Priceline and Rental Cars

[Atotty]

I've never "named my own price" before on Priceline. Is there a downside or something I need to consider before bidding on a rental car? It seems that I can get a much better deal renting this way.

Thanks!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Cannot cancel it, no perks (ie. free extra driver, express service, etc.) and there are mixed reports of being assigned basically the worst car.

 

[mmmgood]

I've always been able to get similar rates using discount codes and coupons. My biggest concern using Priceline, especially at busy airports is you can not use express lines or bypass the counter. I have seen lines at MCO which must have been at least a two hour wait. Plus, if your travel plans change you are out of luck.

 

[Dictator]

I booked a premium car at priceline for $11/day for a week long stay at WDW. Hertz website shows that same car would be $550 for the week. I'm paying $150.

 

[pinkerbell]

where do you find discount codes? I am looking for some for a trip sept- oct and many are only for closer trips and in previous try's have expired at the end of the month - does this mean I cant use it - or is it good through the duration of the booking?

 

[Atotty]

I found discount codes on Mary Ware's site.

Are there any major diffs between renting from Hotwire or Priceline for cars? I see on Hotwire you can add a driver at the counter. Can you do that with Priceline?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I found discount codes on Mary Ware's site.

Are there any major diffs between renting from Hotwire or Priceline for cars? I see on Hotwire you can add a driver at the counter. Can you do that with Priceline?

Yes, you can add a driver (with an additional charge/fee) with either Priceline or Hotwire, of course within the guidelines of the rental company.

As for the major differences, both are blind booking sites in that you don't know the company until after you book (they both offer non-blind as well), but Hotwire gives you a specific price and Priceline gives you the option to name your price which may get you a price less than Hotwire, but requires patience and strategy (yes there is a strategy that applies to Priceline).

 

[Atotty]

Thanks J.

 

[kat3668]

I've used them twice in the past 6 months and have had great success. In Sept I got Hertz for $10 a day and got upgraded to a Corolla. In Jan I got Alamo and ended up with a Hyundai for $8 a day. I guess I lucked out because both times I waited 10 minutes or so in line and got really nice cars. I was able to choose which car I wanted with Alamo and that was great. I'm headed back to WDW first week of May but I'm waiting last minute to book the car.

 

[Atotty]

Kat,

Did you use Priceline or Hotwire?

 

[kat3668]

Kat,

Did you use Priceline or Hotwire?

Uh Yah sorry I used Priceline... here a tutorial I've used in the past.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2496606

 

[jessey35]

I've used PL to get amazing deals on rental cars many, many times and always have been pleased with the car I've got.
The only downside that I had to learn the hard way is you will only be allowed ONE driver. You can add another but you will be charged. And I mean even if it's your spouse. Generally, a spouse is a "free" driver (at least always has been in my other rental experiences). May not be a big deal for you, generally on vacation I navigate and DH drives. I had made the res. in my name on our last Disney trip, so I was stuck driving the whole week. Also important to know if you group ever wants to seperate because you'll only have 1 person able to drive.