Which car rental is best?

[pam66]

I would like to rent a car during our July trip this year. I am planning on staying at ASMo and would like a car this time. Anyway, I haven't rented a car in years and was hoping for opinions from anyone who has rented. Who should I stay away from? Who usually has the better deals? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Pam

 

[mrsboz]

I always check mousesavers she can tell you the best deals out there. I would definitely rent at the airport. the first year we ever went we didn't. What a MISTAKE! You have to take a bus there and then wait in line an hour and then wait again until your car is ready and the same thing on the way back. It was so bad I made my husband drop me and the kids off at the airport before he brought the rental car back. Don't do it. With the codes that she gives you at Mousesavers you get a great deal.

 

[safetymom]

We rent all the time from Hertz and they are offsite. Their shuttle is always sitting outside and never wait more than a minute or two before we leave the airport. I am driving out of the Hertz lot in less than 10 mins. usually.

So for us offsite has worked much better than onsite when we used to rent from National.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

I also second renting at the airport(National). Why bother with another shuttle and wait when you don't have to.

When I have my luggage, I am on 417 south before the people from Hertz bus even leave the airport.

Also....... why add another stop(Hertz) on the way back to the airport.

 

[inkkognito]

I am a cheapskate, so I get the best rate that I can via coupon codes and then try to beat it on Priceline. I am able to 8 out of 10 times. I usually get Avis, Alamo, or Hertz. Although Hertz is offsite, I have literally been in and out of there in 15 minutes, including the shuttle bus, whereas I've wait an hour at Alamo even though they are onsite. When I can't get a good rate, I usually book at Thrifty, which is right next door to Hertz and also has prompt service.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by inkkognito
I Although Hertz is offsite, I have literally been in and out of there in 15 minutes, including the shuttle bus, whereas I've wait an hour at Alamo even though they are onsite.

Forgot to mention with National Emarald Aisle, you walk right up to any car..........get in..........drive up to Kiosk..........and you are on your way.
I have never had to wait using National's Emarald Aisle the 5 years I have been using National.

 

[Lyndarella]

We were disappointed when we rented at the airport. The line was unbelievably long, and there are additional fees added on so you can take the car from the airport! The Alamo lot was so disorganized that the employees didn't even know which cars were which. We usually shuttle to a hotel and rent a car from there.

 

[inkkognito]

The good thing about Priceline is that the airport fees are all included. Your rental is pre-paid, so the only thing you have to give a charge card for is a hold in case of damages.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[mommytotwo]

When we go on our vacation, we will be renting from Enterprise rent-a-car.

 

[safetymom]

The reason I switched to Hertz was the length of time that it took with National and Emerald Aisle. I used them for several years and every time I had a problem.

It may have changed but never have any problems with Hertz.

For those of you that use National I am happy for you but I won't be switching back to onsite. I am happy with Hertz.

I do curbside check in then return the car.

 

[hannahryan]

Originally posted by Nick@ VB+OKW
Forgot to mention with National Emarald Aisle, you walk right up to any car..........get in..........drive up to Kiosk..........and you are on your way.
I have never had to wait using National's Emarald Aisle the 5 years I have been using National.

We use National's Emerald Aisle everytime. No waiting at all...it's a dream. Last trip for 9 days, we paid the discounted rate of $200 for a mid-size with all taxes included.

 

[mattman2k]

We used L&M for our van rental last May and were extremely happy with them. No lines to speak of, both at pick up and drop off, no pressure to buy their insurance, and the van was in great condition. Not to mention a great price!

The best part was when I went to pick it up there was only 1 person in front of me in line and I looked over at the rental were probably 40 people in line.

We're using them again this year unless we find a better rate but so far they're the lowest.

 

[antmaril]

I rented a car from Avis on Monday. The line for Alamo/National was REALLY long. I walked up to the Avis counter and was in a car in a few minutes. No shuttle bus. Easy return. I got a code from rentalcodes.com.

If the price is the same or close, I would choose Avis.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by antmaril
I rented a car from Avis on Monday. The line for Alamo/National was REALLY long. I walked up to the Avis counter and was in a car in a few minutes.

When you use National Emarald Aisle............there is "NO" line. You pick out your car and drive away. I don't know how it can get any easier than that.
NO line,no shuttle,onsite,etc.............

 

[*Fantasia*]

I used National last time and everything went fine except trying to find where to turn in the car (don't ask me how I got lost trying to get to the airport/car rental drop off). The service was fine, there was only a 10 minute wait for us. The place was desserted maybe cause we went the first week of January (very slow season). It was so easy to rent from them. After you pay you just go straight to the car and choose your car and just go!! How much easier can that get?!

We have reserved an intermediate car- Grand Am/Prix with National again. I am hoping for the same great helpful service.

 

[jaysue]

Does Emerald Aisle costs $50 per year membership?thanks
jaysue

 

[Mymatisse]

We have always used budget and will be using them again in September. The cars have always been clean and they let you pay with a debit card if you'd like without any hassel.