Hi,

Me and my girlfriend are pretty set about getting a convertible, and was wondering which option you think is best:

1) go through Alamo/Avis/etc. now and pay about 425-450 total (based on extra driver, taxes, etc.)

2) go through Alamo/Avis/etc., book a cheap car, and hope for a good deal offered to us as an "upgrade" when we arrive.

3) go through a small company like http://www.mauicarrentals.net/ which lists mustang convertibles for about 300 a week?

Priceline told me it doesnt do convertibles in Maui.. I will try again though.

Thanks!

I got a priceline convertible (alamo) for 30/day in maui

What kind of convertible was it? I am assuming a cavalier or sebring convertible? I wonder if it would be worth the extra $80 or so for a mustang.. (assuming I could get it for the same price you did).

I'd forget about Maui Car Rentals and go here to book a convertible from a major rental agency for the same price, or less (they are showing $290/week for a Sebring right now): http://www.discounthawaiicarrental.com/ (Brand X is usually Thrifty, btw.) You can make your reservation here, and cancel it later if find a better rate elsewhere. They merely make reservations with the agency for you--you don't pay anything up front, not until you arrive to pick up your car.

MCR has older cars and I have heard one too many sad stories about the condition of the car, break-downs, no A/C, etc.

I'd forget about Maui Car Rentals and go here to book a convertible from a major rental agency for the same price, or less (they are showing $290/week for a Sebring right now): www.mauicarrentals.net/ (Brand X is usually Thrifty, btw.) You can make your reservation here, and cancel it later if find a better rate elsewhere. They merely make reservations with the agency for you--you don't pay anything up front, not until you arrive to pick up your car.

MCR has older cars and I have heard one too many sad stories about the condition of the car, break-downs, no A/C, etc.

thanks for the advice. i reserved with MCR (about 270 for the week total including taxes).. the person said it would be a 2000-2002 mustang.. maybe i will check out the other place you referred to. has anyone else had an experience with MCR?

Thanks!

p.s. i went to that site.. and they basically offered me the same thing that i could get by going to thrify's web site.. the total came out to over $400 with taxes (i need the car for about 4 hours over a week, so i get charged for 8 days). maui car rentals is charging me 269 including taxes.. so i guess the questions are 1) is a possibly newer car (by 2-3 years) worth paying 150 more and 2) can i get it cheaper if i wait longer and use priceline or do something else?

thanks!

We rented a Chrysler Sebring Convertible from Thrifty for less than $260 for a week and loved every minute of it. You can get your best rate directly from the website when you reserve a car.

The only drawback to a convertible was the small trunk {because the top has to fit in there when down}. We rode with the top up during the heat of the day and down in the morning and evening.
It was so easy to put the top on that we did it in less than 2 minutes at a stop light!

I didn't want a convertible at first, but my husband really wanted one and it was his vacation too. I pulled my hair back and wore a hat (it's windy in Hawaii anyway}. It was so much fun tooling around with the top down and Hawaiian music playing on the radio!

The trip to Hana just wouldn't have been the same in an ordinary car.

Duster

I Just booked my Sebring Convertible yesterday with Priceline. Offered them $28.00 per day, and it was accepted! On Maui, ya gotta have a Convertible! Try Priceline...
Lori

Lori, What was the total with Priceline including taxes and fees for the convertible? I'm going in August. Should I wait close to that time to put in a bid?

marie:
The total with all taxes is $290.00. Verses $475.00 going through the regular channel's.
You could try now, if they don't except it, try again closer to your travel time... It's worth a try though! Good Luck.
lori

Lori, How many days did you rent the convertible? Marie

Marie,
We got our's for 8 day's total.
We'll be there on maui May 18th ~ the 26th. Can't wait, it never get's old.
Lori

Lori, Thanks for the information. Have a great time! Marie

Marie, You too. Good Luck!
Lori