Comparing Avis to Budget?

[bbwhos]

Could anyone offer a comparison of Avis to Budget at MCO? Prices for our May 3-10 rental are $5 more with Avis vs Budget and I can't decide if Avis offers newer cars or better service vs Budget. Plus these are pre-paid rentals which I've never done before. We've used Alamo before and like the pick your own vehicle which I am aware Avis/Budget do not offer. But they are offering lower price than Alamo for our dates.

 

[BOST99]

Typically across the board Avis has the newer cars with less miles then Budget. Avis is suppose to be the higher level brand with Budget a step below. Payless is their discount brand with older cars. I've rented from Avis and Budget at MCO and have gotten decent cars in good shape but their check-out lines did take forever.

Edit to Add: I joined Alamo's Insider Club and found some really great rates that way. I love being able to walk right to the car.

 

[bbwhos]

Thanks for your experience! Yeah, I prefer Alamo and with various legit codes (BJ's, Insider's, SWA) they're over $200. Avis is offering $155 for full size (AARP code plus $30 coupon). We're 4 days out and would be very satisfied with the $150 range so I might just jump on Avis. My DH always looks for the lower mileage cars at Alamo

 

[nacho113]

Actually, Avis is the Business arm of the business (and the parent company), Budget is the consumer oriented part of the company and Payless is the budget (no pun intended) part of the company.
Generally speaking, Avis uses the same shared fleet of vehicles at airport locations for all it's companies.
Although it does seem that Payless ends up with the higher mileage vehicles or those with more basic options.

***note: higher mileage in a rental car can mean the vehicle has 8-12,000 miles, but the vehicle will still typically be an almost new current model year vehicle. (vehicles that are beyond this mileage are typically sold off)

Also as far as "basic" vehicles, you will still be getting decent amenities, AC, Power Lock/Windows, Automatic, car stereo etc.

 

[bbwhos]

Thanks!! I'm setting up an Avis account now. The price came down to $136 (prepaid) all in for full size, 7 days. I'm pleased with that!

 

[achang2001]

I had a TERRIBLE experience at Budget at MCO wanting to charge an extra $35 for picking up 1hr early. After being harassed for almost an hour, I told the guy "forget it" and went to Alamo and got a car. Guess what? That bastard still charged my card for the rental even though I never picked up a car and I spent an hour after I returned from my vacation with the manager from that location to issue a refund! NEVER AGAIN, even at a good price!!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I had a TERRIBLE experience at Budget at MCO wanting to charge an extra $35 for picking up 1hr early. After being harassed for almost an hour, I told the guy "forget it" and went to Alamo and got a car. Guess what? That bastard still charged my card for the rental even though I never picked up a car and I spent an hour after I returned from my vacation with the manager from that location to issue a refund! NEVER AGAIN, even at a good price!!!

You need to watch your language. Obscene language is not allowed.

Changing the pick up or drop off times can affect your rate. I don't know how this was a surprise.

 

[bbwhos]

We arrived for pick up with Alamo one time 3 min early using kiosk when they just came out. Our rate was extremely higher. I went to the counter and both the rep and us laughed; the kiosk system would not allow our pick up 3 min early. She said she could process us or we could wait 3 min and try the kiosk again. Since we were not in a hurry and curious, we tried the kiosk at 9:01 am and it worked fine.

 

[bbwhos]

Just got back ... Used Avis with $30 off coupon and AARP discount (which also gives you a free upgrade). Signed up for their Perferred service so we went right to garage. $136.72 full size (7 days/2 hrs). Since it was our first time with Avis we had to go to rep in garage. The free upgrade got us a a 2016 Lincoln MKZ with 3600 miles. Really nice car especially since we were expecting a Ford Focus. They were awesome to deal with pick up and return. Actually returned car 1 hr early and they reduced price accordingly. Had a great experience with Avis!