Car rental newbie. Need experts please!

[prairiegekko]

I will be arriving at MCO around may 2. The plan is to tour and interview with about 4 hospitals and check out apartment and housing rentals for my upcoming move to Florida! This will happen may 2-may 8 at which time I have decided to extend the trip to a vacation at pop century from may 8-16. I am hoping to rent a car (there will be one other adult with me) for the first week to get around florida, then use disney transportation during the second week. I am really trying to get a ball park figure on the best rate and best company to use, as I will possibly be traveling a distance span of ft myers to gainsville. What is the average mileage rate on top of the rental price? All knowledge and help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Most larger car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, Budget) will offer free unlimited mileage. You can do an easy price comparison using Orbitz, Expedia or Travelocity web sites. From there, you might check discount codes at Mousesavers.com, rentalcodes.com or bnm.com/joe.htm to get a better price. Before completing the rental agreement online, be sure that the company specifies free unlimited mileage as part of the contract. Good luck!

 

[salmoneous]

Just want to add one point - we getting ballpark ideas about rental fees, but sure to look at the "all-in" price, and not just the rental fee. A $150/week rental can be over $200 once you add in all the *manditory* fees, and even higher if you get all the options.

There's not much you can do about the manditory fees, but you can decline almost all the optional fees. In particular, 90%+ of people are covered under their own car insurance policy, and have no need to get the coverage the rental car companies will try hard to get you to buy.

 

[prairiegekko]

Thanks so much for the tips. I had no idea unlimited mileage existed! Well, this sounds much better than I feared.

 

[samano]

Another thing to look at on the individual rental company's site is a link for 'Specials' or 'Hot Deals' or something similar. A lot of times you can find a discount code on their own site that may be applicable to your ressie. And sign up for their email subscription list, you'll get specials emailed to you when they come up. Good luck!

 

[prairiegekko]

Alright, I took up your suggestions and did the internet search. The best rate came from Payless..an economy for one week is $99.99 + estimated tax and fees $36.87 with unlimited mileage. total $136.86. Does this sound about right? Am I missing anything? The other companies that were comparative to this one were EZ, L&M and Fox. How are these companies? Good reps, bad reps ect. which ones should I stay away from? Which car rental company is on disney property? I know I heard of one somewhere. Thanks everyone

 

[safetymom]

Personally I would stick with the big name companies. If you are driving around and have problems I don't know how much help the smaller agencies would be.

 

[Disneynut25]

Try Mouse Savers

 

[prairiegekko]

Found a code on mousesavers for a compact from Dollar for $144 including tax. This looks like the best deal yet. what is the scoop on dollar? Mousesaver recommends this company. Thanks for all of your help