rental car help!!!

[njcarita]

right now I have booked amtrak tickets from NJ to orlando...

really tempted to drive this trip...but since our cars are almost 10 years old...I would rather rent a car for the drive.....

are there are good rental deals out there... we are a family of 5....so I would be leaning toward a mini van or suv

 

[sdzman]

Try using priceline.com. You can really save some decent money and they use major rental companies only.

 

[semo233]

I found that the cheapest way to rent a car was through COSTCO, but there are several websites that list discount codes:

http://www.farespotter.net/?x=ukkmI...KCoBP0hD0juKdRi/lP6u4AFjYadDCc6zmJE+UeSYWUx+w

http://www.rentalcarmomma.com/

http://www.rentalcodes.com/

Also, visit the disboards transportation board, they discuss this topic and share codes every day.

Your best bet will be unlimited miles if you can find it.

 

[happymommy]

My best friend did that same thing; she rented a minivan and drove from St. Louis. She said her car wouldn't make it, plus she's got 4 kids and needed the space.

I'd look at car rentals at the airport near you first. You usually get unlimited miles that way.

I'd definitely drive over taking the train. You can go at your own pace, and pack lots of stuff.

Have you looked into flights, and weighed the difference? I know from the East Coast there are often good deals; we've gotten $150 round trip before. Check Southwest and Airtran. Often! Then compare that versus the rental car, gas, and time.

We've driven once, and it was fun but long. My DH said never again! I'd do it if we were going for two weeks, but not for a week.

I agree with Priceline - check out bidding boards (I think it's something like betterbidding.com or the like) to see what the cars or vans are going for. You will get unlimited miles that way I think.

 

[njcarita]

thanks.... I will look up the info... and hop over to the transportation board too..

I am so tempted to take our van for the trip...though its a 2002 it only has 70,000 miles on it.... and hasn't given us too much trouble..... maybe I'll take it to the mechanic and have them make it trip worthy.....

 

[njcarita]

I'd definitely drive over taking the train. You can go at your own pace, and pack lots of stuff. we've driven to florida over 20 times.... and taken the train 4 times.... I like both ways equally.... but was leaning to taking the car with us this time so I don't have to rely on the disney busses the whole trip.

Have you looked into flights, and weighed the difference? last time i flew was 1994 for business..... hubby and I are both now chicken about flying


I agree with Priceline - check out bidding boards (I think it's something like betterbidding.com or the like) to see what the cars or vans are going for. You will get unlimited miles that way I think thanks for info .

 

[rock_doctor]

how big is the van? Can it fit on Amtracks auto train? Get on it in Va and get off it in Jacksonville. Then you have your car and put less then 500miles on it. Since you already have train tickets it may not be a huge price increase.

 

[njcarita]

how big is the van? Can it fit on Amtracks auto train? Get on it in Va and get off it in Jacksonville. Then you have your car and put less then 500miles on it. Since you already have train tickets it may not be a huge price increase.

Just checked its a almost $1000 more for the auto train....