Car Rental Reviews

[chasingthtdream08]

We are renting a car from MCO for our trip 11/30-12/8. As we plan to do quite a few things off-site (Orlando Eye, Orlando Outlets, Universal, Daytona). I have been in research mode for what seems like forever. I have made several reservations, canceled and rebooked at many different companies. I would say my main concern is budget. It's just me and my BF so we don't need anything bigger than a compact, really (however it would be nice).

However, when I'm reading reviews, almost every company just gets pummeled and of course the ones that have semi-great reviews are almost double or triple the price then the ones I'm looking at. I truly can't afford anything more than what I have booked now but need a car for the duration of the trip. Do I just suck it up? Currently I'm booked at EZ Rent A Car and have rented from them before in Tampa and had no issues. Most reviews were about the cleanliness of the cars, which is really not the end of the world to me. Does anyone personally have experience with this location? My other one was Thrifty, which got worse reviews than EZ.


Gahhhh so stressful!!

 

[chasingthtdream08]

Also - as I said above, most companies get horrible reviews. Is this just common the the car rental industry? Yikes!

 

[siskaren]

Also - as I said above, most companies get horrible reviews. Is this just common the the car rental industry? Yikes!

I think it's just that people are more likely to go online to post negative reviews than positive ones.

 

[chasingthtdream08]

Agreed. However, I work in hospitality and don't see nearly the same amount of negative reviews vs positive reviews on hotels as I do on car rentals. I'd say car rental companies (at least in Orlando, as that's the only place I'm looking) are 90% Neg and 10% Positive and hotels more like 60% Neg and 40% positive, if not 50/50. Just my two cents.

 

[rwdavis2]

To keep the chance of a problem at a minimum, completely photograph the car when you pick it up making note of any dents/scratches. Then bring those to the attention of a lot attendant. Some companies have you mark them on a piece of paper.

Photograph it again when you return and ask the agent if there are any problems.

Or, buy all their insurance like they want you to. Lowers the chance of a problem and about doubles the price.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I don't know if you've paid in advance, but if you haven't, keep checking the different companies. Their prices can change daily or weekly, but they do change often. If you're a Costco member, go to their site for some possible deals. If you go to the rental sites, sign up for their loyalty plans (if they're free), as the price can change.

 

[chasingthtdream08]

@FigmentSpark I haven't paid in advance. So I will definitely keep an eye out. I know previously when I've visited other cities, just for kicks I would check the day before my departure and prices had dropped significantly due to companies trying to push out some last minute rentals. So I will definitely be doing that this time. Also, will be joining all loyalty programs! Thanks for the tips!