Car Rental - Sites & Suggestions

AccountsReceivable@DRC

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Mar 25, 2008
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Morning Folks,

I'm looking for a cheap car rental site for the U.S. Tried Priceline, Hotwire, Economy Bookings - all pretty high for next month.

Any other 'hidden gems' on the web I should try? Looking for one in FL (Tampa).

Thanking in advance.
 
I have found better pricing away from any of the airports. Yes, it means you have to lug your stuff into a cab and get delivered to the off site location, but the saving can be substantial. Try Googling " rental cars Tampa" to see if there are any non-brand name outfits around. Usually, they'll come and pick you up and take you back to the airport. Remember as well, if you have a "permission to rent/lease" endorsement on your personal auto insurance, you will not need any of the additional coverage rental companies try to sell you. In addition, check with your credit card provider who usually offers Collision Damage Waiver protection meaning you can also decline that extra cost.
 
Just another thought. The biggest profit generator for rental car companies, are the "extras" they try to sell you, child seats, GPS, prepaid fuel, and of course additional insurance coverage.
 
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Go directly to the car rental companies. I always ask for the smallest vehicle they have. Invariably they don't have one when I arrive and they put me into a bigger vehicle at no extra cost. I've done this numerous times. As loaders said, skip the frills. Return the car with a full tank of octane 87.
 
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Thanks for the tips guys. Will give the rental place a call direct. I like to use Alamo as they are right in the airport. The shuttle can be "hit or miss" sometimes and the last time I used one - barely made my flight home waiting on it.

Will post an update to let you know how I made out. Appreciate your time.
 
Hotwire is really good if you wait till close to the time you need the car. You're rolling the dice as far as who the rental agency is but it's worked very well for me in the past for hotels.

The rates for rental cars vary a lot between city to city, and if there is an event in the city you're going to when you will be there, the rates will be jacked up. Where are you going?
 
My best luck so far in the past few years has been Costco. Usually save 2-300 per rental (7-10 days) versus direct to the companies.