Car Rental
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2009
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Car Rental
My husband and I are doing a 12 day Road Trip from San Francisco to San Diego. Or plan was to pick up the car in the city so we would not have to waste time/money getting to SFO. We were thinking either Hertz Fishermans Wharf or National Union Square. I have read some not so good things about picking up a car in the city and there being a lack of fleet. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice on renting a car in SF? Or have a specific rental company recommendation?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Feb 2006
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We were in SF this past week for a night and then rented a car and drove to Sonoma area. We had no trouble with Hertz in Union Square. They were out of the car I had requested and upgraded us to a nice Cadillac SUV. It was a VERY quick transaction. I think we were in and out in a matter of minutes. We followed the directions on my phone for getting out and then back into the city and it was pretty easy.
#3
Join Date: May 2003
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We have used Dollar from both Fisherman's Wharf location and O'Farell Street offices. Never had a problem getting a car. They also did not charge a one way drop off fee. They often have city specials too.
You save a significant amount picking up in city vs. airport and then there is the cost of getting to airport.
You save a significant amount picking up in city vs. airport and then there is the cost of getting to airport.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2006
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I've never heard of reserving one in the city and not having it available. Your plan is good, and usually one way rentals are cheaper picking up in the city. You never know who will be cheaper, you just have to check. Is Hotwire now doing one way? If so, that could be your best bet, but probably way cheaper just a week ahead.
#6
If they give you a crap car you could always stop at one of their airport locations and switch it out on the first day.
But San Francisco is not like some smaller city locations with small fleets of cars, rental in the city is pretty common there.
But San Francisco is not like some smaller city locations with small fleets of cars, rental in the city is pretty common there.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2004
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I've never rented from your location, but I rent in NYC and other large cities and my experience will probably be relevant as renting from dense high population areas is pretty much the same.
I think for the most part, overbooking occurs. To maximize your chances of getting a car and one of your size preference, reserve and pick up the car early in the morning. Usually there are more cars in the morning. And lines are shorter. I've never been denied a car, but I have been forced to take something larger than I wanted, like a hybrid or an SUV instead of a midsize.
IME, Hertz is better than National, in service, choice, everything overall.
Also, airports charge captive fees. Although city rates are higher, so I guess that's a wash, but the trip to the airport is a big hassle.
I think for the most part, overbooking occurs. To maximize your chances of getting a car and one of your size preference, reserve and pick up the car early in the morning. Usually there are more cars in the morning. And lines are shorter. I've never been denied a car, but I have been forced to take something larger than I wanted, like a hybrid or an SUV instead of a midsize.
IME, Hertz is better than National, in service, choice, everything overall.
Also, airports charge captive fees. Although city rates are higher, so I guess that's a wash, but the trip to the airport is a big hassle.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2011
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I always start with www.carrentals.com, and see the rates for the various companies. Check the add on taxes and also - drop off charges.
#14
Join Date: May 2012
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http://exoticcars.enterprise.com/
Personally I wouldn't call these exotic, Ive seen nicer, but they are still okay if you're looking for cheap.
Or this, one of my faves http://carefreelifestyle.com/exotic-...FYFo4Aod3UIAig
Personally I wouldn't call these exotic, Ive seen nicer, but they are still okay if you're looking for cheap.
Or this, one of my faves http://carefreelifestyle.com/exotic-...FYFo4Aod3UIAig