need INEXPENSIVE car rental in Hartford, CT area
Jun 13th, 2013, 12:12 PM
#1
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need INEXPENSIVE car rental in Hartford, CT area
This spring, I flew to CT from Chicago to pack up all my stuff to move to Illinois. My father was slowly dying from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was doing ok so I left in late march. I got a priceline deal for $13/day for car rental.
When I got to the rental place, they tried to sell me all the extras including insurance, etc. Then they tried to upgrade my car. Then they said the only car they had was a 2013 Prius. I didn't want to pay any more and they PROMISED the rate would remain the same.
Unfortunately, during my trip, I received the dreaded call that my dad was in respiratory distress. I had to fly home immediately. I dropped the car off. Agents told me everything was all set, not to worry.
Last Saturday was my dad's memorial service. Monday, I opened up my cc statement. Budget had charged me $600 for my car rental. They charged me for the entire reservation time and more than $13/day.
My CC company is working on disputing the charges. Now, I have to fly back to finish packing. I need a car in Hartford. Priceline only offers Budget as a less expensive option. Its not a very good deal.
Any one have any sources on how to get a better deal on a car and not be charged for turning it in early? I guess I will just have to stay in CT if I finish early. I just want a small clunker to run errands and get around town. (I would love to have a pickup but that would be pricey). I've tried online sources but they all come up about $30 day. I'll be gone 19 days. That's a hefty price.
The car rental place does not have to be near the airport. I am flying in June 22 but it seems the rental offices are closed Saturday and Sunday. I can go on Monday. At the latest, I will return July 13.
Thanks for any brainstorming!
When I got to the rental place, they tried to sell me all the extras including insurance, etc. Then they tried to upgrade my car. Then they said the only car they had was a 2013 Prius. I didn't want to pay any more and they PROMISED the rate would remain the same.
Unfortunately, during my trip, I received the dreaded call that my dad was in respiratory distress. I had to fly home immediately. I dropped the car off. Agents told me everything was all set, not to worry.
Last Saturday was my dad's memorial service. Monday, I opened up my cc statement. Budget had charged me $600 for my car rental. They charged me for the entire reservation time and more than $13/day.
My CC company is working on disputing the charges. Now, I have to fly back to finish packing. I need a car in Hartford. Priceline only offers Budget as a less expensive option. Its not a very good deal.
Any one have any sources on how to get a better deal on a car and not be charged for turning it in early? I guess I will just have to stay in CT if I finish early. I just want a small clunker to run errands and get around town. (I would love to have a pickup but that would be pricey). I've tried online sources but they all come up about $30 day. I'll be gone 19 days. That's a hefty price.
The car rental place does not have to be near the airport. I am flying in June 22 but it seems the rental offices are closed Saturday and Sunday. I can go on Monday. At the latest, I will return July 13.
Thanks for any brainstorming!
Jun 13th, 2013, 01:30 PM
#3
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Sorry about your father, that sounds terrible.
I have used Rent a Wreck, also, to get a cheaper car for a long term, so see if there is one in Hartford or close enough.
Other than that, I think the problem is the best rates depend on booking for a certain time period, and then if you turn it in early, it is a high daily rate. I've rented a real cheap car at Hartford airport for 3 days, it was just Hertz. I know it was only about $20 a day total, but I'm sure it's like any place, it varies by time of the year or something. I haven't used Priceline, but I suspect the Priceline fee just doesn't include all the taxes and airport fees, etc., that add on a lot. When you get online rental quotes, you can see the bottom line, but I don't know how that works with Priceline. Anyway, I'm sure you have some contract on that.
I think Priceline really is probably your best bet for the cheapest 3 week rental.
Cheap Auto Rental is to the west of Hartford a bit, they claim to have rates of $23 a day, you'd have to check if that included all taxes and fees. It's still not that cheap over 3 weeks, but better than $30. http://www.cheapautorentals.biz/
I have used Rent a Wreck, also, to get a cheaper car for a long term, so see if there is one in Hartford or close enough.
Other than that, I think the problem is the best rates depend on booking for a certain time period, and then if you turn it in early, it is a high daily rate. I've rented a real cheap car at Hartford airport for 3 days, it was just Hertz. I know it was only about $20 a day total, but I'm sure it's like any place, it varies by time of the year or something. I haven't used Priceline, but I suspect the Priceline fee just doesn't include all the taxes and airport fees, etc., that add on a lot. When you get online rental quotes, you can see the bottom line, but I don't know how that works with Priceline. Anyway, I'm sure you have some contract on that.
I think Priceline really is probably your best bet for the cheapest 3 week rental.
Cheap Auto Rental is to the west of Hartford a bit, they claim to have rates of $23 a day, you'd have to check if that included all taxes and fees. It's still not that cheap over 3 weeks, but better than $30. http://www.cheapautorentals.biz/
Jun 13th, 2013, 01:58 PM
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It all sounds cheap to me - since here cars are about $100 per day for a basic sedan - except for summer weekends when they go sky high.
Have you googled cheap rentals in other parts of CT? There might be something not too far away.
Have you googled cheap rentals in other parts of CT? There might be something not too far away.
Jun 13th, 2013, 01:59 PM
#5
Your previous problem was that you broke the rental agreement, they love it when you do that, it's where they make all their money changing you from a "weekly discounted rate" to a "daily rate"....adding fees etc.
Your upcoming problem is that it's New England, and it's 4th of July week, ouch.
There's a Hertz at Constitution Plaza but they close at 1pm on Saturday so you might have to wait and rent on Monday. If I were you , I would just rent a week at a time so that you don't get into a 3 wk contract that you end up breaking. Also, you could use a new "weekly coupon" each week to save $25. For Hertz use discount code 62455 and coupon 182722 (unless you have AAA and can use AAA coupons). At the Constitution location it comes out to $173 per week.
Book one car for June 24 to July 1, return and pick up a 2nd car July 1 to July 8,and reserve a 3rd week separately, which you can book with "airport return" at no extra fee if you wish. Then, just cancel that 3rd week if you end up leaving early. So, 3 reservations for a week each.
Book now in case the rates go up as people start booking for the holiday week, you can always cancel if you find something better.
Decline all the "extras" and check before signing anything!
Your upcoming problem is that it's New England, and it's 4th of July week, ouch.
There's a Hertz at Constitution Plaza but they close at 1pm on Saturday so you might have to wait and rent on Monday. If I were you , I would just rent a week at a time so that you don't get into a 3 wk contract that you end up breaking. Also, you could use a new "weekly coupon" each week to save $25. For Hertz use discount code 62455 and coupon 182722 (unless you have AAA and can use AAA coupons). At the Constitution location it comes out to $173 per week.
Book one car for June 24 to July 1, return and pick up a 2nd car July 1 to July 8,and reserve a 3rd week separately, which you can book with "airport return" at no extra fee if you wish. Then, just cancel that 3rd week if you end up leaving early. So, 3 reservations for a week each.
Book now in case the rates go up as people start booking for the holiday week, you can always cancel if you find something better.
Decline all the "extras" and check before signing anything!
