January 2011 Car Rental Prices

[mindy5648]

We have been scanning the internet for the best prices for an economy/compact car for January 23rd to the 30th. Anyone had any luck? We arent finding anything even under $250 and it is very frustrating. DH is trying priceline too..and no one is biteing...we are shooting for $200.

 

[happily single]

Are you looking to pick up and drop off in Orlando or are you driving? I ask because over the summer I rented in RI and it was $75 cheaper to use a different Hertz location.

I also love using AAA to book the rental for me. Both times I've gotten great deals. But also BJ's wholesale club seems to have good deals on rentals.

Finally I would book now, just in case the price goes up. But, January is typically slow so it should go down.

Good luck

 

[mnrose]

It's too early for priceline. Priceline "bid your own" prices really don't get much better than other places until 7 days or less before you travel. I always search out the best possible rate a couple months in advance of my trip (my fall back reservation) and then start bidding on Priceline about a week in advance. If nothing comes through on Priceline, I'll use the fall back reservation.

Good luck!

 

[At World's End]

There a January car rental thread on the Transportation board. Someone got a convertible for $99/wk from Enterprise. I had a compact thru Dollar for for $106/wk, but I cancelled it when DH wanted a midsize with National.

Better deals will pop up closer to January. For now, book something that you are pretty happy with and keep watching the rates. Last minute deals will come up and you will probably save alot. There is no penaly for cancelling the rental car unless you are booking thru priceline/hotwire, etc.

 

[Plumeria9]

I booked a full size car (4 of us) thru USAA member deals w/ Budget. Total w/ all of the fees etc. is $196.xx That is the best I could find using all of my deal finding skills by at least $100! That includes: costco.com, AAA, Am Ex, Entertainment Book. I booked it, n/c until you pick it up, and can cancel right before if you find a better deal. HTH somebody!

 

[Joy1619]

I would suggest going to mousesavers.com and looking in the transportation section - there are codes and ideas to get great deals - our rental from Hertz (DW Kissimmee location on 7471 W Irlo Bronson location) is an economy car for January 26 to February 8 for $277.27 including all taxes and fees - tried a few codes and checked back every few days for the best deal, and I think this one was great! Generally it's cheaper to rent offsite than to rent from the airport, and we are using a luxury car service (Happy Limo) to get there and back - and it still saved us a ton of money compared to renting at the airport (plus you don't have to worry about fitting your luggage into an economy car and navigating in and out of the airport - I always hate doing that!)

Good luck!