Should I have reserved a smaller Dollar car?

[Sandy Feet]

I booked a full-size car for our family of 5 but now I'm wondering if I should've booked a mid-size car because Dollar sent us the free upgrade coupon for enrolling in fastlane program? Also, should I have asked for a full tank of gas to save the hassle of looking for a gas station immediately on arrival?

 

[safetymom]

If you plan on doing a lot of driving and would be bringing it back practically empty then pre buy the tank of gas.

If you take it back half empty you just paid a lot more for gas. There are several gas stations to fill up the car on the way back to the airport.

 

[Jestocost]

If you can rebook a mid-size and use your coupon to get a full-size at the lower rate, go ahead. You definitely want the full size with a family if five.

Whether or not you buy the full tank, you'll get the car with a full tank and won't need to rush right out to a gas station. The difference is if you need to refill it or not when it's time to turn it in. As previously noted, unless you plan to drive a couple of hundred miles and use up most of the tank, buying the full tank isn't a good deal. Just be sure to keep an eye out when you leave the airport so you can spot a gas station to hit on your way back.

 

[DebbieB]

They give the car to you full. I always fill it up before leaving WDW at either the Boardwalk gas station or the one near MK. It's still on full when I get to the airport, I've never paid the rental car co for gas (National). I rarely use more than 1/2 a tank.

 

[CarolA]

I wouldn't book the smaller car with five.

Upgrades are subject to availablity so if you get there and Dollar is low on Full SIzes you will get the midsize you reserved.

Also, the gas program is a rip off in my belief. If your rental car holds 16 gallons they charge you for the ENTIRE 16 gallons. Unless you can coast in on fumes.....

 

[Dan Murphy]

As said, the 'buy the full tank' option ahead of time is a HUGE money-maker for the rental companies. Sounds attractive, especially when confronted by the gas charge they will charge you if returned not on full. But, as Debbie said, a fill up before you head back will do just fine. I have done that numerous times (every time there) and never has the needle moved from full on the return, probably less than a gallon used. And they do just give the needle a look. Unless you brought it back on fumes, as said, they are making money on you, about 2 bucks for every gallon left in the tank on return. Enjoy.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Thank you,

I'll stick with what I have now I know how the gas "thing" works!