Car rental companies?
 

We are looking to rent a vehicle for a day trip to Zion from Las Vegas. I have very limited experience renting cars, but do know that they can have insane hidden fee's. Is there one company that is more upfront with it's fee's than others? IE: right now $53 I can rent a minivan from Thrifty's or $68 will get me a full sized SUV. I personally don't care on the type of vehicle so long as it has Air.

Thanks for your stories & help.
Erik

I like to use www.orbitz.com for comparison shopping. They show complete costs for many companies and a wide range of vehicle sizes all on one page.

I then go directly to the rental car website to book there.

Not as concerned with price as I am with the companies who have good reputations of being upfront with the costs.

I'd rather pay a few extra bucks on the front end to know that I won't get gouged on the small print.

There's a lot across from our hotel called Dollar, Hertz. Alternatively we can get a cab to one of the others but they are not as close.

Customer service goes a long way with me.
Erik

I have become a big fan of Dollar in the past couple of years. For the past 12 or so rentals I have not been able to beat their price on any other site with any other company or using any of the discounters. And by joining their free "Dollar Express" I go to the head of the line for an easy checkout and checkin.

I too like Dollar. Always the best rates at airports I freqent, and no hidden fees.

Things to be aware of that may classify as hidden. I just blow them off, so they're never a concern to me.

1. Insurance. They will undoubtedly offer you additional insurance at additional cost. My credit card covers me adequately, I always deny any extra coverage. Decide what you're doing before you walk up to the counter, otherwise you're prime for a sales pitch

2. Gas. Always return the car full. Don't accept any offers to pre-pay a tank of gas, or anything of the sort.

3. Additional drivers. I think dollar charges $9/day for 2nd driver, even life partner. Again, decide before you rent what you want.

When I rent I simply walk up to the counter. At the first mention of 1,2, or 3 above I just say no insurance, no gas, no additional drivers. They stop right there, no further questions.

Go to the website and search for car rentals there should be some great deals this week.

www.ytbtravel.com/dreamscapegetaway

If you use their web sites, most will show you allthe upfront fees right there...this includes taxes, airport concession fees, etc. Make sure you ask for AAA, Costco or AARP discount if you are members of any of thoses.

Also, J62's items are a good list. Add to that:
#4) Do not let them sell you an upgrade to a bigger car. Often they'll tell you that you can get a full size for only $8 (or wahtever) per day.

Reject this offer. Usually when they do this, it means they've run out of the size you reserved. They'll have to give you the upgrade for free, but they'll try this tactic to squeeze a bit of $ out of you, just because they know it often works. Many times now, it seems the upgrade is to an SUV, since many people don't want to pay for the gas on them.

I don't think any companies rent cars without air any more, especially in places like the Southwest. More likely the super economy cars won't have power windows, power locks, or remote control door locks.