I'm considering using Payless for our 11 day May trip to CO & UT. I understand that they're franchises and the quality of experience may differ one location to another. Does anyone have experience renting from the Denver airport location? I'm interested in ease of access, quality of car (don't want to break down in Utah), and pickiness on inspecting for damage. I don't anticipate damaging the car, but don't want to be dinged for a minor scratch either. The cost is significantly less (now at least) but if I'm better off paying more and having less hassle, I'll do it. Thanks for all input.

Ruth

Topping to see if I can get any input. We're getting close to when I have to decide whether to save $100 by using Payless and would love some help making that decision if possible.

Since I live in Denver, I cannot comment on Denver BUT recently rented from Payless in Phoenix. First, only car rental agency with a very long line. Line moved slow because they argued with their customers trying to force extra insurance charges. Took about 40 mins to get a car. I listened carefully to the guy in front of me as he keep saying no, no. no NO, NO !!! When it became my turn I thought I was prepared - wrong !!! Had a internet reservation for midsize for five days for about $120 including taxes. At first the attendent was polite and efficient as he took the information. I declined his insurance questions and received the answer, "No problem, That is good, That is fine." Presented me with a statement to sign for $189.00. "Whoa" whipped out my confirmation showing $119.00 Now he is playing dumb when I asked him to explain the difference. Something about standard insurance package always included. I said no insurance. He said I declined the "extra" insurance and I said I declined everything. Ask if I was legal required to take this insurance and he said no sofely but continued to explain why life was at risk if I didn't take the package. This contiued for a couple of minutes while the line is getting longer behind me. Finally he said OK but produced another form that I had to sign while he produce another charge slip. That sheet of paper signed away every right that I had acquired in 60 years of living including options on my wife should I die in the next hundred years. There had to be 15 different statements that I had to initial.

Now I was concerned. When I pick up the car I was given a copy form to inspect the car and note existing damage. I took 10 minutes and went over that car with a fine tooth comb -- I noted scratches less than a quarter inch, checked under the bumper, checked the spare tire, the windows for chips, and added a few extra scratches just in case.

However, the car was excellent -- less than 20,000 and absolutely clean. Ran fine. And checkin was surprising easy and quick. No one inspected the car or said anything. I would probably rent from them again but really disliked the front desk. I had even brought my insurance card because I had heard that some of the discount places ask for proof of insurance. But no one asked.

I recently returned from a CO ski trip. I booked an SUV at DEN via Hotwire and got a rate MUCH better than I could find directly with anyt of the rental companies. The rental was with Hertz, all prepaid, and no BS at the counter.

We've used National and Enterprise at DEN. No problems, I booked online w/their website. Took the shuttle from the airport, and pick out the car type you have rented, get in and go. Drop off was easy too.

Almost a year ago, my father was in the hospital in Boulder. I flew out to be with my family. I had two days to make my reservations. I used Orbitz and got a very good rate from Payless. When the shuttle got to the Payless rental place, it looked like a refugee camp. People and bags all over the place. As I got into line I heard one man complain about being in line for an hour before getting to a rental desk, then he stood there for the whole 20 minutes I was in line. I realized that Payless was waiting for cars to be returned before renting them out again. Once someone was helped at a desk, they had to wait for the car to be cleaned and brought up front.

My father had had a set back that morning. I didn't know how he was or even if he was still alive. I needed to get Boulder. I got out of line and walked to the Enterprise place next door. I paid twice as much, but I was able to walk in, get a car and was on my way to Boulder in less than twenty minutes.

One other thing to consider since you are concerned by breakdowns, Payless isn't everywhere like some of the others. If you have a problem, you might have a long wait for help. I rented from Budget last month in Phoenix. On the second day there was a problem with the car. They told me to take it to the closest Budget and they would take care of me. They gave us another car right away and we were off. I'm not sure Payless could do the same thing.

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll stick with my Budget rental for $100 more. I've been in those long lines at the rental when they're waiting for cars to come in to re-rent and I hate it. I'm at a point when when I'm willing to spend more to save time and convenience. Also, the point about breaking down is good--it happened to us about 1.5 hours from SFO on the way to Yosemite and it took several hours to get a replacement car. I was willing to chance it on this trip as my sister will be doing the trip with us but with her own car, so if of use has car trouble, we won't be stranded. Thanks again.

Keep checking the rates. I booked a Payless car for this coming weekend thru Travelocity about 2 months ago, and they were the cheapest at about $83 for 3 days. I just checked rates again and now I've got a reservation with Budget for $60 for the same dates.

Usually in Denver I go to Budget's downtown location because it's so much cheaper without the airport fees added on, but for some reason this trip is different. Downtown is about $5 a day more than the airport.