Would you rent or take your own car?

[Jay2009]

I have a 2011 Hyundai Tuscon with Hyundai roadside, currently it has about 16,500 miles and we'd be driving round trip from MA to WDW from september 21st to the 30th. I'm confident that the car will make it, but I'm just wondering if the peace of mind knowing that if anything happens on the trip that when I get back home my primary means of transportation is fine would be worth it. Looking at deals now on similar type cars to rent seems to be coming out to $1,000 which I can't decide if I should spend for the peace of mind or just take my own.

what would you do?

 

[Butterbunkins]

We always rent. I shop around for the best deals and I find what I consider dirt cheap prices when I do. Right now we are spending $316 (including taxes) on a full size for 17 days. It’s through Avis using my Costco discount. Last time we got a full size through Hertz using my AAA discount for just under $300 for 16 days.

One thing I have learned while rental shopping is different towns have different prices. Rentals in my town and the next town over closest to me have higher rates with ALL companies. Going to the next town over in the other direction usually saves me about $200. So check with neighboring towns for lower rates. I will usually check with Expedia first to do a quick compare. One important thing to make sure is you get unlimited miles when you leave the state.

Long road trips are the only time we don’t use our own car. It’s over 2300 miles roundtrip for us to go to Disney and since we drive we make that part of our vacation with stops that may take us out of the way which adds additional miles. So I think it’s worth it to rent to save the wear and tear on my own car. The cost of 2 oil changes on my car already drops the rental price down about $80.

As long as I can keep finding inexpensive rentals I will always rent for my drive.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Looking for rental cars this far from your trip will result is some heart attack producing rates. As your trip gets closer the prices will drop TRUST ME. I never book our car in till 10 days before our trip. The last two trips I took to WDW we did not pay over $90 for a mid size rental from Alamo for a week rental. Just keep watching for a thread on here for the Sept car rates and you will find others who have found codes and coupons that gave them so good rates.

I personally would not drive. That is a lot of vacation time spent in a car. And what if something does happen to your car. Then you have to rely on a garage that you know nothing about, to make your repair. Hope that they have the part you need in stock or else you are looking at finding your way to a hotel for a night if you are lucky or it could be two days to get the part. Not to mention it will cost you more money. Or what if you end up in a traffic jam. Than means even more time spent in a car!!!

For a better idea take a look at the June car rental thread and you will see those folks were quoted several hundred dollars months ago but now they are get quotes for $125.

If you are a costco member you can try these Alamo codes when your trip gets closer .. 7015309 and coupon AD2359FDF