March 2014 car rental!

[richmo]

I'm finally seeing a drop at Alamo for my dates (March 14-19) that wasn't even there earlier today. It still doesn't rival the Dollar/Thrifty sale from a week or two ago, but its better than I've seen from Alamo so far: Base $113.68/Total $161.40. That's a compact with Costco discount. Other typical car classes seem to have similar discounts. Now I'm going to hunt around for a legit coupon to stack on it and bring it down some more.

 

[sammielynn]

I'm finally seeing a drop at Alamo for my dates (March 14-19) that wasn't even there earlier today. It still doesn't rival the Dollar/Thrifty sale from a week or two ago, but its better than I've seen from Alamo so far: Base $113.68/Total $161.40. That's a compact with Costco discount. Other typical car classes seem to have similar discounts. Now I'm going to hunt around for a legit coupon to stack on it and bring it down some more.

this morning my rates were high, this afternoon I am seeing downward movement. It is still not below the $259 I have but getting there.

 

[HaleyB]

Life happened and I fear I've missed the best rates.

I'm at $249 for 9 days, March 9/10 pick up (we arrive at 11:59 pm ) for Full Size with Alamo.

I was at $400 three months ago, so I'm glad for $249 but I think that is really high based on past years. Only in the past we didn't need full size so I'm not sure...

 

[kazmomma]

I missed out on the City Rate Specials myself. Congrats to those of you that were able to take advantage. I had a minivan booked for 3/29-4/7 but decided that it was still way too high so I cancelled it. I got it down over $350 from when I first started looking but It was still really high. I'll keep hunting but I'm not feeling like I'll get too lucky this time around. But you never know! GOOD LUCK and keep checking those rates friends - it certainly has worked for me in the past!

 

[richmo]

I'm finally seeing a drop at Alamo for my dates (March 14-19) that wasn't even there earlier today. It still doesn't rival the Dollar/Thrifty sale from a week or two ago, but its better than I've seen from Alamo so far: Base $113.68/Total $161.40. That's a compact with Costco discount. Other typical car classes seem to have similar discounts. Now I'm going to hunt around for a legit coupon to stack on it and bring it down some more.

That Alamo reduction I mention above didn't last long. Not only is it gone for now, but the rates are higher than they were before yesterday. Welcome to the wacky world of rental car rates.

 

[nifferearly]

Just booked a luxury SUV at Alamo for 3/12-3/17 for $104 with tax! Crazy! A compact was $260 for the same dates and my previous best rate was $175 for a full size car. I used the Costco code - 7015309.

 

[loveswdw]

Just booked a luxury SUV at Alamo for 3/12-3/17 for $104 with tax! Crazy! A compact was $260 for the same dates and my previous best rate was $175 for a full size car. I used the Costco code - 7015309.

WOW!! It has a Cadillac Escalade pictured for the car class!! That's a steal! My dates that class is over a grand!!

 

[mrsboz]

Does anyone know if you have to show your Costco card if you use their discount code? We have BJ's and I just don't know their code. Does anyone know it?

 

[maciec]

Just booked a luxury SUV at Alamo for 3/12-3/17 for $104 with tax! Crazy! A compact was $260 for the same dates and my previous best rate was $175 for a full size car. I used the Costco code - 7015309.

That's insane! Happy for you!

 

[richmo]

Does anyone know if you have to show your Costco card if you use their discount code? We have BJ's and I just don't know their code. Does anyone know it?

I'm assuming you're asking about Alamo.

A BJ's contract ID that works is 7015223. There may be others.

On Costco codes: I've used Costco discounts with Alamo several times. I have yet to be asked to show my Costco membership. Of course, I usually use the kiosk and don't go to the rental desk. BUT, my opinion is that you should be able to document any affiliation or discount you use. If they're in an enforcement mood and you don't have it, your rental can get really, really expensive.

