First time booking a rental car...did I get a good deal?

[senorak]

After reading many posts here on the DIS (and thanks to all who offered their advice), I decided to book a rental car for our trip next month (if for no other reason than easy access to ALL parks...no waiting for buses). After researching many agencies, I decided to go with National (still waiting to apply for EA...but booked it anyway). After using a combo of my DC discount and 2 car class upgrade, I got a fullsize 2/4 door w/ AC for $168.58 (including taxes/surcharges). Having never rented a car before...is this a good deal? BTW...it's for 8 days. Also, should I keep checking for lower rates? And what about other rental car companies....I know I've seen lower rates, but many of the companies were "off terminal" and frankly, I didn't want the extra hassle. I want to be able to pick up/return the car easily (w/o taking a shuttle) and from a reliable agency. Any thoughts?

DEB

 

[beattyfamily]

I don't think it's a bad rate but do keeping checking as the rate could definitely come down before your trip.

I check daily for trip Nov/Dec. My rate right now is $211 for 10 days. I believe it will come down a bit more, though before I leave.

I've been hearing that August base rate for a Full size is around $130 before taxes and discounts. Is that what you had to start with?

 

[lady400]

I agree with beattyfamily, it's a pretty good rate. You might check again, though, not only from time to time, but after your EC arrives. My criteria seems to be the same as yours. We're going in August, renting a National full-size for 8 days, using the DC discount and the DC one free day coupon. Only difference is that I booked it through the EC links, and my total with all taxes, fees, and discounts is $154.04.

Also bear in mind that using the upgrade coupons usually result in the res defaulting to counter service. One of the perks you want with EC is to bypass the counter and choose from the Emerald Aisle (at least I do). When you book with EC, a full-size is the same price as an intermediate, and it seems to have an effect on the base rates, too.

So, be sure and check again when you get your EC number, booking through the Emerald Club links. If it comes out better, just make the new res and cancel the old one.

 

[senorak]

lady-
I suppose you are getting a greater discount due to EC? I'm not sure if I will have the EC application in time for my trip (Aug.17). I first called the National number yesterday and they have to send the "fee waived" application. I was hoping that I could simply go to any National car care center and apply, but was told if I did that, I'd have to pay the $50 fee..the only way to get the "fee waived" is by filling out the mailed application.
Beatty- My rate before discount and taxes/surcharges was $135.98, but that wasn't for the full size, I think htat was for the intermediate, then I got the 2 class upgrade. When I checked other discounts (and put in for "full sized), I think the base rate was around $155 or so. I know my next lowest quote at National was for $181 total, so the $168 is a bit of saving...but I can always hope to go a bit lower.

 

[lady400]

senorak;

Probably the main difference is that EC makes a full-size the same price as an intermediate. In either case, I can choose from the Emerald Aisle, but since it's the same rate, I'm guaranteed a full-size at least. Therefore, my base rate for full-size is 135.98, just like you're getting for intermediate.

Btw, if you happen to be a Capital One cardholder, you can sign up for EC free via their website at www.capitalone.com. Their links take you directly into National's system, and you would get your EC number right away.

 

[senorak]

lady- I don't belong to capitolone...but I went to their website and got into the EC enrollment form (free)....I didn't fill it out...yet. do you think it will go thru if I am not a capitalone member? No where on the form does it ask for your capital one number. Just wondering...I don't want to fill out the application; then get charged $50.

DEB

 

[lady400]

senorak;

I have no way of knowing, since I do have a Capital One card, and it's my default card on file for EC. It's quite possible that it will check the card info you provide for EC and "know" whether it's a Capital One, and reject the app. That's just a guess, though.

If it were me, I'd be chicken to try it.

 

[crazyforpooh]

tip. I just reserved a car for 11 days for a base rate of 180.91 with the Capitol One discount and a DC one day free coupon. Thanks so much. I can't wait to see what's on the aisle, I'd love to rent a PT Cruiser. IMO I think they are the coolest looking cars.

Thanks again for your assistance.


I LOVE THESE BOARDS

 

[lady400]

another thing. If you're using the contract id# from Capital One, it's giving you a 15% discount, I think. You mention you are using the DC coupon, so you must have DC. If you will replace your Capital One contract id# with the DC contract id, you should get a better deal, as the DC gives 20%. As long as you are booking through the EC links, you will retain EA service.

Give it a try.

P.S. Try this on a new res. The National engine seems to do funky things when changing existing reservations. If the new booking comes out better, just cancel the old one.

 

[senorak]

Lady-
Thanks so much for all the info...I booked EC thru capitalone and got a rate of $152.58 for 8 days. I'm sure I'll love bypassing the counter and going straight to EA. BTW...if I don't receive my EC club card in the mail before our t rip (3 weeks from now), can I just show them my printed copy of the number?

DEB

 

[lady400]

This will be my first time to use EA too. I really doubt they will need to see "proof" of EA, since the application makes it an option to receive an actual card, it's not required. I was going to take my printed copy from the website, though, just in case, but my card arrived much faster than they indicated it would (about 10 days, I think).

I think you meant you rebooked at the DC discount. Either way, be sure and take your DC card and a copy of the coupon from the DC website. I also plan to carry 2 printouts of my confirmed reservation, my driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance.

Have a great trip!!

 

[briane]

I doubt anyone can beat what I got but this may at least be the benchmark for a weekly rental:

Full size at Alamo for a weekly rate of 122.39. However, I have a coupon that brings the rate down to $102. I booked it through Travelers Advantage and I get 5% back. Total cost is around $96. We are also getting two compact cars for $78.59 before the 5%. It comes to $74 and change.

I would say if you are under $20 per day you are not getting ripped off too bad.

Stay away from Hotwire. They want $26 for a compact car in September. I don't think Priceline can touch anything under $20 a day either. For a full size add between $15-20 total.