July Car Rental Rates

[can]

Is it me, or are July car rental rates sky-high? I dont' think I ever remember them being so high, even during a Thanksgiving/Easter week rental. Anyone have any luck or a "secret" code? Thanks!

 

[n2mm]

They have recently lowered. National was running about $330 base rate for my week (July 18-24) and today the base rate dropped to $263. Yes that is high, but it's been high all year. I went in January and May and both times were at least $100 more a week than previous years. I used code 5007160 and coupon ND1276FDT which shaved off some of the high cost. Still around $250 after taxes, but it's better than it had been. BTW--same for August too.

 

[Pete W.]

We used Dollar code OOAG for a $199 rate on a full-sized car in July, but then we switched to the minivan special on the website which is $239.

If you look at the recent financial news, rental companies' stock has soared recently because concerns about their exposure to bankrupt automakers have subsided and their outlook is very positive, so perhaps good deals will be difficult to find.

 

[theterms]

Yesterday I changed our ressie twice with National because I kept finding new coupons - I used Contract ID 5000672 and Coupon ND1276FDT for July 17-26 for a total after taxes of $283.43 for a mid-size, Emerald Club member. This is a first for me (renting from National) - just found out my membership is free through my company.

I guess we get to go to the Emerald Isle and pick any car... so if there's something better than the mid-size, do we get to take that for the mid-size price?

 

[Brian Noble]

coupon ND1276FDT

Be careful. Technically, this expires in June.

 

[lawgs]

Be careful. Technically, this expires in June.

from carrentalsavers.com:

Get an additional $35 off your next weekly rental with a Saturday night keep at National. Use coupon code: ND1276FDT for pickup by 12/31/09. Tip: Don't forget to join the Emerald Club.

 

[JimboCh]

How about the Contract ID 5000672......is that number still good? This isn't a AARP code is it?

 

[theterms]

The coupon code I used is from that website (carrentalsavers.com) quoted by "lawgs" and I printed out the page as a back up. I'm going to check again tomorrow to see if the National website will replace the expiring June coupon with a July coupon. If so, I'll change it. I also have an Entertainment book, so I can try those again.

The contract ID is pre-populated after I sign into my Emerald Club account. Isn't that the usual contract ID for EA? Maybe it's linked to my company, since we get our membership for free?

 

[Brian Noble]

The coupon code I used is from that website (carrentalsavers.com) quoted by "lawgs" and I printed out the page as a back up.

That's fine, but that site is not authoritative on this question. The version of that same coupon code on National's site expires today:

•Offer valid for rentals picked up by 6/30/09.

It might get updated tomorrow (it used to expire at the end of May, so it has been updated before) but I suspect the new $20 coupon is replacing it.

Maybe it's linked to my company, since we get our membership for free?

Yes, that's probably an employer-specific code. Mine is also courtesy of my employer, it is also pre-populated, but it is a different number.

 

[lawgs]

That's fine, but that site is not authoritative on this question. The version of that same coupon code on National's site expires today:



It might get updated tomorrow (it used to expire at the end of May, so it has been updated before) but I suspect the new $20 coupon is replacing it.


Yes, that's probably an employer-specific code. Mine is also courtesy of my employer, it is also pre-populated, but it is a different number.

we tried to use 35 coupon for a reservation in january next year, however, the national website came back with the "coupon will expire prior", so national is "monitoring" the coupon....

it does not come up with this "expiration" notice for reservations before the end of december

thus, unless there is a glitch with national's website, they are allowing the coupon til end of december

 

[theterms]

On the confirmation page, it says "Discount Coupon Accepted", so I have to assume that since my dates are mid/end July, then the coupon I used are ok. Well... let's hope it's ok!!

 

[Brian Noble]

For what it's worth, National pulled the coupon from their website today, rather than extending it.

Might still work, might not. YMMV.

 

[conniehar90]

I got a great July rate (in Denver not Florida) on a minivan from Dollar using corporate code SW2358. I got it from Mousesavers and it is for Southwest customers. I believe all you need is a SWA rapid rewards card.

 

[buzz2400]

Yesterday I changed our ressie twice with National because I kept finding new coupons - I used Contract ID 5000672 and Coupon ND1276FDT for July 17-26 for a total after taxes of $283.43 for a mid-size, Emerald Club member. This is a first for me (renting from National) - just found out my membership is free through my company.

I guess we get to go to the Emerald Isle and pick any car... so if there's something better than the mid-size, do we get to take that for the mid-size price?

where did you get the code 5000672. I just tried it and got a good deal but I don't know if I am eligible.

 

[Brian Noble]

As we've mentioned already---that is probably an employer-specific code.