Car Rental
 

Trying to rent a car for trip from Atlanta to Vegas for me and my boyfriend (both 21 - him driving) for the least amount of money possible. Avis et al are all stinging us one the one way fee and the under 25 supplement and we've found some low cost rental firms eg AtlasChoice and cheapcarrental.com. Jusr wondered if anyone had any experience with these firms and if so, how were they?
Also, does anyone else have any rental advice or advice on buying cars, bearing in mind we're British. Thanks is advance, Clem

This may be a stupid question, but do you know how far it is from Atlanta to Las Vegas? It's like a zillion miles. Well, okay, over 2,000 miles.

If at all possible, you should fly. You might even save money flying.

Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to fly?

Check out Hooters Air.

One-way car rentals are usually expensive and most companies also have steep fees if you are under 25 so you are getting the double whammy! As others have pointed out Atlanta to Las Vegas is 2,000 miles and about 30 hours of driving time (assuming you average 65 mile per hour). If you cover 500 miles each day you'll be on the road for four full days so you'll have to add in the cost for motel, meals and gas. Unless you were planning to make this x-country trip an intergral part of your travel experience (i.e. stopping and seeing sights along the way - which adds to your travel time and expense) you'll probably find it much cheaper to fly from Atlanta to LV.

As to buying a car, that really wouldn't pay unless you were planning on keeping it for quite some time. New vehicles are terribly expensive and they depreciate a substantial amount as soon as you drive them off the lot. You are then going to have to sell it at then end of your trip and you can never be sure how long that will take. Used vehicles have similar cost factors and are even more difficult to sell once you are done with them. Also, with used vehicles you run the risk of having to make major repairs.

You really should re-think your plan, it's not very wise.

Unless you are wanting to see the USA, I would sure fly! When you add up the cost of a one-way rental and gasoline fees, it would be a whole lot cheaper and faster! Save that travel money for VEGAS!

Certainly some of us here wish we could be 21 again - if only for the chance to drive cross-country with few strings attached.

If your Vegas destination is your only reason for travel, then there are lesser cost alternatives (including mass transit : train). You can rent a car in Vegas once you arrive - if you feel you need one in town (we did not).

America has no truer friend than Great Britain.

Rest assured, we are trying to see a LOT of the country in the seven and a half weeks we've got in the US, and so just wanted to find the most cost effective car hire firm. We might be British, but we're not fools enough to attempt the drive in one go. as ever, all advice fantastic, Clem

The other cost probably not listed on quotes from rental car agencies is for "optional" insurance. Many US citizens have this coverage either thru their own car insurance policies or thru a credit card, but I do not think non-US citizens have that option when renting a car - and the insurance can cost almost as much as the posted rental price. Be sure to factot that cost in - they will likely require you to purchase it, and it will be higher considering your age.

Are these car rental firms aware that you're British? Some rental companies check you driving recrod when you come to pick up the car - and naturally they would not have access to yours.

(A couple of months ago I had to rent a car on a business trip - and the people ahead of us were denied their car because their driving records was "not approved". Don't know if this was accidents or DWI or whatever - the agent wouldn;t explain to them - just said they didn;t qualify to rent - and should call the 800# for an explanation.)

Also - agree to make sure the rate they're quoting you includes all taxes, insurance, airport fees etc.