FullSize $247 or midsize plus upgrade $240?

[javaj]

I am trying to decide between 2 car rental reservations:

1. National Emerald Reserve Full Size for $247.71
2. Budget Midsize with Upgrade Coupon to Full Size for $240.26

I'm leaning towards the National ressie. The Budget ressie is slightly cheaper, but upgrade coupons are subject to availablity. We're arriving on 12/12 and I'm not sure how availability will be then. Also, not having to wait in line for National sounds great. We've never used Emerald Club before, is it as great as it sounds? We don't have to go to the counter just because it is our first time using Emerald, right? We had to go to the counter the first time we used Hertz Club Gold.

Thanks for any input!

 

[CarolMN]

I'd gladly pay even more than $7.45 for the ability to select my own car (and be guaranteed of the size I really want).

Go with National - Emerald Reserve really is quick and easy. You will not be sorry.


Best wishes-

 

[zurgswife]

Have you tried dollar...they are on site and the rate for a fullsize for a week is $155....

 

[robinb]

Go with the National reservation. Being able to use the Emerald Reserve and just walk to your car is worth $7, IMO.

You can also try Dollar, although it may be blacked out for your dates (it is for mine, 12/17-1/2). Click on the "Specials" tab and enter "MAG" into the code field for a discount.

 

[peacefulgirl]

How did you qualify for the "Emerald" ?

 

[robinb]

You can become an Emerald Club member free. Look here: http://www.mousesavers.com/national.html

 

[javaj]

Thanks for all the tips, this is for a 2 week rental. Dollar for full-size was more (295+ with the military rate), and MAG was blacked out (12/12-12/25).

I think we're going with National unless we change our minds again and go with a minivan.....then we'll go with Dollar LOL (346 for a 2-week minivan rental)

 

[robinb]

If you don't mind going back to the airport on 12/18 or 12/19, I have a deal for you .

Thrifty has a minivan for only $169 per week for your dates using code "AU02". The rub is that you can only book for 5-10 days and the code is invalid for 14 days. You can book 2 reservations and go back to the airport and swap cars half way though your trip.

Here is the weekly rate:

Rental Time Charge $169.00
Airport Access Fee (8.7%) $16.24
State Surcharge ($2.05 per day) $14.35
Sales Tax (6.5%) $12.13
Vehicle Licensing Fee ($0.47 per day) $3.29
Total Estimated Mandatory Charges (USD) $215.01

 

[javaj]

I'm confused. How is that cheaper than the dollar rate? Dollar minivan is $346 total for the whole 2 week rental with taxes and fees. With the Thrifty rate you quoted, it would be 215 X 2 = $430 for the 2 weeks, plus it is offsite and plus I'd have to return to MCO during the trip. Am I missing something???

Originally posted by robinb
If you don't mind going back to the airport on 12/18 or 12/19, I have a deal for you .

Thrifty has a minivan for only $169 per week for your dates using code "AU02". The rub is that you can only book for 5-10 days and the code is invalid for 14 days. You can book 2 reservations and go back to the airport and swap cars half way though your trip.

Here is the weekly rate:

Rental Time Charge $169.00
Airport Access Fee (8.7%) $16.24
State Surcharge ($2.05 per day) $14.35
Sales Tax (6.5%) $12.13
Vehicle Licensing Fee ($0.47 per day) $3.29
Total Estimated Mandatory Charges (USD) $215.01