Renting multiple vehicles - help?

[gmeh1]

Reason I asked...the resale value of the vehicle is directly related to the number of miles on the vehicle. Unlimited mileage is intended to mean you won't be nickle and dimed under normal rental circumstances. Normal meaning you fly into the airport, drive in the area then return the car back to the same airport.

Agencies have polices which impact one way renters and renters who plan on driving long distances. Enterprise typically limits the geographic area you're allowed to drive you car. Customers who need to expand the area pay more and/or pay for miles.

I did a "test reservation" for a mini van at Fort Smith airport with Budget. This is the "fine print" for your local airport for a minivan


You need to estimate the total number of miles you'll be driving. Add at least 100 miles to cover driving around Orlando and to cover times you may exit the interstate and drive a few miles in order to find a suitable restaurant.

Get the total charge. Repeat the process for each agency. Make sure the rate isn't contingent on flying in or out of the airport.

Budget, this location, has a cancellation charge. That's actually good. It makes it harder for them to justify overbooking.

edited to add: You'll save the airport fees if you find a local (neighborhood) location. I'd be surprised if can get a good rate on a mini-van, for the number of miles you'll be driving, but it's worth checking.

The "old" logic says renting a vehicle and getting some money is better then letting it set in the lot unrented. New logic says keep it on the lot unrented if you're not going to get enough money to cover the diminished value of the vehicle as a result of miles driven. Keeping a few cars on the lot give the agency the ability to get $$$ from a last minute renter.

I checked for you. All three agencies, FSM airport mini-van rental, will be charging for excess miles. National .30 after 1150 miles. I checked assuming a 7 day rental. A 14 day rental should give you twice the miles. It will probably pay to rent for 2 weeks, even if you have to keep the van in your house for a few days after you return home. Remember to include the miles from your home to the airport both directions when you do the math.

MY POST DOESN'T READ THE WAY I INTENDED IT TO READ. IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M lecturing the OP. I have no reason to assume she isn't aware of what it will cost to rent a minivan. I'm not edited the post because other people reading the thread might not be aware of what it can cost to rent a vehicle and drive it long distances.

I think you did a lot of research and provided some excellent information. I liked the post.

 

[HookdonWDW]

I believe I said there is a limit on what an under 25 can rent and I also referenced the FAQ section. I don't need to detail what people can actually read if they have the desire.

Wow, feeling snippy much??? Since your not the OP, I wasn't clarifying for your benefit. It's a two way street... don't read my posts if you don't desire. Since I'm a contractor for A/B, I was explaining what the limit actually was to the OP.

 

[gmeh1]

Wow, feeling snippy much??? Since your not the OP, I wasn't clarifying for your benefit. It's a two way street... don't read my posts if you don't desire. Since I'm a contractor for A/B, I was explaining what the limit actually was to the OP.

I was responding to your response to my post. Your response to the OP was incorrect, I was clarifying.

 

[goofy4tink]

People, we need to understand something here. When you have a public forum, you have to realize that a lot of other people are reading. So, try not to forget that someone, not the OP, may not get a clear idea of what you are trying to say. Others may come along and try to make it clearer.
If you want a more personal chat, you may be better off using PMs.