National vs. Alamo-which would you choose?

[frannn]

I've got two full sized car reservations- one with National, and one with Alamo for 9/10-9/20, picking up 11am, droping off 3:30pm at MCO. Both are with the Priceless Vacations discount, but I used the Ent coupon with National, and free day Priceless coupon with Alamo. The National ressie is 263, and the Alamo is 210. I know both are now on site, but I recall waiting on long lines the last time we used Alamo offsite (1999). We have used only Avis and National since, with no problems at all except National tricking DH into initialing the insurance box in 2003, then trying not to give us the rate on our confirmation. It all worked out in the end, but did leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. Is there a good reason why I should pay more and keep my National resservation? What have your more recent experiences with Alamo been? Do they try to trick or pressure you into taking the extra insurance any more than the other companies (I personally do not recall any pressure at any of the rental co. to take their ins-maybe things have changed)? TIA for your advice!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by frannn
I've got two full sized car reservations- one with National, and one with Alamo for 9/10-9/20, picking up 11am, droping off 3:30pm at MCO. Both are with the Priceless Vacations discount, but I used the Ent coupon with National, and free day Priceless coupon with Alamo. The National ressie is 263, and the Alamo is 210. I know both are now on site, but I recall waiting on long lines the last time we used Alamo offsite (1999). We have used only Avis and National since, with no problems at all except National tricking DH into initialing the insurance box in 2003, then trying not to give us the rate on our confirmation. It all worked out in the end, but did leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. Is there a good reason why I should pay more and keep my National resservation? What have your more recent experiences with Alamo been? Do they try to trick or pressure you into taking the extra insurance any more than the other companies (I personally do not recall any pressure at any of the rental co. to take their ins-maybe things have changed)? TIA for your advice!

Normally, I'd say go with National (I like bypassing the counter as a member of the Emerald Club) but for that amount of savings, I'd go with Alamo. Alamo is now onsite right next to National. They have gotten a better reputation now that they are the sister company to National and onsite.

 

[magsmom]

JMHO, but a car is a commodity. I am not an emerald aisle member so it is generally the best deal that I can get. I have had good service and cars from Hertz (even though they are off airport) and from Alamo. Do not like Avis as you cannot choose your car, and I did not like the quality of the car that we got this past February (even though is was the least expensive). Have not rented from National but watch the rates very closely. My reservations for August are considerably less with Alamo than with National.
I rented from Alamo last February and do not remember any pressure to buy additional insurance. My insurance policy covers a rental so I would politely decline anyway.
You could sign up with quicksilver and forego the lines if you are concerned about them.

 

[inkkognito]

Although Alamo tends to have long lines, that is not always the case. Last time we were at MCO (two weeks ago), there was a line at Budget, where we were renting, and NO ONE at Alamo! This was A side on a Friday night. The price difference would probably sway me over to Alamo from National. You're going to have to wait in the same line to get out of the garage anyway.
Barb