Cheapest Rental Car

[newfiegirl]

Hi, I have never rented a vehicle before, so I am a little daunted about all of the online sites out there. Should I wait and book a rental when I am finished our stay on site (we are staying in Florida for a few days after our on site Disney vacation) or book ahead of time? What are some suggested sites? Also, what is a reasonable price for 5 days in an economical car? Thanks

 

[mdsd8700]

I would definately reserve a car now. You will get a better deal by doing it a head of time. Finding the best rate can be quite daunting and take a lot of time. Mousesavers has a page devoted to many of the major rental car companies with all their codes. It is time consuming to see which ones apply to you and then input them all at the various rental sites. However it's worth the time if you find a great deal. I often like to go straight to CarRentalSavers.com and enter all of my information there. It then lists most of the major rental companies and prices including tax for each of the vehicles. Often you have to keep checking to find the best price. So once you find something continue to check until just before you leave. I have been known to save some money a week or so before our departure. Joining the renter's program for the company you rent from can save a lot of time. We belong to most of them and it has been benficial in terms of time and sometimes additional discounts. The key is too keep checking your rate.

There are too many of us to rent an ecomony car so I don't know a fair price. Hopefully someone else can weight in.

Have a great trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

As already mentioned, check out Mousesavers for some car rental codes. Check out various companies. Alamo/National are located at both the Dolphin and the Car Care Center (by the MK). The other companies are located in DTD...Budget, for instance, is located in the Doubletree. Some companies will send a shuttle for you, others won't.
Renting a car in Florida isn't an inexpensive proposition. It always seems to be high. So, check the different companies. But be sure you know what you are going to need to rent as far as credit card, age, etc.
I usually see costs of about $25-30 a day for most companies. But it all depends on when, where and what you are renting. Run various numbers and see what you come up with.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Renting a car in Florida isn't an inexpensive proposition. It always seems to be high.

I'd disagree on this, in my experience and opinion, rental cars are very inexpensive in Florida in comparison to other markets and think many people experience sticker shock when they see rates in places like NYC, Dallas, or California. Even smaller cities tend to be more expensive. Florida rentals, espicially Tampa and Orlando are some of the cheapest in the nation.

 

[webworm]

Hi, I have never rented a vehicle before, so I am a little daunted about all of the online sites out there. Should I wait and book a rental when I am finished our stay on site (we are staying in Florida for a few days after our on site Disney vacation) or book ahead of time? What are some suggested sites? Also, what is a reasonable price for 5 days in an economical car? Thanks

Check Expedia.ca since they have some good rates right now.

 

[pigletto]

As someone who also started this process with zero knowledge of renting a car I'd say you've gotten some good advice. This board has a thread for each of the approaching months where people share their finds, and that's a good start.
I also have spent hours pouring over the codes at Mousesavers and playing with different dates and codes. It takes some time.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

As someone who also started this process with zero knowledge of renting a car I'd say you've gotten some good advice. This board has a thread for each of the approaching months where people share their finds, and that's a good start.
I also have spent hours pouring over the codes at Mousesavers and playing with different dates and codes. It takes some time.

Time consuming, but kind of fun. For me, anyhow!

 

[pigletto]

Time consuming, but kind of fun. For me, anyhow!

Totally!!
Glad I'm not the only weirdo.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Totally!!
Glad I'm not the only weirdo.

It's like a game!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I'd disagree on this, in my experience and opinion, rental cars are very inexpensive in Florida in comparison to other markets and think many people experience sticker shock when they see rates in places like NYC, Dallas, or California. Even smaller cities tend to be more expensive. Florida rentals, espicially Tampa and Orlando are some of the cheapest in the nation.

True. I don't think I phrased my response correctly. It seems that rental rates have gotten higher and higher in Florida. I think that a lot of people think they are going to get a rental car very cheaply, but it doesn't seem to happen very often.
But, I suppose 'cheap' and 'inexpensive' are relative terms. What one person considers to be too high is going to be inexpensive to someone else.

 

[pigletto]

True. I don't think I phrased my response correctly. It seems that rental rates have gotten higher and higher in Florida. I think that a lot of people think they are going to get a rental car very cheaply, but it doesn't seem to happen very often.
But, I suppose 'cheap' and 'inexpensive' are relative terms. What one person considers to be too high is going to be inexpensive to someone else.

I would say that's accurate. I had only ever seen posts where people were happy because they had gotten such a good deal. I didn't pay too much attention though because I wasn't looking at the time.
So imagine my surprise to be finding the rates so high! It seems like good deals can be had, but they aren't guaranteed by any means, and you really have to look for them these days.
Everyone is saying the rates are much higher than they have been years previous unfortunately.

 

[mdsd8700]

I It seems like good deals can be had, but they aren't guaranteed by any means, and you really have to look for them these days.

I think you said that very well. I guess I always have a "theshold" in mind as to what I would like to pay and if I can come around that price I am happy. If I can come in under that price I am thrilled, but that may not be the same threshold for everyone. I think the key is to constantly keep checking. Often times I have gotten a better rate just 1 or 2 weeks out from the date of our travel. It is a like a game to see if you can beat what you already have...I hope you win