Car Rental
 

What are the best websites you have found for finding discounted car rentals?

I prefer dealing directly with the car companies. I suppose Priceline or Hotwire can save you a FEW dollars on car rentals but to me it is not worth the "no cancellation - pay anyway" restriction that they have.

Airline frequent flyer programs, AAA, Walmart, Costco etc all have discount I.D. numbers that you can plug in to save 5 or 10percent on car rentals.

If you let us know when and where' you're going, and what type of car you are looking for...somebody might post a special or deal that they've seen.

I have had great deals from Priceline, but like tracy2cents mentioned you better make sure you are going because they cahrge at time of booking with no refunds if you cancel. I have also booked with Costco.com and saved a few bucks here and there. If you are going to Phoenix, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston or anywhere in Florida (Miami, Orlando, Tampa...about 12 locations in Florida) check the rates on e-zrentacar.com. I got a GREAT deal on a minivan (unlimited mileage), it was a savings of about $175.

I've always found the best deals with Dollar in recent years.

I usually pay half of what Expedia, etc. would charge by bidding on Priceline. If I'm uncertain of dates (which is rare), I go to Travelocity or Expedia.

Thanks everyone. Well, we are going for sure because we are getting married in Maui. :) We are looking for a car to fit four people plus luggage in Maui and 2 people plus luggage in Kauai.

I appreciate the tip about Priceline. I got a fullsize car in Maui for $20.00/day.

Thanks!

Got good rates thru www.carrentals.com

Any comments on experience with Dollar Rent a Car? I've never used them, but they are half the price of Hertz for two of my upcoming trips.

Dollar is fine. I find very little difference among ANY of the car rental companies. I have had to wait in line a lot longer with Avis than any of the "lesser" companies.

Agree with Gretchen - any company with a name I have heard of seems the same. I usually shop with the Expedia chart and then check rental company's website to make sure it isn't cheaper there.

I used to have a very strong preference for companies listed as "at airport" rather than with shuttle - but sometimes at airport still involves a shuttle ride and those slightly off airport have shorter lines.

Just rented twice from Dollar for Florida. I got great deals with them. No problem whatsoever.

The only caution is know your stuff. Like a lot of car rental companies, they always try to tack on extras.

They want to charge for a full tank of gas and let you return the car empty. The price per gallon is attractive, but who drives around on a completely empty tank, Then they end up with the gas that is left when you drop the car off.

So know about your insurance coverage, etc when you pick up and skip the extras you really don't need which can add big bucks to an inexpensive rental.

I rent often in Denver and all require a short shuttle drive. The difference I found the last time with Avis is that they handle the paper work at the car park and the line was probably 30 minutes long (large bus to pick up). Other smaller agencies (Advantage, Enterprise) are in the airport and the driver drops you off right at the car.

In the last year or so I've become a big fan of Dollar, where I've gotten the best rates and good service. One thing I'd suggest though, if you are considering Dollar, be sure to join their free Fast Lane "club". That way you will avoid the lines which some places can be massive. You pre-register most of your information and when picking your car up you go to a special -- much shorter line to sign.

Try to eat at Louisburg square. That's were Senator Kerry lives.