Why are rental car prices so outrageous?

[punkin]

I can't seem to get any intermediate car for less than $200. I tried Alamo, National, Avis, and Hertz with various mousesaver and other coupons and codes. I am at a loss. I have never paid more than $150 for a week's rental, and usually was able to get someting for ubder $120. Have prices jumped so high or is it my time frame (11/17-11/25)?

 

[CarolA]

I believe that is Thanksgiving week. I would expect rates to climb as cars sell out. I would book something soon and then keep looking!

 

[Servants of Evan]

It's simply a matter of Supply and Demand. You've got a holiday weekend and many people will rent a car for a longer journey ("where the miles are free") rather than rack up miles and the mess it may cause with their own car...

Servants of Evan

 

[Diznenut]

You may want to call Disney and check with them. I was able to get a car thru them from Alamo for 70.00 for 2 days. All the coupons and tricks I tried on the website got me no less than 120.00 for same 2 days.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

which disney number did you call to get that alamo reservation?

 

[Diznenut]

which disney number did you call to get that alamo reservation?

The Disney travel company
407-939-7675 (i think is the number)

Its the number you call for package reservations. I found the new fall package information online and called them to see if i could switch. I was able to (saved 200.86 for the EXACT same package) and the CM asked me about my rental car. She was able to get the better rate for me.

 

[mill4023]

National with Priceless code (6600330) comes to $196 total.
Less than $200, but not by much.

 

[ncbyrne]

Tomorrow (13th) we pick up our National rental car at CCC (dropping off MCO on the 24th). I booked this car online many months ago using the codes for a great rate of $147 wk. I have been checking every week since and can't come anywhere near this rate now! I too am very surprised at the current rates! My guess is that the increased cost of gasoline, and the success of ME have driven up the price.

 

[punkin]

OK, I just got $180 with the priceless code and a $15 coupon. Same dates as I was getting $225 yesterday. I guess I will keep trying again. Obviously they change their prices all the time. I was going to use Amex points to get an Avis car (an intemediate would cost me 20,000 and $60), but I think this price is OK.

 

[cgavin5]

I think that the rental car companies have monpolized the industry, engaged in anti competitive practices, and price fixing and should be penalized by the FTC. If you agree please make a complaint about the fixed prices that the rental car companys have put into place. Notice how expensive it is to rent a car. It wasn't that way a year ago. What happened? Dollar thrifty was recently purchase by Hertz. Enterprise and National were purchased by Alamo. Get the picture?

 

[cgavin5]

Simply put- No Competition. Write the rental car companies and tell them what you think.

 

[Donna M]

cgavin5--- look at the date of the original posts; they're talking prices from 2005!

 

[sam_gordon]

cgavin5--- look at the date of the original posts; they're talking prices from 2005!

Good catch!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Simply put- No Competition. Write the rental car companies and tell them what you think.

Sure, that will do a lot of good

Why would you bump a seven year old thread?

 

[bumbershoot]

cgavin5--- look at the date of the original posts; they're talking prices from 2005!

And what's amazing is that today I'm re-re-re-looking at rental cars, and even with National just before President's day I'm looking at $158 for a week (pick up at MCO, drop off at CCC or Dolphin), base rate for a mid-size, without a code/coupon. Yeah yeah, add on the taxes, but still, not sure it's gone up THAT much, even with "no" competition.

 

[DebbieB]

It has gone up steadily the past few years. Around 2000-2005 I could get an intermediate for a week with National for around $100-$125 for a week incl taxes. Since then it keeps going up, hard to get under $200.

 

[sam_gordon]

It has gone up steadily the past few years. Around 2000-2005 I could get an intermediate for a week with National for around $100-$125 for a week incl taxes. Since then it keeps going up, hard to get under $200.

So a $100 increase in 7-12 years? That's what, less than $10 a year? Not really surprising.

 

[DebbieB]

So a $100 increase in 7-12 years? That's what, less than $10 a year? Not really surprising.

It didn't jump $10 a year. It jumped from $125 to over $200 within a year, probably around 2005-2006, I just noticed the original post is 2005.

 

[sam_gordon]

It didn't jump $10 a year. It jumped from $125 to over $200 within a year, probably around 2005-2006, I just noticed the original post is 2005.

Then I misread your post. I thought you were saying it was $125 in early 2000's, and now it's $200. As I understand it, the original post didn't use any coupons or discount codes either.

 

[Chris2597]

I caught a special a couple of days ago and booked a week for 155 on Alamo. I have never paid more that 160.00 for a week. Keep checking. It will pay off. Unfortunately, I often find the best prices after midnight.