Rental Car confusion

[hammie59]

Is there really a big difference in choosing a company? I've only rented a car once in my life and I didn't even make the ressie, so I'm basically clueless.

Is it ever more economical to rent for a whole week as opposed to just a few days?

 

[robinb]

I personally don't think there is a huge difference between the rental car companies. If everything is the same. I will usually choose National over others because I am an Emerald Club (frequent renter club) member and I like to pick out my own car from the lot instead of having one assigned. That being said, it's all about price for me. There are only 3 of us so we often book a Compact to get the best price.

A weekly rental (any over 5 days) is a LOT cheaper per day than a daily rental. But it doesn't make a lot of sense to rent a car for longer than you need it. Just be aware that if you rent for a week and return it earlier you will be charged the daily rate instead.

Check over on Mousesavers for discount codes .

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I rent cars often for work related travel, and I believe there is a major difference between companies with regard to service and quality/condition of vehicles.

I no longer rent from Alamo, and am close to cutting Budget and Thrifty from the list.

National is still ok, and Hertz is struggling back.

A week is almost always more economical than day to day. Weekends are sometimes the cheapest.

Try not to rent from local little known places. I've done that and it's a true exercise in frustration for a false economy.

So, all that to say, National is ok, Hertz tries and Avis is pretty good.

 

[wolf29]

Another factor to think of is location of the company. You will save quite a bit of your vacation time by renting from a company that is located IN the airport, as opposed to having to shuttle offsite. I haven't found a huge amount of difference between the better-known companies, usually using Alamo (same parent Co as National) or Enterprise most often. I almost excusively now book through Hotwire or Priceline and have had very good results.

 

[robinb]

Try not to rent from local little known places. I've done that and it's a true exercise in frustration for a false economy.

I meant to say this too. I only rent from the major companies.