Rental car sticker shock

[Jajone]

I've found that more times than not a minivan is cheapest from Budget using BCD x474200 along with a dollars off coupon code.

Where is this code from? Is it one I can use? It just got me a minivan for under $400! Perfect!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree with checking offsite locations. I had to rent a minivan when cousins came out to visit, and it was less expensive to rent from the Torrance location than the LAX location. One or two of you can Uber/Lyft to the offsite location and pick up the rest if you want to keep costs down, or all of you go, whatever best suits your options.

 

[sheetz]

Where is this code from? Is it one I can use? It just got me a minivan for under $400! Perfect!

It's a Travelocity code. Apparently it's ok for anyone to use, and I've personally used it many times and never been asked for any kind of special ID. It's been discussed on a number of threads here and nobody has ever had a problem with it as far as I know.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/has-anyone-actually-used-budget-bcd-code-x474200.2387874/
http://www.disboards.com/threads/anyone-successfully-use-budget-code-x474200-lately.3141936/

 

[mom2rtk]

I just checked rates with Budget for our upcoming trip. I checked with the code, and without, and the price was the same. Does anyone know if it's only good sometimes?

 

[sheetz]

I just checked rates with Budget for our upcoming trip. I checked with the code, and without, and the price was the same. Does anyone know if it's only good sometimes?

It could be that particular location isn't a participating agency, or the standard rate is the same as the BCD rate. (BCD rates aren't necessarily "percentage off" rates and can be pre-negotiated rates)

 

[mom2rtk]

It could be that particular location isn't a participating agency, or the standard rate is the same as the BCD rate. (BCD rates aren't necessarily "percentage off" rates and can be pre-negotiated rates)

OK, thanks. I'll maybe try some other locations in town.

 

[minorthr]

So after seeing this thread I checked enterprise from LAX. For 5 days in November a chrysler 200 is a total of $86 total. I jumped on it and if we decide to change it Ill just cancel.

 

[pinkprincess30]

We use Costco every time we get a rental car. The reservations are not paid up front and as the date gets closer the prices drop dramatically. Our rental started out as a small SUV (RAV4) and by our pick up date we ended up getting a minivan for about half the price. It is no fee to cancel and make a new reservation. The prices literally dropped 2-3 days before our trip. Costco was by FAR the best price I found.

 

[hlbtimes2]

We use Costco every time we get a rental car. .

I typically use Costco as well. But, so far Autoslash has them beat for my June trip. I'm at $235 right now. Costco has dropped from the $350 I was originally quoted, but are still at about $285. I'm going to continue to check Costco and autoslash in hopes that prices drop down further. I just hate to spend that much on a car that will spend most of the time parked. We've never paid that much. Not even for the convertible we rented on one trip!

 

[pinkprincess30]

I typically use Costco as well. But, so far Autoslash has them beat for my June trip. I'm at $235 right now. Costco has dropped from the $350 I was originally quoted, but are still at about $285. I'm going to continue to check Costco and autoslash in hopes that prices drop down further. I just hate to spend that much on a car that will spend most of the time parked. We've never paid that much. Not even for the convertible we rented on one trip!

I agree! I was shocked at how much the prices dropped right before we left for our trip. It was a pleasant surprise. Good luck to you!

 

[Seattle]

I'm having the opposite happen with Costco! I booked last November for a trip coming up this weekend (three more sleeps!!) -- intermediate SUV, 8 days, $155. When I look up the same particulars now, it's $304.

 

[jeffg4]

Folks, the prices for rental cars will vary based on supply and demand. There is no rule of thumb where you can assume the prices will rise or drop as it gets closer to your reservation date. If you book early and the demand goes up, so will the prices. If you book early and the demand goes down, so will the prices. I've gotten great prices 3 months ahead of time and 1 day ahead of time. It all depends. Like other posters have stated, book early and keep checking back often. Rebook if you find a cheaper price. Most rental companies do not charge for a reservation or cancellation. In addition, place a Priceline bid the day before your reservation for a total amount at about 20% less than your existing reservation. If you get it, great. If not, you still have your original reservation. Be aware that Priceline will not allow you to name your own price for one-way rentals (i.e you are returning the car to a different location).

 

[hlbtimes2]

Received an email from Autoslash today. My reservation is now down to $194. The will continue to monitor and improve my pricing if they can. I'm SOLD! Will use and recommend them to others.

 

[gatorlisa]

I'm having the opposite happen with Costco! I booked last November for a trip coming up this weekend (three more sleeps!!) -- intermediate SUV, 8 days, $155. When I look up the same particulars now, it's $304.

Same here. Booked 7 days for mid/late May back in November, through Costco. Have an intermediate SUV for ~$165. Looked a couple weeks ago and it's well over $300. Glad I booked the car when I booked the airfare! Two more weeks for me.

 

[sheetz]

There's simply no hard and fast rule for getting the best car rental rates. I have a pretty good amount of experience renting cars all over the country and have used Priceline/Hotwire, Costco, Carrentals.com, LMTClub.com, Autoslash, and booking directly with the agencies to get the best deals.