Worst Case Senario Renting MCO Car on Priceline??

[Bill From PA]

We're going to try a low-ball bid for a rental car on New Year's Day 'til 1/9 on Priceline. We've got a Tiffany TC ressie so if we don't score a car, no big deal. My only worry is that I'll get accepted by a company far from MCO and waste a lot of time on pickup and drop off. Anybody know the worst I can do regarding this? I'm thinking that on-site companies don't have to stoop to trolling Priceline for business and I'll probably end up with an off site company.

Bill From PA

 

[safetymom]

You could get Hertz which is offsite. They are very fast and find them very easy to use.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks, safetymom,
Hertz accepted our bid this June when we had car problems 2 days before our Myrtle Beach vacation and I needed reliable wheels to get from Pa to there. They were effecient and cheap, so I'd be happy with them. Apparently Priceline uses only 'major' renters, so I'll just roll the dice and hope. Actually I question whether it'll come to this because I'm probably going to bid under $20 per day tops, working myself up to that from $15 or so. I probably should get used to the idea of another Tiffany trip.

Bill From PA

 

[Tigger&Belle]

What class car are you going to try to get (I'm assuming that you specify the class on Priceline)? Let us know how you do--I'm considering the same for my January trip. Trying to keep the costs down and since I won't be traveling with a young child we could manage the bags ok for an offsite company (don't want to chance it when traveling next month with my 4yo).

T&B

 

[Lori-n-NY]

I used Priceline in Oct and got AVIS in MCO. I bid $15 for three day rental f/s/s/m Pickup was at 10 pm Friday and return was 3 pm Monday. First bid of 15 was rejected but I rebid at $18 and got it. mid-size car by the way. total for the rental was $72 includes all the taxes which you will see total before pushing the last bid now button.

Avis was quick and easy. They did not hassle about ins coverage. I went to the counter and right to the garage within minutes and climbed into a 2005 Chevy Malibu with less then 200 miles on it.
Man I loved driving down 417 that night.

Good luck.
Lori

 

[inkkognito]

I use Priceline a lot, and often I find Alamo to be a worst-case scenario than Hertz! Alamo is the official rental car company of WDW, and as such, their line can be pretty long. With Hertz, I've made it in and out in 15 minutes, including shuttle time. But really, I've never had a totally bad experience with any of the agencies I've gotten via Priceline (Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Budget, and National). I LOVE Priceline.
Barb

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks for all the encouraging info.

Tigger&Belle, we're going low rent, an economy car will do as it's just the two of us with little luggage. I'll post results here, win or lose.

Lori-n-NY, that's good news. I don't know what to expect on New Year's Day, but I'll probably start out below $15 because someone here posted an acceptance at $13. I'll go up from there.

inkkognito, I'm already a Dollar FastLane member, I think I get the ALAMO QuickSilver membership if I can and I'll check the other companies for their fast service plans.

Bill From PA

 

[inkkognito]

I'm not sure if you can use the memberships with Priceline...I've gotten mixed answers on that from the various companies. Also, they don't always automatically let your spouse drive for free. I think Avis usually does with Priceline but be sure to ask.
Barb

 

[Lewisc]

You asked about worse case senario:

1) You'll probably have to pay for an extra driver, even your spouse

2) Reservation can't be cancelled or changed.

3) You may not have a grace period and the charges if you go over may be MUCH HIGHER than with a conventional reservation.