Hotwire - Has Anyone Used for Car Rental?

[speakerchad]

I'll be at WDW in September and I had been contemplating using Disney transportation due to horrible rental car prices, but I saw Hotwire has normal size cars for $15-16/day which seems very reasonable. Supposedly they guarantee the size you reserve through an on-airport agency such as Alamo, National, etc.

I usually use National Emerald Club, but even that is way overpriced at the moment. Is there anything I need to be wary of with Hotwire? Thanks!

 

[kneemeister]

I use them all the time, I have gotten Budget, Alamo, Avis and Hertz. Once you pay they tell you which company you got. Then the pickup is like any prepaid rental, including deposit and debit card policy. Hotwire asks you weather you are using a debit card so you don't get any surprises if it applies to you.

I use hotwire all the time for hotels while traveling, I spend every night in a three star or better at Super 8 prices, really easy now with there Iphone or Android App, you can make reservations up to 11 PM for the same night.

 

[mmmgood]

I can not think of one good reason to use Hotwire for car rental.

 

[speakerchad]

I can not think of one good reason to use Hotwire for car rental.

Price is my biggest reason; significantly less expensive. Is there any particular reason why you wouldn't use Hotwire? Bad experience? Thanks.

 

[speakerchad]

I use them all the time, I have gotten Budget, Alamo, Avis and Hertz. Once you pay they tell you which company you got. Then the pickup is like any prepaid rental, including deposit and debit card policy. Hotwire asks you weather you are using a debit card so you don't get any surprises if it applies to you.

I use hotwire all the time for hotels while traveling, I spend every night in a three star or better at Super 8 prices, really easy now with there Iphone or Android App, you can make reservations up to 11 PM for the same night.

Thanks for the detailed response!

 

[bbwhos]

I've only used Hotwire once and had a bad experience but after we returned home Hotwire did clear it up. We needed an extra hour on our ressie but Hotwire tried to get by with paying Hertz for a 7 day rental vs our ressie which said 8 days. Hertz charged us for the extra hour and Hotwire reimbursed us after we got home and sent in our receipt.

I also wish I had waited to closer trip date because I could have gotten a better price. But we also travel during off peak seasons.

I would use them again though without hesitation.

 

[speakerchad]

I've only used Hotwire once and had a bad experience but after we returned home Hotwire did clear it up. We needed an extra hour on our ressie but Hotwire tried to get by with paying Hertz for a 7 day rental vs our ressie which said 8 days. Hertz charged us for the extra hour and Hotwire reimbursed us after we got home and sent in our receipt.

I also wish I had waited to closer trip date because I could have gotten a better price. But we also travel during off peak seasons.

I would use them again though without hesitation.

Thanks. Its helpful to hear the good and the bad so at least I know what to expect and be able to preempt any issues.

 

[mmmgood]

Price is my biggest reason; significantly less expensive. Is there any particular reason why you wouldn't use Hotwire? Bad experience? Thanks.

No bad experiences, have not used them (no reason to) although there have been several other posts with issues similar to the other post in this thread with additional fees.

In regards to price, I have always been able to get a better price using discounts and coupons. As prices change often, especially at MCO, you need to be patient - especially when you are booking off peak.

Check mousesavers and carrentalsavers. Book the best deal you can find now, and keep checking back.

If I could not get a better price using coupons I would bid on Priceline. Most people use Hotwire price as a starting point and subtract 25-40% as their starting bid. I have not found a real difference in the Hotwire/Priceline product.

My schedule often changes so I hate to lock in a non refundable transaction unless it is at the last minute. I also hate to wait in line which you have to do with Hotwire.

Check the May car rental thread - several people thought they got great deals on Hotwire a couple months out but found much better deals with discounts and coupons within two weeks of their rental.

 

[Copper Queen]

I booked for the first time with Hotwire for our August trip in 6 weeks. Got a better rate than what I had booked directly with the agencies - $169 tax in for a standard car as opposed to $280. My rental is with Alamo. Have been stalking the rental sites to see if the prices have gone down but so far I haven't regretted booking with Hotwire, though I'm interested to see what the prices are 2 weeks before we go.