Rental Car?

[duckybelle]

Trying to keep this trip as budget as possible, but we do need to rent a car for the drive there...my mom is TERRIFIED of flying! SO, where can I get the best deal? I was told try Priceline but am a little nervous about that. Anyone have any experience to share?

 

[duckybelle]

On my way to classes...look forward to seeing replies when I get back!

 

[Muddy Rivers]

You can try Mousesavers for a list of codes. There is a special section for Rental Cars and the codes are listed. We usually use National but their prices lately for a minivan have been high. So far we are going with Dollar with a BJ's code for late June. Depending on when you go, you might be able to find a good deal.

Here are a few other sites that have been useful in the past.


http://www.best-car-rental-tips.com/discount-codes.html

http://www.rentalcarscode.com/

 

[DISdreamin']

I try to use AAA for a discount (if you have it), and I definitely check off-airport locations. I find that sometimes the fees at airport locations make the price higher by half - or more! - than the "local" places. I'm always sure to be careful about pickup and return times, as they are sometimes quite limited on weekends!

Another thought - renting for 4 days is often more than it costs for a full week, so if you have the flexibility of different return times, check differnt durations for your rental. Also, if you're going over a week, it might be cheaper to go to 2 weeks rather than doing 10 or 11 days. Car class also makes a huge difference, sometimes not so much. If you want a minivan or SUV, be prepared to pay, and be careful about mileage charges! Sometimes Avis has been pricing things with free unlimited, sometimes I've seen mileage limits, so watch carefully.

Good luck!

 

[katied]

We've used Priceline for car rentals quite a bit, never any trouble. Normally you are limited to pick up at the major airports, so you need to determine if that's convenient from your house.

Otherwise, I use the mousesavers codes. I've joined National's Emerald Aisle (free way to join thru mousesavers) and then go thru all their coupon combinations. I just booked a 3 day weekend rental for Chicago for a total of $53 (including all taxes). Seems like a deal to me...

 

[msmayor]

Perhaps the most important thing you need to make sure...that I don't see anyone has mentioned yet...is you MUST make sure that you can take the rental out of state. Make sure the rental company knows where you plan to drive.

 

[duckybelle]

Can I use my debit card to rent a car? Im a non CC person...keeps me out of debt...LOL!

 

[DISdreamin']

Perhaps the most important thing you need to make sure...that I don't see anyone has mentioned yet...is you MUST make sure that you can take the rental out of state. Make sure the rental company knows where you plan to drive.

Which companies have you seen that had issues with this? I rent all the time and take the cars everywhere - well, except out of the country so far. That I'd ask about, but out of state? Nah. Didn't think I needed to!

 

[DISdreamin']

Can I use my debit card to rent a car? Im a non CC person...keeps me out of debt...LOL!

A good question which, I think, totally depends on who you are renting from. You'd need to check the web site and/or call and confirm to be sure. I know some places won't take them, or will put a huge hold when you rent. It's one of the reasons I won't go without a cc any time soon.

 

[msmayor]

Which companies have you seen that had issues with this? I rent all the time and take the cars everywhere - well, except out of the country so far. That I'd ask about, but out of state? Nah. Didn't think I needed to!

From Budget's FAQs:

Can I take the vehicle out of the state in which I'm renting?

On occasion, permission for border crossing must be acquired from the rental office directly. Since specific restrictions may apply, it's always best to ask about any cross-border restrictions. Inquire either at the rental counter or, simply contact us.

 

[DISdreamin']

From Budget's FAQs:

Ahh...Franchise versus corporate locations, perhaps...

 

[woodkins]

We used pricline for our rental car in Dec & it was great. Sooo much cheaper than direct with the rental car co's. We ended up with Alamo. Keep in mind the restrictions the other posters mentione & also you need to pay as soon as you book with Priceline, it is not a deposit you pay in full.

 

[msmayor]

Ahh...Franchise versus corporate locations, perhaps...

Most likely. Most consumers don't know whether they are dealing with a corporate or franchise location, though, and as such its much better to ask directly at the location you're renting from for restrictions. In a situation like the OP's its probably advisable to deal directly with the rental location they want to get the car from rather than trying to book through a third-party like Priceline, because they may end up with a non-refundable reservation that doesn't meet their needs.