O/S Car Hire - Canada

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Slightly(?) off subject to Disney, but I wonder if anybody can help. We're going to Canada next month. A self "made" holiday. We're staying just south west of Toronto. Everything is booked apart from car hire. I've seen everything from companies I've never heard of (Thrifty, Cheap hire) through to Avis, Hertz etc. Have any of you hired a car in Canada, and if so, could you recommend any, and which ones to avoid?

 

[Hilary]

We hired with Hertz in Vancouver and were quite happy with how it went.

I shopped around online for ages before taking the plunge and was prepared for the whole thing to go horribly wrong, but it was fine! We hired a 'station wagon' which I was expecting to be big and butch but turned out to be something like an Omega estate! It was actually fine for our needs though.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Hilary,

Many thanks. Hertz is on my short list. The thing that worries me most (and it appears on most car-hire sites) is the "small print" that states that there could be extra local charges, but none explain what these are. You always get the feeling that someone may try and rip you off when you've just got off a long flight, hassled with suitcases, DW and DD, and haven't quite got your wits about you.

 

[carolfoy]

Hi Richard, often use Hertz and thrifty for clients car hire in canada, usually the 'extra charges' appertain to extra drivers, car seats etc, you should be able to confirm with them prior to booking exactly what these should be, also try holiday autos and suncars, they may be more competitive, oh and airline network

 

[Hilary]

Hilary,

Many thanks. Hertz is on my short list. The thing that worries me most (and it appears on most car-hire sites) is the "small print" that states that there could be extra local charges, but none explain what these are. You always get the feeling that someone may try and rip you off when you've just got off a long flight, hassled with suitcases, DW and DD, and haven't quite got your wits about you.

Yes, I remember worrying about the same thing! I didn't really believe we hadn't been charged for any extras until the credit card bill came through after we'd got home!

I did ask beforehand what the 'extras' might be, and was told exactly what carol has said. In the end, it all worked out very well with no unpleasant surprises.

 

[cabmom]

Hi, try going to www.411.ca and go to business, then type in car rentals and type the city you want to rent it from.

You can post your question on the Canadian Board here, I'm sure you'd get some help there!

Enjoy your trip!

Marilynn