I'm heading to Scottsdale for the week of 12/26 and finding only high car rental rates at PH$288 for five days, incl. tax/fees). Any advice on companies offering further discounts? Is this just how it is out there? Tried Priceline and it wasn't any better. Thanks!!

You can save maybe $100 if you can get over to Hertz at Phoenix Motor Company on Indian School road. Not sure how much a taxi to this location would cost you. And they don't open until noon on the 26th.

$288 isn't TOO bad if it includes all the taxes and fees, since PHX is notorious for high fees at the airport.

Also, you would be allowed to RETURN this car to Phoenix airport with no extra charge.

Car rental companies change their rates to match with demand. High demand for cars, high rates.

You're going in the winter which is peak season, plus going during a holiday week. It will be difficult to find a less expensive rate. All I can say is keep checking, you may find a surprise.

If you could give me your approx arrival time/depart date and time I could see what I can find...

From our observations, Alamo is the market leader in PHX. The city has packed a lot of taxes onto car rental fees in order to pay for sports facilities. Everyone howls about those fees. Especially during peak season, and that's what you are talking about.

Airport taxes are killer. I saved hundreds of dollars for my upcoming trip to Colorado by renting away from the airport for just the cost of a taxi ride to the rental office.

Is there an Alamo branch in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale? Before our tour, we are staying with a friend in Scottsdale so would it be cheaper to get the supershuttle or a taxi to our friend's and pick up a car on the morning of our departure and return it to the Airport on our way home? Thanks

Tracy hit it on the mark!! I reserved with Hertz at Indian School Rd location with AAA discount for $160, vs 288 at the airport. The Hertz guy thought a cab from the airport to his location (8 miles) would run about $20, so I still ahead by more than $100. Sounds right? Thanks, Tracy for a great suggestion!!!

Use Priceline.

Try Fox car rentals. The cars are not so nice as Hertz, etc. (you might have a scratch or two) but the rates are significantly cheaper than anyone else.