I've been checking for the last few months and have noticed that the rental car rates are much higher then last year. Last August I rented an SUV for 9 days and got a great rate ($174.00). This year I was shopping for a car for 8 days and so far the cheapest rate I've found (need a midsize) was over $300. Has anyone found anything cheaper? I've checked Alamo, National, Budget and they are all around the $275 - 300 range even with entertainment book coupons.