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Comments (12)
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Save/ShareI just saved $99 on a car rental. How? On March 23, through Hertz, I reserved a midsize car at Raleigh-Durham airport for this weekend; the total cost for the three days was $209. It seemed expensive, but other companies were charging the same. Then I remembered a piece of advice a former editor here, Brad Tuttle, had once given readers (and which I myself have spouted from time to time). You should always keep looking for a better deal on car rentals, even after you've made a reservation--if you find one, just cancel your first reservation. I looked last night, and Hertz was offering the same car model, for the same time frame, for $110.
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Hi Erik - That's an excellent reminder.
Please let me know if you need any recommendations for the RDU area. Though I love and blog about Hawaii, I actually live in Raleigh.
You've picked a great time to visit. Spring is in full bloom. We're in the peak of green (pine) pollen season, so bring your antihistamines if you get hay fever.
Have a safe journey!
Posted By Sheila on April 10, 2008, 4:15 PM
I always use Priceline and save on car rentals. I make sure that I check the rates online before making a bid. If I have enough notice, I make a bid each allowed 24-hr period.
Posted By Norm on April 14, 2008, 12:48 PM
Alamo via Costco (if member) often has great rates. I check every site I can - AAA - AARP, etc for best prices. It's amazing the difference from one co. to the next.
Posted By MaryGoodenough on April 14, 2008, 1:17 PM
I did the same thing in San Francisco, only I got the better rate from the same Rental Car Co. We saved $20 plus the tax.
Posted By Brian Russ on April 14, 2008, 1:37 PM
Thanks for the reminder!! I also always google "budget rental coupons" or whatever company you're looking at. I've never failed to come up with a valid coupon code that I use on my online reservations, and it's always saved me money!
Posted By Heather K on April 14, 2008, 2:24 PM
I just reserved a $243 economy car for 6 days in Orlando over the phone with alamo about 3 weeks before the trip. Two days before the trip, I checked rentalcars.com and found a larger car (mid size) for $100 less. I called Alamo, told them the situation and they checked their prices and matched what I said I could get on the other website. With my telephone call, I got a larger car and saved $100. I am back from my trip last Thursday (4/10/08)and everything was great!
Posted By Diane Conde on April 14, 2008, 2:40 PM
We've gotten better rental rates than on corporate websites by calling the local Enterprise rental branch, honestly comparing rates for their airport branch with their competitors', and telling the branch that we would prefer their business if they can match the lowest rate. I don't know if this would work with other rentals since Enterprise has come through for us 3 out of the last 4 rentals.
Posted By Michael on April 14, 2008, 3:31 PM
I rented a car at LAX in January for 13 days about 6 months in advance and watched as the price kept dropping. The final reservation for a mid size car from Deluxe rent a car was $178 including all the taxes. I usually get the lowest rates through carentals.com. The original quote on the car was over $100 higher.
Posted By Arthur Jacobs on April 14, 2008, 4:10 PM
Reciently on a trip to Australia and New Zealand we found out that the rental car insurance through American Express is not valid there. How can you deal with the high cost of insurance when traveling out of the country??
You might also want to note that many credit card companies are charging a sur charge for purchases out side the country
Posted By Bill Peabody on April 14, 2008, 4:15 PM
We are planning to be in Switzerland and Ireland this fall. I would like to rent a car in both countries, but I hear that there is an age limit. My driving record is impeccable, but my age appears to be over the limit.
Is there a company that does not have these limits, or is there another way around it?
Thanks,
Posted By Dr. Mel Schrier on April 14, 2008, 6:13 PM
Booked a premium car for 1 week in Orlando Fl for $253 about a month before our trip. Continued checking prices until about 7-10 days before, checked with Hotwire.com and was quoted a price of $150 for a luxury car, either a Cadillac or Lincoln. Only stipulation was you had to pay in advance, no refunds and you don't know which vehicle you get till you get there. After paying for it, was told which car rental agency to go to, and after arrival, picked up a brand new Cadillac DTS fully loaded with only 1400 miles on it. So if you can book and pay ahead of time, you can really get a good deal throu third party websites.
Posted By David on April 14, 2008, 8:10 PM
I used Priceline for an economy car in albany NY. Got a great deal...15/day with Hertz. When I got there the Hertz lady told me the only car was a Kia, that it didn't have power steering, and that it was supposed to snow. She recommended an upgrade to a Honda for an extra 3/day. I did this and it did snow but I was very annoyed by what I felt were bait and switch tactics. Yet when I emailed Priceline about it later I never heard back. Although I got a great deal I will be more wary next time.
Posted By Ellen on April 17, 2008, 5:05 PM