Rental Car Prices OUTRAGEOUS - What to do?

[samiandsky]

Okay, I've been looking for over 3 hours. I booked my airline tickets tonight for Dec. 13th - Dec 20th, and now I'm trying to find a rental car, as we'll be staying offsite (I have to look for that NEXT) -and even when using codes, and corporate codes, the cheapest I can find is 340.00 for a week. I do not know what to do. I didn't even pay that much for my roundtrip airline ticket from Michigan to Florida.

I'm in shock...

Does anyone out there know a way to find a good rate on rental cars... I followed advice on Mousesavers, and still - nothing....

We are flying into the Sanford airport... I read someone got a weekly rate for 165.00 - that's much more reasonable.... I thought a rental car would be less than 200.00 for a week - and I can't find that price anywhere.

What should I do?

Suggestions? Advice? Please and Thank you in advance.

 

[disneylove69]

Have you tried THrifty or Payless? Unfortunatley you are traveling during the busiest time.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Unfortunately car rental prices have been much higher than usual over the past couple of years and most likely won't be going down any time soon. Add to that, you are going at one of the most busiest times of the year.

Just in comparison, the cheapest we could find for our October trip is $206/week where as a year ago for the same time period we were paying $154/week and the year prior was $79/week. Unfortunately the current prices reflect the sign of the times.

What can you do? Just keep trying to get a cheaper price but don't be disappointed if you can't get anything cheaper.

 

[seashoreCM]

Check back every coupl'a days.

Rates do go (up and) down like a yo-yo.

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

You can also try bidding on priceline, I did this for our Jan 2009 trip and got a car for roughly 1/2 the price I would have paid otherwise. The rental company that excepted my bid (I think it was Thrifty, but can't remember for sure) was one of the ones right there at the terminal and you get to pick the car you want from the row, we got a brand new one. Just remember, if your bid is excepted your credit card is charged right then and you are locked in, no refund, but if your going for sure its a good deal.

Good luck

 

[samiandsky]

For those who used priceline, how do you know if the car your going to get is at the airport terminal? We are definitely going for sure, and because we are not staying on disney property - we have to rent a car, so I need to find the best deal possible, and I really appreciate everybodies suggestions, it's very helpful.

If any codes pop up or specials someone is aware of, please let me know.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! This board is awesome, and so are the people who respond....thanks to all of you...

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

For those who used priceline, how do you know if the car your going to get is at the airport terminal? We are definitely going for sure, and because we are not staying on disney property - we have to rent a car, so I need to find the best deal possible, and I really appreciate everybodies suggestions, it's very helpful.

If any codes pop up or specials someone is aware of, please let me know.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! This board is awesome, and so are the people who respond....thanks to all of you...

Its true, some of the rental car lots are not at the terminal, but the ones you might get thru Priceline will have at least a shuttle and I don't think they are all that far away, so maybe an extra 30 minutes I would guess from rental counter to car?

 

[mmmgood]

Try here:

http://www.carrentalsavers.com/florida-car-rental

There are currently three options for under $200 per week at Sanford for your dates. There are no cancellation fees or change fees unlike Priceline.

 

[sympatico]

You could check Dollar using the KISS2 promo code. This was the cheapest we could find a minivan for Oct/Nov at 227 wk +fees. Still hoping Alamo or National will lower their rates.
Keep checking.

 

[DanenRox]

Very excited to the point of being a bit nervous. I've been watching rates for weeks (like some many others) for our 11 day trip in September. The best rate I could get for a compact was $310 (with taxes and fees...a base rate of about $130). Just now after reading this post I jumped on Priceline and got a compact for total $218 (with taxes and fees....Yay!). I should mention we pick up at MCO and drop off in Tampa. We got National...which I've never used but I'm OK with. I'm very happy and can live with $218 for 11 days. National is in MCO but we'll shuttle into TPA. No problem! Thanks for the nudge.

 

[samiandsky]

I'll keep checking - if anyone finds a good deal, please post.... or send me a pm.

Thank you!

 

[CHD New York]

I am a DVC Member and I booked before Disney started offering free dinning in Sept. I rented a Mini Van, more than 8 months out for my 10 day trip 09//08/09 - 09/18/09 and got it for around $450. However I always check rates again as my trip nears. This time the same info was almost $1300. Am happy i book early.

I am going to WDW in Sept and I think the rates went up because of Disney Free Dinning Offer.

If you was the rental car company, you can't miss Disneys advertising this offer and the what will you celebrate? Ad

 

[cfknight]

Actually I thought they were pretty cheap this year, I found dollar for 14 days mid size for $400, advantage for 17 days for $384, but I opted to go with national mid size for 15 days for $384..were going nov.26- dec.12

 

[Karlzmom]

I would book the "best" option you can find, and then keep checking to rebook if the price drops. It would be a shame to not have something as your hedge, and have rates go up!

I have been able to knock off more than $100 since I started this procedure....so hang in there, it will likely get better when you get closer.

 

[janicep50]

Do you need a coupon when you pick up a car to use the KISS2 code? Thanks.

 

[cfknight]

Do you need a coupon when you pick up a car to use the KISS2 code? Thanks.

we never needed anything

 

[Synndy]

I very recently (as in 2 days ago) booked priceline name your own price and was very pleased!

I have a thread where I explain how I booked

Ive never booked through Priceline but was VERY happy. One of the reasons I tried the name your own price was because with priceline you are guaranteed one of 5 companies. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, or National. All except Hertz are in MCO and Hertz provides shuttle service. I liked that all 5 companies are highly rated.

You dont know the exact car make or model you'll be getting but you can select the car type. We got an economy but you choose your type.

The only down side is theres no way you can cancel & refund your money with booking with name your own.

But if your trip is set in stone, I'd suggest giving it a try