Did National Rent a Car not get the memo on the double dip recession? $826 for a....

[RI Disney Clan]

We've been renting Minivans for years and always from National. This year that streak might come to an end. There's just four of us but we enjoy the space...especially to and from the airport.
-My DW thinks she's traveling secretary for the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't met a suitcase that she couldn't over-stuff.
-Weighing our luggage is as routine as packing a toothbrush in my house.
-I mean....sitting on the airport stuffing cargo shorts into my carry on is part of my annual routine.
-No matter how hard we try to avoid it, it's inevitable. We're working on getting her professional help.
-The only thing that works harder than the zippers on our suitcases is Dakota Fred on Gold Rush....fyi...I'm addicted to Sluse Boxes.

Luckily, we booked a Mid Size Chevy Impala last week for $275 all said and done. This was really a back up plan as we hoped the Minivan price would come down a bit.

I guess the folks at National don't know we're in a double dip recession!!!

Not looking forward to sitting on suitcases but we still have a few more weeks for National to sober up.

Thanks,
Jwill

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Not sure when your trip is but looking for a car more than 3 weeks from your travel date will result in some heart attack rates. Rental companies will release their last minute rates around 10-14 days from your arrival date. So check again when your trip gets closer. Also look at this board for discount codes and tips.

 

[gmeh1]

We've been renting Minivans for years and always from National. This year that streak might come to an end. There's just four of us but we enjoy the space...especially to and from the airport.
-My DW thinks she's traveling secretary for the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't met a suitcase that she couldn't over-stuff.
-Weighing our luggage is as routine as packing a toothbrush in my house.
-I mean....sitting on the airport stuffing cargo shorts into my carry on is part of my annual routine.
-No matter how hard we try to avoid it, it's inevitable. We're working on getting her professional help.
-The only thing that works harder than the zippers on our suitcases is Dakota Fred on Gold Rush....fyi...I'm addicted to Sluse Boxes.

Luckily, we booked a Mid Size Chevy Impala last week for $275 all said and done. This was really a back up plan as we hoped the Minivan price would come down a bit.

I guess the folks at National don't know we're in a double dip recession!!!

Not looking forward to sitting on suitcases but we still have a few more weeks for National to sober up.

Thanks,
Jwill

Chevy Impalas are full size cars.
I have yet to see a inexpensive rate for a mini van anywhere. You did not say when you were going. But, as the PP said, they tend to drop the closer you get to your trip.
National is a business, just like any other and I have yet to see any business give a hoot about double dip recession. It is all about supply and demand and the bottom line. I repeat the line "it is a business....." over and over again every time I go to the grocery store.

 

[jsilvers]

I guess the folks at National don't know we're in a double dip recession!!!

While the economy still has issues, we're not in a double-dip recession. See, for example, http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...5_1_jobless-rate-unemployment-rate-labor-pool.

 

[mieuxmew]

Your post had me cracking up! We try hard not to overpack, too, but can't seem to bring less than 3 suitcases for a family of four. I prefer the minvans, too, as I know we will have enough room and not stress too much. Minivans are a premium rental price. National rates are usually quite high. Check Alamo, Budget, etc. I have even had success bidding on Priceline.

 

[Lewisc]

Car mfg used to give the rental agencies great deals. Short term leases. Guaranteed buy backs. These deals are gone. The rental agencies have found the number of miles on the vehicle greatly affects resale value. So much so it makes sense to let the vehicle sit unrented rather then rent it for the kinds of rates we got a few years ago. Consequently agencies have reduced their inventory of vehicles. It's not like an airline having to unload a plane. Just don't purchase as many vehicles as vehicles you're selling.

The rental agencies are sobering up and trying to reduce unprofitable discounting.

I agree with the PP. Keep looking and you may find a rate you can live with.

 

[rwdavis2]

Mini Van rates have gone insane. We booked (7 days) one out of SFO for June. The original rate from Dollar was about $920 and I've been able to rebook for around $830. This is about double what it used to be.

 

[n2mm]

Rates with National have been very high lately and even when we traveled in late January this year, our rental rate did not drop until 4 days before we left. We did snag a good rate, but never thought it would happen. We are about 3+ weeks away and I'm booked with Alamo. I love National and try to stay true to them and even pay a little more, but they currently out of my ballpark. I was lucky because a few weeks ago Alamo had some really great prices. I got a minivan with Alamo for Apil 19-26 (1 week) for a total of $224 (that's after taxes). I also booked a full size car for April 26-May 12 (2+ weeks) for $250 (after taxes). So I'm happy to get those rates for a 3+ week trip. Since then the prices have doubled or worse. I'm still hoping that National starts coming down some as I will most likely lose my Executive Aisle status for 2013 if I don't rent at least the second part of my trip through them. (The reason for 2 vechicles is because we have family the first week and then they leave -- a full size was much cheaper, so we just have to switch out one evening.) Still hoping I can rent with National for April 26-May 12, but I do have a back up plan. I originally booked an explorer with Budget for $231 for the week (after taxes), but dropped it when Alamo came through with a minivan. I did see a little movement with Alamo this morning, so hopefully things will start improving soon. I check twice a day!