Rental car advice please...

[kilarney]

I have three reservations for my upcoming trip in January. Which one do you think I should go with?
1) National Emerald Aisle: Total cost $292
2) Dollar (Fastlane Member): compact - Total cost $233
3) Payless: compact - Total cost $192

I have no problem driving a compact sized car. There are just two of us going.
National and Dollar are on-site. I like emerald aisle, but I am not to keen on paying $60 extra for the privilege. Does anyone know how fast the Fastlane dedicated line at Dollar is? If I wind up having to wait a long time, then I could have just gotten the cheaper rate with Payless off-site.

So what do you guys think? Which is the best choice? (and of course I'll keep an eye on rates to see if they go down!)

 

[sgtdisney]

This is of course just my opinion, but I would go with Dollar. I prefer to get my car at the airport and personally have never had any experience with Payless. I have used Dollar on numerous trips to Orlando and don't ever recall waiting more than maybe 15 mins in line. Using Fastlane should be a real plus. It is nice to use the Emerald Aisle, but in the case you are presenting, you are paying for it. Of course you would get a larger car than a compact, but if it doesn't matter, I would save the money and stick with Dollar.

 

[mark & sandra]

kilarney- Check Dollar again, I read a post on Budget board for rental of minivan from Dollar @ 199.00 week and compact 149.00. I have a ressie with National for 9 days in mid-Jan. for 292.00 w/taxes and fees.

 

[CRCrazy]

If you only want a compact, instead of Emerald Aisle, try Emerald Choice. You can still use your codes and discounts, just go straight out to the compact aisle, and choose your car and go - no line! How long are you going for? I got a week long rental for December for $165 total - Emerald Aisle, full size guarantee, using NHOL, DC Contract and DC Coupon for free weekend day. I would definitely retry National again a few times - they seem a little inconsistent with their discounts!

 

[Pluto4President]

I would use either of the on-site companies. Payless, although I have never used them, I wouldn't try. That's just me though

 

[mrsmom]

I tried to get a good rate for a compact a month ago and ended up doing priceline and getting a compact pickup truck, a Ford ranger extended cab with a hard top on the back that locked. It was really nice and roomy. it changed my mine about pickup trucks and we had it for 20 day , Budget picked it up through priceline.
Mrsmom

Allstar sports Dec95'
Holiday Inn sunspree Oct 98'
Westgate lakes Resort Sept 2000
Hotel Royal plaza Feb 2001
Wynham Palace and spa Sept 2001
Westgate lakes resort & Port Orleans resort June 2002
Allstar Music & Polyneasian Sept 2002

Been There, Done That, GOING BACK!!!

 

[mrsmom]

I tried to get a good rate for a compact a month ago and ended up doing priceline and getting a compact pickup truck, a Ford ranger extended cab with a hard top on the back that locked. It was really nice and roomy. it changed my mine about pickup trucks and we had it for 20 day , Budget picked it up through priceline.
Mrsmom

Allstar sports Dec95'
Holiday Inn sunspree Oct 98'
Westgate lakes Resort Sept 2000
Hotel Royal plaza Feb 2001
Wynham Palace and spa Sept 2001
Westgate lakes resort & Port Orleans resort June 2002
Allstar Music & Polyneasian Sept 2002

Been There, Done That, GOING BACK!!!