How have your experiences been with renting a car through PRICELINE?

[corky805]

I have been considering going through priceline to get a rental car for our trip. Is ther any thing I need to be careful of or be aware of. I really would like to stretch my budget by getting a really good deal. ANy thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Pugsley]

I haven’t done it, but I’m planning to for my August trip. I haven’t heard anything negative about it, except that there is a possibility of getting Hertz which is not in the terminal so you’d have to take a shuttle there. I’d suggest looking at BiddingForTravel.com before bidding.

 

[CarolA]

I have done it once, but every other time they have turned down my bids. (I kind of figure that it has to be worth my while and a dollar a day does not get it) However, my car was with Budget and it was easy.

 

[safetymom]

Nothing wrong with getting Hertz. We use them all the time. We never wait more than a minute or two and are driving our car out of the lot in less than 10 mins. When you go to return the car do curbside check in at the airport and then return the car and you won't have to worry about your luggage.

 

[maninthebox]

Originally posted by CarolA
I have done it once, but every other time they have turned down my bids. (I kind of figure that it has to be worth my while and a dollar a day does not get it) However, my car was with Budget and it was easy.

I agree. I have looked at biddingfortravel.com and it does not appear that the prices that people are getting through Priceline are any better than what you could find on your own.

 

[Lucky4me]

I've rented cars in Orlando a few times through Priceline. An Oldsmobile Alero in January for $14 a day, a Neon a couple of years ago for $12, and a full size for $16 in last fall. You have to do your homework because there are great deals out there excluding Priceline. Most of the time I do better by looking for codes and watching websites. The best thing about a Priceline rental car is the agents don't try to sell you anything extra, they already know you're a cheapskate!

 

[CarolA]

Just to give you my latest.

I have a convertible reserved on my next trip. Yes I know that is not the cheapest car, but.... I have one at home and I am spoiled.

Anyway, got it at Dollar for $39 a day for a 3 day trip over July 4th. Yesterday tried PL at $25. Was not accepted and they claim the cheapest rate for the car if I was to go regular is $65.

I will probably try again in a few days at $30 or so, but I really feel like I want to save at least 10 a day to make it worth while. (I go for short trips, so the booking service charge eats up some of the savings)

 

[peg2001]

Priceline is GREAT for hotel rooms. They don't seem to typically offer great deals on rental cars. Be sure not to lock in a Priceline car when you might find a better discount elsewhere.

Peggy

 

[cpl100]

It was over a year ago, but I had good luck in San Francisco.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

In the past, I have had GREAT luck with Priceline, saved a lot of money and had great car rentals. One with Alamo, two with Avis.
This year, the prices are very high for my travel dates, so, I have a car booked with National for a decent rate (one I check all the time).

 

[inkkognito]

We've had great luck with Priceline, too. We usually prefer a towncar, but sometimes we come down to Orlando for a quickie trip and want to explore. First, I find the cheapest price I can through regular means, then I bid less via Priceline. We've gotten Avis twice and Alamo twice, and there were no problems. Avis even upgraded us once.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by CarolA
Just to give you my latest.

I have a convertible reserved on my next trip. Yes I know that is not the cheapest car, but.... I have one at home and I am spoiled.

Anyway, got it at Dollar for $39 a day for a 3 day trip over July 4th. Yesterday tried PL at $25. Was not accepted and they claim the cheapest rate for the car if I was to go regular is $65.

I will probably try again in a few days at $30 or so, but I really feel like I want to save at least 10 a day to make it worth while. (I go for short trips, so the booking service charge eats up some of the savings)

Did you try the code KISS3 for your reservation with Dollar?

 

[CarolA]

Gail.
KISS3 is how I got $39. Regular rate was in the 50's and I tried all of the codes on Mousesavers.
That is actually a great rate for a convertible.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by CarolA
Gail.
KISS3 is how I got $39. Regular rate was in the 50's and I tried all of the codes on Mousesavers.
That is actually a great rate for a convertible.

Yes, it sure is, I got 229.00 for the week, of couse, that does not include taxes and fees.

 

[Rpsemont]

I have used priceline in the past and gotten some great deals in Orlando - a couple years ago I got a compact for $11/day! However, I would not try priceline until close to your travel dates. Watch the codes and specials and book a regular reservation, then maybe try priceline when you're within a few weeks of your travel date. Currently I have a reservation for October of about $22/day for mid size exclusive of fees. I will probably try Priceline and bid $17 and if it doesn't work then skip it. I do remember once, they told us we'd have to pay an extra driver fee for a spouse with a priceline bid, but then another time that didn't happen. At least I know when I book it not through priceline that what the extra drvier policy is.