for those thinking priceline

[bab31]

For those thinking of using Priceline:

I took the plunge tonight and placed a successful bid for my trip to San Fran in June.

I attempted $13 a day 3 days ago.

I bid $15 per day and it was successful on a full size car It came to $113 for 6 days. I know I could not have done better with coupons etc. And the company was Avis. The down side is you cannot request a nonsmoking car ahead- ( will bring along some fabreez just in case) but I called customer service and they said to call about a week before and attempt to give them the request. And I could not give them my Avis preferred card # but I will try to do that the week before as well.

Things I THINK I should have done different- bid first $15 for a premium car and then if refused gone with $14 for a full.

All in all I am satisfied with my rental.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not guaranteed, but every car I've rented in the last few years either has a sticker or two prohibiting smoking, or just plain doesn't have an ashtray.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not guaranteed, but every car I've rented in the last few years either has a sticker or two prohibiting smoking, or just plain doesn't have an ashtray. Now, admittedly, that's primarily Las Vegas (thanks to Magical Express ) lately, but even as far back as 2001...

 

[bab31]

Thank goodness I read a review somewhere someplace about someones stinky rental car that reaked of cigerette smoke- but I would refuse the car if it came to me that way! I dont rent often myself!
Thanks

 

[stefplus3]

do you get to choose the pick location with priceline? i'm close to boston but there are a bunch of pickup locations that would take us over an hour to get to so it would be a major pitb.

 

[bab31]

I am flying into San Fran and chose that - I didnt play around with it because I knew what I wanted. But what I did do was on Friday night I placed my bid redicously low for a trial run at it. but then you have to wait 72 hours to rebid. Of course it was rejected but it gave a comfort zone about it. I am sure you can..another website to give you info is

betterbidding.com

They have an area dedicated to hotwire and priceline car rentals by state.

 

[NotUrsula]

IME, you can't use preferred customer perks (including free second drivers) with Priceline rentals; and you always have to go to the counter. You also cannot get club rental credits or airline miles for the rental.

Still, if the price is right it can be a great deal, especially in markets that have really high fees and taxes.

 

[bab31]

I will have to be sure to ask when I get to the counter about the second driver- no biggie - but dont want to take a risk of not being covered. Thanks for that info. The miles on a $113 rental is not an issue either- I saved $$ going thru priceline.