YES, rental cars have escalated since less people are flying (WIMPS!). However, I just got a FULL size car from MArch 18-25 (7 days) for 18 a day plus taxes on priceline. The rental is thru HERTZ, whose regular rate for the same period is over 300 dollarooskis. The total price I paid was 153 with all taxes, fees, governors pensions etc.
I called National last week just to confirm our reservation for April, and we were quoted $178 for April vacation week. This price was locked in, but he said "if you were calling today to book, that same car would be $280". He said it was a supply and demand thing. Wow.
I found a car at Dollar for $24 a day. You need the codes but I got them at the mousesavers and the Dis home page. try all the codes I got better price with one as opposed to another. There are some horror stories about L&M on transportation board too so do reseach if that is the way you are going. Some of the stories wouldn't have been such a big deal to me.
As posted, I would try L&M, here is there website L&M Website
As also posted, there is a thread on the transportation board, whre L&M actually posts, and states the will beat any price. Here is a link to that thread L&M Thread .
I used them once, last week, I am using them again in 2 weeks and have another ressie for March. Small company, new cars, great rates, in the terminal!