Priceline - name your own price rental cars

[goofyredraider]

Would love some feedback if anyone has done this....I'm considering it.

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

Here is a thread that is a few years old, but the basics are the same....hope it helps:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2496606

 

[Ranger111]

I used to use Priceline almost exclusively for rental cars. And, I would still use them if I was able to get a good price.

However, the last two years, I have found their prices, while not "sky-high," NORMALLY, not cheap, either.

Indeed, my last four vacation rentals during the last year, Priceline never came close AS FAR AS I COULD TELL.

For example, I had a National Car Rental reservation for $108 (ALL TAXES, etc.) a couple of weeks ago. I made several bids on Priceline that would have been "around" $90-$95 and all were rejected -- and they recommended I bid about $150.

Of course, I may have been able to get a Priceline car for $100 or so, but with National, I can use my executive status, get points, not wait in line and get upgraded 80 percent of the time....

ALSO I have had Priceline give me a car only to find out later that the rental office was not open when I returned the car and there was no key drop box or anything else for "after hours returns." Calling National Corporate at 4 a.m. only got me the response of park it along the street and leave the keys in it, they will find it." This was at Ontario International Airport.

So, I really think you can get a better price on your own, but if you can't or don't want a hassle, I would try Travelocity first, as they seem to do very well on rental car prices. Once you get a price there, try to beat it on Priceline.

 

[Anal Annie]

I used Priceline for a rental last August in Hawaii. I ended up getting a car thru National (my first choice agency). It was cheaper than any other deals I'd found by the time I booked it (although not by a TON). I did attempt "name your own price" bids multiple times before I got one accepted. I ultimately ended up having to cancel the entire trip at the last minute (8 days out) due to a medical emergency with my DS (collapsed lung - not allowed to fly). I thought for SURE we'd be out the entire rental amount since it was pre-paid in full but when I contacted them to cancel they did refund all but a $15 penalty. We had to provide a copy of a doctors note from the pulmonologist which was to be expected. I was genuinely shocked and needless to say pleased with the service. I would do it again if it was the best deal I could find.

 

[MillauFr]

I use Priceline often for rental cars. I usually bid $10-$15 a day for a full size and often get a car. If Costco has similar rate I will book with them since I don't have to pay up front.