Cheapest car rental at Phoenix airport
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I comparison shop before going and have rented from several. Don't think there's one company that's consistently the lowest. Due to taxes, airport charges, and other fees, it's expensive to rent at Sky Harbor. The extras add at least 30% to the base charge.
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is no single agency that is cheapest. Rates fluctuate based on how busy each agency is, promotions, etc.
Priceline is hard to beat for car rentals in expensive markets.
Watch out for the fees and taxes in PHX. They're outrageous.
Priceline is hard to beat for car rentals in expensive markets.
Watch out for the fees and taxes in PHX. They're outrageous.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The problem with Priceline is that they charge your credit card and there is no refund. What happens if you have to cancel?
Also, the difference for 10 days was not all that great. Price line had a savings of $20 compared to Budget where you have the opportunity to cancel out without penalty.
What my experience has been is that you have to continually check out the rates up to the moment you leave your home base. I have found that even one day before leaving home I was able to rent a car at a rate cheaper than my reservation.
Also, the difference for 10 days was not all that great. Price line had a savings of $20 compared to Budget where you have the opportunity to cancel out without penalty.
What my experience has been is that you have to continually check out the rates up to the moment you leave your home base. I have found that even one day before leaving home I was able to rent a car at a rate cheaper than my reservation.
Trending Topics
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't understand what you mean by your comment that Priceline is $20 cheaper than Budget.
Priceline has no fixed price.
Rates which get accepted vary from day to day in many cases.
You can get an idea what kind of rates have been accepted in the past at biddingfortravel.com, but even those won't be exactly on target for alternate dates. They're just a guide.
But it is certainly true that if there's a chance you'll cancel the trip, PL is not a reasonable option.
Priceline has no fixed price.
Rates which get accepted vary from day to day in many cases.
You can get an idea what kind of rates have been accepted in the past at biddingfortravel.com, but even those won't be exactly on target for alternate dates. They're just a guide.
But it is certainly true that if there's a chance you'll cancel the trip, PL is not a reasonable option.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I check a site like Orbitz to see what they say a car will cost. Then I check Hotwire for their rock bottom price which will have the taxes included. You have an hour to accept their price. That way you can calculate what the taxes are at the particular airport you are renting from. Then I go to Priceline and make a bid (which will not have the taxes included until it is accepted) knowing how much more it will be with taxes. As for not getting a refund with PL, well, of course don't bid if you think you will have to cancel but that is a no-brainer.
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gretchen:
Priceline DOES indeed tell you what the total price is with tax before you place your bid. It is the confirmation page that confirms that you are bidding a certain area, on a certain date, and the specified type of vehicle.
Priceline DOES indeed tell you what the total price is with tax before you place your bid. It is the confirmation page that confirms that you are bidding a certain area, on a certain date, and the specified type of vehicle.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After several weeks of waiting and researching, I found that Fox Rent A Car offers the best rates.
Going rate for a compact car for the end of February is now $90.00 per week plus tax.
Their policy is to meet any price that may be lower. They are also offering a 5% discount coupon until Feb 29th if you are a member of AARP or various other organizations.
Also, you do not have to prepay the rental. Something I detest to do as I find that very often prices go up and down like a yo yo.
Going rate for a compact car for the end of February is now $90.00 per week plus tax.
Their policy is to meet any price that may be lower. They are also offering a 5% discount coupon until Feb 29th if you are a member of AARP or various other organizations.
Also, you do not have to prepay the rental. Something I detest to do as I find that very often prices go up and down like a yo yo.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hope you got all the extra fees and taxes from Fox. The airport rentals at Phoenix are loaded with extras. Anytime you can rent off site from the airport, the better off you are.
I've rented with Fox before at LA and it was fine. Their cars seem to show more wear and tear then others, but still work.
I've rented with Fox before at LA and it was fine. Their cars seem to show more wear and tear then others, but still work.
#16
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does anyone know where Fox Rent A Car is located? At the airport or offsite? If offsite, how far from the airport and is there a shuttle?
My husband and I are flying into Sky Harbor on Southwest on 1/22, returning to BWI on 1/26. We will be staying with friends who live in Mesa. I've been researching car rentals, and am amazed at how much the taxes and surcharges for airport pickup are!
My husband and I are flying into Sky Harbor on Southwest on 1/22, returning to BWI on 1/26. We will be staying with friends who live in Mesa. I've been researching car rentals, and am amazed at how much the taxes and surcharges for airport pickup are!
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We shopped around, and got the best deal at Dollar. Don't be afraid to negotiate at the counter, most of the airport desks are ready to wheel and deal. We got an SUV for a few dollars more than a basic compact.
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fox Rent A Car
201 South 24th Street, Phoenix
They have a shuttle service at the airport.
If you are a member of AARP
or some other clubs you are entitled
to a 5% club discount.
Go to their site for more details and
the coupom.
201 South 24th Street, Phoenix
They have a shuttle service at the airport.
If you are a member of AARP
or some other clubs you are entitled
to a 5% club discount.
Go to their site for more details and
the coupom.
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It has been my experience that it is necessary to check every few days the price of your car rental.
This morning I discovered that Enterprise in Tpa was offering a car rental at the end of January for $49.50 per week plus tax.
Over the past several weeks I have rebooked my rental about 10 times.
This is why I am not anxious to deal with the auction offers as you are locked in. Auctions are great one day before you arrive.
This morning I discovered that Enterprise in Tpa was offering a car rental at the end of January for $49.50 per week plus tax.
Over the past several weeks I have rebooked my rental about 10 times.
This is why I am not anxious to deal with the auction offers as you are locked in. Auctions are great one day before you arrive.