Is Alamo worth $35 more than Budget?

[TCups4Me]

Alamo seems to be the preferred vendor on these boards. Through Costco, I can get an intermediate (corrolla/avenger) through Alamo for $125/week or Budget for $90/week.

Budget won't let me go straight to the garage because I've never rented through them before but if I register for Alamo Insiders then I go straight to the garage. Budget offers a free spouse but I think I'd also get that benefit through Alamo if I register as an Insider.

Is the service of Alamo and the benefit of skipping the counter really that much better than Budget? We are car renting newbies so I have no frame of reference for this.

Thanks!

 

[MEK]

I go with the cheapest. We divide and conquer. My DH goes to the rental car counter and I go wait for the luggage. Then we meet up. He has found the costumer service to be equal and in the last several years he has had little to no waits in line. Rented from Budget last summer and they were great.

It's purely random whose prices are cheapest when.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

I would pay the extra $$$ for the ability to choose my own vehicle. I have had long lines at Budget and even if you don't join Insiders, you can use the kiosks for check in for Alamo and be on your way in a matter of moments.

 

[richmo]

I would pay the extra $$$ for the ability to choose my own vehicle. I have had long lines at Budget and even if you don't join Insiders, you can use the kiosks for check in for Alamo and be on your way in a matter of moments.

I'd agree with this. Keep your eyes open on the rates; Alamo may wind up less expensive by the time you go. (Since neither reservation is pre-pay, you could actually keep them both and if the Budget line is short, go with them)

Also, if you use the Costco code with Alamo, you'll get the second driver included.