What would you rent?

[yooperfan]

We are kicking around the idea of driving to Orlando from Upper Michigan. It would be a 24 hr drive, no kids. What would you recommend we rent for fuel efficiency and comfort? Also, any suggestions on a rental agency for out of state travel?

 

[shocker]

Out of state is going to be the big tuffie. I don't know of any car rental I've ever had that didn't have radius or state line restrictions. That being said I know that my DBIL has rented the large 15 passenger vans to take huge youth trips with church, and you can rent RV's for long trips but they'll start billing by the mile after you reach their cap, but have never seen that large trips with cars is even possible (some companies have even told me they have tracking devices on their cars).

 

[shocker]

One more idea but would cost you a pretty penny, is booking 2 one-way rentals that way the co. knows full well how far that car is going (Thrifty and Hertz are your best bets for these type of rentals-Thrifty will limit which location it will reciprocate with but you can find a list on their website after you type in where you're picking up from).

 

[Vijoge]

Also, any suggestions on a rental agency for out of state travel?

Out of state is going to be the big tuffie. I don't know of any car rental I've ever had that didn't have radius or state line restrictions.

Restrictions on taking a rental car out of state? I've never heard of such and we've travelled all over in rental cars. Or did I misunderstand what you're talking about?

We use whoever will get us the best deal-lately it's been Alamo-not my favorite but I get good deals.

 

[Vijoge]

One more idea but would cost you a pretty penny, is booking 2 one-way rentals that way the co. knows full well how far that car is going

They don't care how far the car goes. I must be missing a major point of this thread.

 

[shocker]

I rent all the time for work and for pleasure. Read the fine print they all have restrictions. I live in Kansas City and all of them here limit you to NE, KS, IA, and MO. My last rental in Albuquerque would not allow me to leave the state (but it's a huge one).

 

[Vijoge]

I rent all the time for work and for pleasure. Read the fine print they all have restrictions. I live in Kansas City and all of them here limit you to NE, KS, IA, and MO. My last rental in Albuquerque would not allow me to leave the state (but it's a huge one).

From Alamo:

Authorized Driving Areas


Rentals originating in the United States (USA) can be driven throughout the USA and Canada.

 

[yooperfan]

Thanks, I guess we would have to take my Ford Escape. Chiching!

 

[pipervali]

Hertz tends to have unlimited mileage across the continental US. If you're a AAA member, they have pretty decent discounts.

Enterprise has a ton of neighborhood locations that while having some restrictions in states, you can check and see if every state you travel through is one of their 'approved' states.

To not be cramped and to keep the kids entertained a minivan is probably the best choice, and the fuel efficiency won't be too painful for you.

 

[KnoxRunner]

Enterprise has worked for me in the past.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Another thing to consider, depending on exactly when you're going: sometimes the two one-way rentals is a VERY smart move. If you're traveling south in the fall (or north in the spring), some car rental agencies, in an effort to move vehicles to where they'll be needed, offer extremely low one-way rates.

 

[tkldisney]

I would check out mousesavers to get discount codes etc. If you live close to an airport try using that as pickup location vs local. I would try Nat'l, Avis, & Hertz. DH rents Avis all the time and drives it out of state never an issue, they never ask where we're taking it.
As far as size since it's just two of you, I'd go with midsize (for best comfort & gas mileage) and make sure it's unlimited mileage.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We recently rented from National and picked a new Corolla and according to the digal information center on the car it showed we were getting 41 miles to the gallon. We drove from Cleveland to Toronto and I am not much for car rides but I have to say the car was comfy for the 2 of us. I had lots of leg room