jlbartley

I'm considering using priceline to try to rent a car in Seattle in about 35 days. I have a few questions though that I'm wondering if someone can answer.

if I win a bid on a mid-sized car for example, am I guaranteed a mid-sized car? I would hate to put in a bid and end up with an SUV when I get there or something.

I've seen mixed information on who they use for their rentals. For example, in Seattle, Fox and Thrifty are two rental car agencies at the airport. When I look at reviews for these two places they're pretty bad and people complain about cars breaking down, etc. Makes me leary to rent somewhere that I might get a car from one of them. I see on priceline's site that they state that they rent from the major places, Hertz, Enterprise, etc. and then it says and more so I'm not sure what to make of this. I've heard that Hotwire only does from the major ones and not from places like Fox, etc.

Any idea of what's true here? Anything else I should be aware of with trying to bid on a car from here?

Rastaguytoday

Why don't your price out the major rental companies?

Actually, local new car dealerships have rental programs for folks keeping a car longer than a month. It would not hurt to try a GM or Ford dealership in the area.

jlbartley

Sorry, this might be misunderstood. i'm not renting for 35 days, in about 35 days I need to have the rental booked. I wasn't very clear on that. I have checked all of the major rental companies and the cheapest I was able to find was around $330 for the week that we will be there. I'm trying to see if I can get a better deal through priceline.

DebitNM

IF you are going to a very popular spot, you may indeed not get the size car you want, but a larger one. But, the same thing can happen with a straight rental with major company.

I won't guarantee it, but I don't think Priceline uses Fox for name your own price. Thrifty is owned by by Dollar, I think.

You can try reposting this on US board, which gets way more traffic and see what kinds of answers you get.

jlbartley

Thanks for the info. I'm guessing you're right that we risk getting a different size car than we want because we're planning to pick it up late in the evening. Appreciate the info.

lincasanova

Getting a different car can happen, as mentioned, with ANY rental so I would very lowball my bid to help offset that possibility. You do need to know your prices and see how cheaply people have gotten cars through www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com. No sense overbidding.

Also find coupons to use on direct rental. Remember Priceline and Hotwire tack on a service fee.

Make a cancelable reservation now and then see ow much you could improve it with bidding.

Gary_Price

I am sure I saw price line's car rental for about $446 a month.