Priceline or Hotwire?

[Avonlady1001]

Anyone used either Priceline or Hotwire for car rentals? They say they only use the top car rental companies & they are definitely cheaper than I've found elsewhere, even w/ coupons. I know that once you lock in, there's no cancelling.

Just curious to hear some of your experiences with them. Thanks!!

 

[DVC Sadie]

We use hotwire.com all of the time for our rental cars. The price was great and we usually received an upgrade in size for free. Budget was the company and were very professional.

Sometimes hotwire has a sale on rental cars and you can get a compact for 13.00 or 14.00 per day.

 

[kokomos]

Ive used both hotwire and priceline. I see what the price was on hotwire first then bid a little lower on priceline. The last few times hotwire was the winner. Service has been Great using both. The dont try to upsale you on insurance when you get there. They just hand over the keys and tell you to have a great time.

 

[IDoDis]

I've used both, but typically can get a better price via Priceline. The rentals are from the airport unless you specify a different location, so you would be getting a car from a well known rental agency. I have gotten cars from Hertz the most times. Recently I've gotten a Toyota Camry and a Chevy Impala (with 900 miles on it so brand new). One out of every 2 times I've gotten a free upgrade because they were out of the size I reserved.

I reserved a car for our Disney trip at the end of May for $12 per day on priceline. I think the lowest price for the standard (a midsized car with more bells & whistles) was $15.95 on Hotwire. I check that first and then start bidding a little lower on Priceline. If your bid gets rejected, you can change your class (size) of car and rebid, or wait 3 days and then rebid a dollar higher on the same size. Keep doing this until your bid gets accepted. I also notice that the farther out the date that I bid/reserve, the lower the price.

Oh, I forgot to add that the Entertainment book usually has a hotwire coupon, so check your book if you have one. Sometimes that helps hotwire be less than priceline. I got a $50 rebate back once from Hotwire using the coupon in the book.

 

[LanaJae]

I just rented through hotwire for the end of May (Orlando) and it was much less. I searched through all the individual rental sites using discount codes.

7 day(s) @ $14.95 per day
Tax recovery charges and fees $36.34
$140.99 (Saturday through Saturday)

Hertz, will be a Chevy Malibu or similar.

 

[Avonlady1001]

Unfortunately, I'll be flying into Ft Myers, which seems to be a bit more expensive than Orlando. I guess maybe becaus it's a smaller airport? We'll be driving to Orlando from there for 1/2 the vacation - also the end of May!!

What size car do you all think I should rent to fit a med sized stroller and 2 med suitcases and a couple of carryons (and however many toys my 3y/o can convince me to take.)

I don't like that you have to wait 3 days to rebid on Priceline!! What's up with that?? LOL

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Avonlady1001]

Thanks everyone! Just booked w/ Priceline. They accepted my bid of $16/day on a Full sized. That was after rejecting $13 & $15. Came out $40 less than Hotwire. I'll be w/ National. Found a way around the 3day waiting to bid again - used diff email addresses. I'm way too impatient! LOL

I appreciate everyone's help!!

 

[IDoDis]

Awesome! I doubt you'll ever go the old rental route again. I've tried stacking coupons going through the agencies, but never come out as good as Priceline.

Just make sure you get the car back on time or you will get charged a hefty late fee -- even if you are 15 min. late.

Have a great trip!