After seeing some of the messages regarding Alamo, I was wondering if anyone has any comments or suggestions for dollar. I have used pretty much every car company except dollar and I just made a reservation. I know im being a little paranoid, but im really just curious.

This is Chris again. I read something about dollar charging a $200 deposit on rentals. Is that true b/c I don't believe that other car rental companies do that.

I have used Dollar half a dozen times or so and have never had any trouble with them. I have always had nice, clean, well-maintained cars and the service has been on par with all the other major companies. I didn't ever pay any sort of deposit with them. I do have to say that I haven't rented with them (or anybody else) in several months, so maybe things have changed.

Dollar hits you with an arcane array of insurance "levels," none of which is "no insurance," which is what you want if you have adequate auto ins. of your own. They really have a smoke-and-mirrors hardsell to force you to pick up some level of extra coverage, and it inflates your bill pretty fast.

Be firm, ask if you are required to tak ANY of the levels. That frozen deposit on your cr. card is only one of their nickel-dime-dollar scames.

I love Dollar. Never had a problem with them and have never been hassled any more from them to purchase the insurance then any other car rental company that I have rented from (Budget,National,Avis...)

Here's a list of current Dollar's discount codes:
http://www.travelcouponsonline.com/other.html

I think the Dollar's are independently owned. That means that in Los Angeles it could be a real dump and in Las Vegas it could be the best-managed shop in town. You never know.

I have used Dollar in numerous cities for a few years now. I have never had a problem with them and have been happy with their service, cars, prices, and of course, the airmiles.