car rental for drive down(newbie to car rentals)

[pickles]

wanting to drive to Disney from iowa april 4 and return april 13

looking at car rentals, I have only ever used enterprise for some other trips

ok..I could use my truck, but I was looking at less wear on my vehicle and much better MPG

can anyone translate the size cars? I was looking at economy or compact thinking that would be best mpg, but those seem to be higher priced.
there is just 2 of us, so we don't need a ton of space

what size car is the best deal price per day vs mpg?

also, I see Disney AP has a discount with Alamo..is it a "real" discount or are better deals found elsewhere. I had considered upgrading this year to a AP, but weighing all options first. I go to Disney semi reg, but have always flown in the past

finally what is the best way to shop the cars? like Travelocity or? and is it cheaper to pick up at an airport or?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would look at Dollar's compact which are usually Ford Focus and get 40 miles to the gallon. That is what we have rented the last two times we went to Nashville and loved the car. It was roomy enough for the two of us. Road nicely and got good gas mileage.

 

[auger]

Been an AP holder for a number of years, and I have never used the AP discount for a car.
We always find a better deal through other sources.

I think any of the compact or int/mid size cars will do well for the two of you.
I would never get an economy, just because I wouldn't feel safe, ESP on a long drive.
I had a Toyota corolla last oct for a trip from Tampa to panama city beach. Got about 36 mpg on the trip. Drove well and comfortable ride.

 

[Shelly S]

I always book a rental car that can be easily cancelled and rebooked. If you have a membership Costco usually offers really good prices for Some of the major companies. Dollar city specials are sometimes a good option.

We get all different size cars based on price. Sometimes full size, Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry (not really full size to me) are cheaper than compact but still offer good mpg.

 

[gdrj]

looking at car rentals, I have only ever used enterprise for some other trips

I see Disney AP has a discount with Alamo..is it a "real" discount or are better deals found elsewhere. I had considered upgrading this year to a AP, but weighing all options first. I go to Disney semi reg, but have always flown in the past

finally what is the best way to shop the cars? like Travelocity or? and is it cheaper to pick up at an airport or?

Just my thoughts here:
1- You want to make sure there are not location restrictions when renting locally. Awhile back I had rented a car from Enterprise and it was restricted to neighboring States.

2- Lots of threads on car discounts I would look at them. I have had success with BJ's (technically need to be a member) or Entertainment.com.

3- For me when using travel sites unless you add discount codes the rates are no better than going direct.

4- Airport may be cheaper, technically you can only rent if arriving at airport, I believe. NOT that you can't do it if you are local but again I have seen language on contracts stating as such.