but don't hinder yourself with other expenses because you fear an extra day. It should be 1/7 of the weekly rate added to the weekly rate.

Do use codes you qualify for.

Don't fear booking now as long as you book something you can cancel. Check regularly to see if the rate has gone down and cancel and rebook all the way up until your trip date. Rates will definitely change and most likely go down. Be sure to "clear your cookies" before doing a rate search. Use multiple-rental company searches through Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. so you can compare all rental companies in one scan. Rots of ruck!

BobK/Orlando

 

[latexscooter]

Thanks for the advice! I followed what you said and went ahead and started exploring the full length of stay rather than just sticking to 7 days and the hassel of getting a car a few days in. I think I found a fairly decent rate but wanted to get some more feedback. 9 days, compact, picking up and dropping off at MCO for $165.17 which is reallly $235.31 after fees. Its through Dollar who I have rented through before. I'm hoping to get another coupon to add to that or find a better rate. What do you think, good?