Fill tank before MCO

[goofy4tink]

Ok, here’s the thing....I have a very early flight home. I don’t want to get off 417 to get gas closer to mco. I was hoping I could fill up the night before, on 192, then just right to mco in the morning. I’m driving a Tucson. Might my tank be full enough when I return it??

 

[SteveH]

So rough math after looking at at gas station near 192/I-4 is about 20-22 miles. So if you top off and it takes 1-2 gallons I think you're totally fine. I've topped off right after I got a car a couple times and the tank was defiantly not totally full. I think you'll be just fine.

 

[georgina]

Alamo charged me for 1 gallon when I filled up at Universal, driving a minivan. I have filled up near Disney and no been charged. It depends on who is checking you in sometimes.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks guys. Looks like I’ll chance it.

 

[laughinplace199]

We usually fill up at the Speedway on World Center Dr, right before you get onto 417. We've never had a problem.

 

[PHXscuba]

Even if it's a gallon at your price vs. the car rental company, it's only a difference of a couple bucks. Probably worth the sanity factor.

PHXscuba

 

[cluvsdisney]

We fill up at the gas station by the boardwalk as we head out to the airport. (Touch wood) we’ve never been dinged for it with the car rental company.

 

[Lewisc]

I assume most renters fill up by WDW. I look at the gauge before leaving the garage. If the needle isn't fully at F, preferably a little above F, I assume the rental agency didn't top off the tank. I bring it to the attention of the attendant. They mark the agreement to show I received my car 7/8 full. Easier for them then topping off the tank.

 

[PatMcDuck]

ONCE when I filled up at a WDW station, they nailed me. Said it was 1/8 or 1/16 low, something crazy, still read on F. I sometimes use my Waze and get off the highway closer to the airport, but this is not easy when I am alone driving or only with my special needs son. I usually am driving a mid-SUV.

 

[goofy4tink]

All was well. Topped off at a WaWa last night. I was staying off-site. Picked up 417 at the end of World Dr. no isdue with the gas level upon arriva!!

 

[The Mayor]

I always fill mine (and top it off) at the gas station next to Boardwalk and always arrive at MCO with a full tank. I've never had an issue returning a car.

 

[Timothy02359]

We usually fill up at the Speedway on World Center Dr, right before you get onto 417. We've never had a problem.

Same here.

 

[goofy4tink]

I always fill mine (and top it off) at the gas station next to Boardwalk and always arrive at MCO with a full tank. I've never had an issue returning a car.

That would make sense if you're going that way, but I was on 192, and picking up 417 at the end of World Dr.

 

[Lewisc]

FWIW
Some agencies have a refueling service fee, not sure if it's $5 or $10. If the agency tops it off you pay the service fee and their price for the gallon of gas (give or take) they put in.

One agency had a trial where they read the amount of gas using the cars onboard computer when you left the rental lot and again when you returned. I think it was wireless. I haven't read anything recently. I don't think it's being done.

 

[PSUGuy]

There's a gas station next to Board Walk, I've topped off there before the drive to MCO a number of times, no problems about gas level at drop off.

Bill From PA

 

[The Mayor]

That would make sense if you're going that way, but I was on 192, and picking up 417 at the end of World Dr.

Oh I thought you were worried about distance from MCO and having a full tank when you returned the car.

 

[cmwade77]

The last few times I have rented a car, they give it to you with less than a full tank and simply say return it to this level before bringing it back, so I usually go a little over that and then drive the rest of the way.

That being said, always check the price per gallon if you prepay the fuel, a hotel we were staying at recently had a car rental agency in it and if you prepaid the fuel, it was a good $0.50 per gallon cheaper than any of the local gas stations at the time. I know that doesn't help the OP, but just a heads up.

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh I thought you were worried about distance from MCO and having a full tank when you returned the car.

I was. But I was staying off-site, and the stations mentioned would have me going out of my way at 5:45am!!! I wasn't prepared to leave at 5:30, hoping that stations would be open. At lot don't open until 6am! I needed to be well on my way by then. Filling up at a nearby WaWa the night before worked just fine. It was just down the street from the condo I was in.

 

[goofy4tink]

There's a gas station next to Board Walk, I've topped off there before the drive to MCO a number of times, no problems about gas level at drop off.

Bill From PA

Bill, that's where I normally fill up!

 

[Lewisc]

The last few times I have rented a car, they give it to you with less than a full tank and simply say return it to this level before bringing it back, so I usually go a little over that and then drive the rest of the way.

That being said, always check the price per gallon if you prepay the fuel, a hotel we were staying at recently had a car rental agency in it and if you prepaid the fuel, it was a good $0.50 per gallon cheaper than any of the local gas stations at the time. I know that doesn't help the OP, but just a heads up.

Some people prepay for gas for convenience. It's all but impossible to save money, even with your example. I doubt the real difference is .50. Assume it is. 2.00 per gallon prepay vs 2.50. 14 gallon tank.

1. $28 to prepay. Add 10% concession fee plus sales tax total cost is 32.80
2. At 2.50 per gallon you'll have to use more then 13.1 gallons to come out ahead.
3. Its possible the agency didn't top off from the previous customer. The car might not even have the full 14 gallons. YOU LOSE.
4. You might not be willing to drive an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar area with the low fuel light on for 30 miles. You add a few gallons so you dont run out of fuel. You return the car with a few gallons. YOU LOSE.
5. You run out of gas a few miles from the airport. YOU LOSE.
6. You run out of gas and coast into the lot. You might save a few dollars. Did you win maybe or maybe not. See 3 above.