 

[richmo]

Just booked a luxury SUV at Alamo for 3/12-3/17 for $104 with tax! Crazy! A compact was $260 for the same dates and my previous best rate was $175 for a full size car. I used the Costco code - 7015309.

That's awesome! I ran your dates (don't know your times) this morning with that code and its around $600 or so. Somebody at Alamo must have been playing around and made a mistake...but, they'll honor it. I do encourage you to look at your confirmation email and make sure the dates are right. Sometimes when I'm trying different codes with Alamo, the dates get changed and it turns into a one day rental. If it all looks good, whatever you do, don't modify it!

 

[loveswdw]

That's awesome! I ran your dates (don't know your times) this morning with that code and its around $600 or so. Somebody at Alamo must have been playing around and made a mistake...but, they'll honor it. I do encourage you to look at your confirmation email and make sure the dates are right. Sometimes when I'm trying different codes with Alamo, the dates get changed and it turns into a one day rental. If it all looks good, whatever you do, don't modify it!

I ran those dates last night to see if I got the same rate and it came up with $104 as well. Couldn't believe it! Probably just a mistake but boy, did they get lucky with that rate! Wish it had been for my dates.

 

[mjf]

Just improved our rate from Budget for our March 6th - 17th trip. It was $411 for an intermediate and I dropped it down to $312 using the Walmart BCD (W810011) and a $25 off coupon (MUWZ107).

Still expensive compared to previous years... but $100 less expensive than it was yesterday!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Just improved our rate from Budget for our March 6th - 17th trip. It was $411 for an intermediate and I dropped it down to $312 using the Walmart BCD (W810011) and a $25 off coupon (MUWZ107).

Still expensive compared to previous years... but $100 less expensive than it was yesterday!

Does the Walmart code only work for Budget?

 

[richmo]

Does the Walmart code only work for Budget?

Yes, codes are agency specific. However, Walmart probably has codes for some of the other agencies. Look on their website or look on Mousesavers for other public codes.

 

[SoNewToDisney!]

Just improved our rate from Budget for our March 6th - 17th trip. It was $411 for an intermediate and I dropped it down to $312 using the Walmart BCD (W810011) and a $25 off coupon (MUWZ107). Still expensive compared to previous years... but $100 less expensive than it was yesterday!

Thanks for this - I was able to modify my existing reservation for a reg full size - changing to a premium full size - and still saving $30 for the week plus the extra $25 off. Woot!
Mine is at $141 plus taxes/fees for a fri to fri rental.

 

[Hug the Mouse]

I just used Priceline to name my own price on a mid-size SUV in TPA for $19/day. Renting from 3/6-3/14 so $238 all in. The rental is with AVIS.

I've been bidding daily and it had been suggesting $28 for days until today after bidding $15, it came back with a $19 offer which I am happy with.

Now I can stop obsessing over rental rates and start packing!

 

[loveswdw]

Rebooked using Costco Travel, rates were down a little this AM.
3/26 Pickup MCO
4/5 Dropoff TPA
Full size Avis $345

Previous booking was standard Alamo for $357

 

[44disney]

Just a heads up to check the discounts on the Southwest website. Yesterday I got a minivan for $327 from Alamo for 3/14-3/22. And because I'm an Insider this will include a free additional driver.

 

[mike28j]

I've used the board a few times for information, but this is the first time I'm posting. I have a question and then I'm posting the rates I found as of today, for Alamo using the Costco rate code.

First the question, does the Alamo at MCO have intermediate cars? Do they have Standard cars? I believe I read somewhere that they dont have one type, and that I would get automatically upgraded.

The rates I found today have been the cheapest I've seen since I've been lookign (probably 5 months). All at Alamo, all using the Costco code.

Rate as of 5 min ago 3/7/14 @ 10AM (@MCO)-> 3/16/14 @ 10AM (9 days)(@TPA)
Intermediate: 191.19
Standard: 198.64
Fullsize: 231.61
Intermediate SUV: 290.41
Minivan: 306.28

I hope this information helps some of you save some money!

Mike