Looking for deals on minivan in Mar 2006, is it to early

[suevee]

Could anyone tell me when would be the best time to start looking? We like to pick up and drop off at the airport (MCO). I would appreciate any help. We are planning to go from March 2 to 12. Right now the best deal seems to be Alamo at $527 total. But that seems a bit steep to me. What do you think? I was hoping for between $300 to $350. Am I unrealistic? Thanks.
__________________

 

[suevee]

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

 

[anna1111]

I can tell you that the last 2 years I have booked a full size car through Budget the first week of Jan.
For trips that were at the end of September.
($279.00 everything incl) for 14 days full size car.
The same car if booked today is most likely $100 - $200 more than this rate.

I would recommend checking as far in advance as possible, and if you see
good rate book it. Then continue looking for a better rate and cancel the
old one if you find a lower rate. Look for coupons or codes that provide
a discount. I know minivans can be expensive, but I bet you could come
close to your range if you do some checking.

 

[suevee]

I have just started checking. The lowest rate I've found so far is $526. I am hoping I can get it down to 350 to 400 the closer I get.

 

[siobhan1997]

how many travelling

 

[suevee]

There will be 10 of us. My daughter is planning to rent a SUV and I am planning to rent a mini van so there will be room for all of us plus our luggage. We will be staying for 10 days in March.

 

[champagne27]

I was able to get a minivan through National for 8 nights starting at the end of April '06 for $328. I played with codes from Mousesavers til I got that one and reserved it as it was by far the cheapest one out there.

Good luck!

 

[Cameo]

I just got National for Mar. 3 thru Mar. 10 using the Priceless contract code (6600330) for $318. I looked it up about 3 weeks ago and it was $301. I should have booked then. Usually the closer it gets the more the price goes down, plus you should be able to get a coupon to add on by the beginning of the year (hopefully). Good luck!

Oh, and we just rented for 10 days this past June from National and it was around $285. I was very happy with that!

 

[suevee]

I used the priceless code at National and this is what they gave me. I did reserve it and will continue looking. Thanks

Rates - Time & Distance USD
Time & Distance 1 Week @ 323.83 323.83
Extra - Time & Distance 3 Day @ 53.97 161.91
Extra - Time & Distance 0 Hour @ 26.99 0.00
Unlimited Distance-time & Distance 0 Distance @ 0.00 0.00

Base Rate _____
485.74


Add Surcharges & Taxes: (subject to change)
Concession Fee Recov Chrg 9.8 Pct 47.60
Florida Surcharge 2.00/day 20.00
Tire/battery Fee .05/day 0.50
License Recoupment Fee .43 Usd/dy 4.30
State Tax (6.50%) 36.28

Total Estimate _____
594.42

 

[suevee]

Here is the deal from Alamo, still hope to do better the closer I get.

(1) Time & Distance ($303.99/Week) $303.99
(3) Extra - Time & Distance ($49.83/Day) $149.49
Rate/Product Code BQW8
Inclusive Rate Items
Guaranteed Base Rate Included
Unlimited Miles Included

For information on coverage products, ex:Collision Damage Waiver(CDW) click here

Subtotal $453.48
Taxes, Surcharges and Fees Concession Fee Recov Chrg 9.8 % $44.44
Tire/battery Fee .05/day $0.50
Florida Surcharge 2.00/day $20.00
License Recoupment Fee .43 Usd/day $4.30
State Tax (6.50%) $33.98
Subtotal $103.22
Estimated Total Estimated charges are confirmed based on the information you have provided; only taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change. $556.70

 

[suevee]

Time to go to bed. Here is what I got from Dollar.

1 Week at $273.88 per week. Unlimited mileage. 3 Extra Days at $43.70 per day.

Base Rate: $404.98
U.S. Dollar (USD)

Total Estimated Charges: $500.69
Click Here for Rate Details



Your Lowest Rates on Dollar.com


Base Rate: $404.98
Taxes, Surcharges & Fees
STATE TRANSACT TAX $20.30
VEHICLE LICENSE FEE $4.70
APT CONC RECOV FEE $40.15
STATE TAX $30.56


Total Estimated Charges: $500.69
U.S. Dollar (USD)



Rate Code: RDUW5
Your Lowest Rates on Dollar.com

 

[janets]

is that you can't enter an Entertainment coupon since the new 2006 book won't be out for a couple of months.

I need a car for Easter week. But I can't enter a coupon code until I get the new book which will probably be in October so right now, even an intermediate is very high. I'll probably book one just so I have it and then keep checking. We'll be on site and if the AP rates come out and make one of the deluxes attractive, I might drop the car altogether.

 

[Cameo]

suevee -

I just put in your dates at National, with the contract code of 6600330 and got this. I'm not sure what the difference is, but I got a considerably lower number??

Pick-up:
Orlando Intl Arpt, FL
02-MARCH-2006 03:00 PM

Return:
Orlando Intl Arpt, FL
12-MARCH-2006 03:00 PM

Rates - Time & Distance USD
Time & Distance 1 Week @ 275.26 275.26
Extra - Time & Distance 3 Day @ 45.88 137.64
Extra - Time & Distance 0 Hour @ 22.94 0.00
Unlimited Distance-time & Distance 0 Distance @ 0.00 0.00

Base Rate _____
412.90


Add Surcharges & Taxes: (subject to change)
Florida Surcharge 2.00/day 20.00
Tire/battery Fee .05/day 0.50
License Recoupment Fee .43 Usd/dy 4.30
State Tax (6.50%) 28.45

Total Estimate _____
466.15

 

[vossjemi]

I'd wait until a better deal came along. Why book at this high of a price? When I first started checking in Jan/Feb for my sept trip, 7 day minivans were in the $300-400 range. I waited....partly due to being busy, partly because all this code stuff takes a long time to research and enter with all the different vendors. Anyway, I booked about 3 weeks ago with National, priceless and ent coupon and wweb product code. Grand Total for 7 days minivan is $257.60. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I keep reading threads about how rates are dropping every day for other people, but when i check, my rate is still the cheapest I've seen.

 

[suevee]

Thanks everyone, I will try again closer to my date. I guess I am just anxious to start getting ready. Makes the trip seem closer

Cameo, I have no idea why the difference. I did use the contract code.