Renting a car for the first time

[wisbucky]

DH and I are considering for the first time renting a car after arriving at Orlando Airport. We have never rented a car before and really do not know a whole lot about pricing and such. Can you kind folks here give us some ideas of discounts, what a good rental company is and who to stay away from. Also what hidden fees to expect.

 

[DawnCt1]

My preference for a rental car agency is for the one that gives me the best price at the airport. I don't worry about consumer loyalty. I usually do best with Dollar or Budget. I have never had a problem with either one. I have gotten good rates for mid size cars from National but I never got a good rate from them for a mini van. I like going onto the travel web sites such as travelocity, orbitz, expedia, and finding out what the price range is for the dates and locations that I am looking for. Then I go to www.rentalcodes.com www.mousesavers.com and plug in the various codes for the agencies that are available. After I get my reservation, I often make two with two different agencies. (I have had a problem in the past which is why I do that) I may continue to look for a lower rate as I approach the trip, just in case one exists.
I use a credit card that offers collision waiver insurance. It is the $20 per day or more fee that the agencies will charge you should you sustain damage up to your deductible on your own insurance. In the past couple of years I have been using American Express Premier Rental Insurance. It is $25 for the length of rental up to 30 days. Can't beat that. It has excellent coverage.

 

[figment85]

We've used National several times in Orlando. They are in the airport terminal, so are very easy for pickup and drop off of the car. They have never surprised us with any unexpected charges; which is the main reason we keep returning to them. I don't think they are the cheapest, however.

 

[SydSim]

You will hear different answers from different people. Everyone has their favorites. Some people are diehard at-the-terminal people (meaning the rental car is right at the airport). Others don't mind taking a shuttle for 10-15 minutes offsite for a cheaper price (that's me!). Different discounts are to be had at different times of the day, month and year. There are coupons in Entertainment Books, online (mousesavers) and websites (each individual car rental site). I booked with Thrifty on Wednesday for Christmas (locally-not WDW). When I looked on their website today, the price had incrased by over $200! You just never know.
My advice - check this website twice a day. A Diser is always sharing a new found discount with us After that, check several car rental websites a few times a week. Buy an Entertainment book and check mousesavers every once in a while. Yup, lots of research to get a good deal. Now if money is no object, most car rental agencies will do just fine.

 

[SydSim]

DH and I are considering for the first time renting a car after arriving at Orlando Airport. We have never rented a car before and really do not know a whole lot about pricing and such. Can you kind folks here give us some ideas of discounts, what a good rental company is and who to stay away from. Also what hidden fees to expect.

Hidden fees can consist of extra driver fee, insurance, collision damage waiver, car seat, re-fuel, etc. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover car rentals while on vacation. Check with your credit card to see if they cover anything as well. There are coupons/codes that eliminate extra driver fees. They may offer for you to pre-pay for gas refill (meaning instead of filling up the tank before you return the rental, you pre-pay the rental car company and return if near empty or something like that ) I believe that it costs much more to pre-pay. Check this website for areas to fill the tank that are cheap.

 

[wisbucky]

You folks have all been so helpful. Thanks for all the input and ideas. I would of never have known about the codes, checking mousesavers, looking off site for a cheaper rate , and I never even knew anything about refueling. Wow I have been educated here.

 

[DawnCt1]

I believe that it costs much more to pre-pay. Check this website for areas to fill the tank that are cheap.

Actually the price per gallon on a pre pay is cheaper than the prevailing rates in the area. The hope is that most people will not use the rental car enough to empty the tank and so they make out ahead by selling a full tank of gas and getting the car back with gas in it. I will pre pay on a long stay and drive back on fumes.