zuccaandra

Is there any reason not to rent a car through on of the "big" companies, like Avis, Budget or Hertz? Are any of these better than the others in Costa Rica/Liberia? Also, we need 4-wheel drive. Is it reasonable to assume that an SUV will have it?

sylvia3

We got a 15 day small 4WD Suzuki Jimney from Solid (office across the street from the airport) for ~$500. Great rate, nice little car, no problems with service at all.
(The "big" companies aren't closely connected to the US headquarters; don't think there's much benefit.)

qwovadis

mapache.com #1 local in LIR for me they take my CC for car rental insurance saves me boatloads all their SUV have $WD.
Under $200/week for me usually.

sylvia3

Costa Rica rental car companies "take" the collision/liability insurance offered to clients by major credit cards; be sure to bring a letter or print out the page of fine print (just in case) from your cc company showing that you are covered, or you could be on the hook for another ~15/day! (Just do your research; ask for a quote that includes YOUR provided coverage)
(Looking at Mapache, the Jimny from them is $324 + 18/day = $450/week in high season, $401 in low season! http://mapache.com/car-suzuki-jimny-manual.html )

Hikinwithasmile

Recently rented a car with Marpache, based on what I had read above. I called them and got a fantastic price as they said the CDW would be waived if I brought a letter from my CC company. I called to verify the agreed upon terms about a week before leaving, and also had the quote emailed to me. Well, it was a complete scam and if I was to get the insurance "waived" the "special quoted rate" was now going to cost me more than the price with the insurance. I got the complete run around, was lied to, even talked to the gentleman (and I use that term loosely) that I had previously received my quote from and the all I got was someone talking in circles. Don't use them if you want an upfront and honest rental.