Sorry to Ask - Priceline questions

[jaff87]

Hi All:

Never used Priceline, but I am seeing everyone getting these terrific rates.
Bottom line, please, what is the fine print with them?

I played around on their website and I put in a price of $15.00/day for 10 days (8/5-8/15) for an SUV.

Screen came up as follows:

Office Price: $15.00
Total Rental Days: 10
Subtotal: $110.00
Taxes/Fees: $56.15
Total Chartes: $166.15

Then some blurb about providing credit card info and if it is accepted, I will then know which company I will be using.

Is this really true or are there other hidden costs I do not know about?

I have an existing reservation through Alamo for same time period, SUV for a final confirmed price of $251.86.

Should I just leave well enough alone?

 

[paysensmom]

I dont think there are any hidden fees. But I wonder if the miles are unlimited and if it is alright to cross state lines??
Hey for that price for alamo, did you use a coupon or code?? Sounds like a great price!!

 

[mrsmom]

We have used priceline all the time at mco and there has never been any hidden cost. except they ask you if you want additional insurance when you pick up your car , but we have always said no.and make sure the gas tank is full in returning it.

Kim

 

[jaff87]

I made the original Alamo reservation back in March.

I used Walmart contract 428448 & Entertainment coupon (AD28) for $25; PLUS, I do have free additional driver with this contract ID AND unlimited miles.

Prices now using these codes are outrageous! I am simply stunned at the prices.

Maybe I should leave well enough alone, but to be able to save an extra $90 would be great too!

On the Priceline screen, it does say
Car Category: Sport Utility (with unlimited mileage)

 

[Figment56]

Hi All:

Never used Priceline, but I am seeing everyone getting these terrific rates.
Bottom line, please, what is the fine print with them?

I played around on their website and I put in a price of $15.00/day for 10 days (8/5-8/15) for an SUV.

Screen came up as follows:

Office Price: $15.00
Total Rental Days: 10
Subtotal: $110.00
Taxes/Fees: $56.15
Total Chartes: $166.15

Then some blurb about providing credit card info and if it is accepted, I will then know which company I will be using.

Is this really true or are there other hidden costs I do not know about?

I have an existing reservation through Alamo for same time period, SUV for a final confirmed price of $251.86.

Should I just leave well enough alone?

How did you get a price? I try it and it asks for my credit card info so if I get what I ask, they will charge my credit card! I couldn't get any prices without my card number.

 

[Siouxstone]

I've used Priceline many, many times for hotels, airlines & cars. I've never had a surprise fee for the car rentals or airlines. (Some hotels require valet parking or resort fees.) I've always had unlimited mileage and always pre-paid for my gas or returned it full. My car insurance covers rentals, so I don't need to buy theirs. There is one commandment I have learned on the biddingfortravel boards: Always return it on time! If you don't, you forfeit the priceline deal. I now always add 3 or 4 hours to my drop off time, just to make sure and keep myself the only driver.
Also, remember, if you bid it & it is accepted: You own it! It's a done deal.
Good luck!

 

[StampMom]

As Susie said, there aren't any "hidden fees" to the Priceline cost -- the "catch" is just that it's non-refundable. If your plans change, or you find a better deal, you can't cancel your reservation and get your money back. That's why you have to give a credit card number when you place a bid -- BUT if they don't accept your bid, your card isn't charged (and you can try again in 72 hours).

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The only other "catch" is if you need a 2nd driver. You will have to pay whatever the company from whom you are renting charges. For some (Budget?), I beleive it is free for a spouse; for others, even spouses cost big bucks. And, of course, since you don't know in advance what company you will be renting from, you can't budget in advance for those costs.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[bab31]

I used priceline in June got a terrific price for a fullsize car thru Avis. Avis allows your spouse to be a second driver for free. No problem there. I will use priceline again for a car rental. I know it is a little intimidating at first. Just make sure all your info is absolutely correct before saying yes- once you buy - it is yours. I did have a 7 hour delay for my flight and had no problems picking up my car.

 

[jaff87]

How did you get a price? I try it and it asks for my credit card info so if I get what I ask, they will charge my credit card! I couldn't get any prices without my card number.

This was the first time I was ever on priceline. I chose my dollar amount of $15.00 and put it in. Another screen came up and gave me the specifics which I posted originally. The next screen then asked for credit card info, which naturally, I did not put anything in and just got out of it all together.

I did, however, provide my name, on the first screen and the dates I was flying, etc.

BUT, I was never asked for credit card info. until after the screen with the costs came up. I assumed this was just a buffer to let me know that I have a chance that my price would be accepted. I initially tried $10.00 and got the message that the price was too low, so I upped it to $15.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I initially tried $10.00 and got the message that the price was too low, so I upped it to $15.

Almosts always when I have bid accpeted, Priceline has first advised me that my bid is too low and has little chance to be accepted. If you are comfortable with you bid based on all your reserach, stick to your guns and bid what you want.

Best of luck -- Suzanne