ellen_griswold

Hi guys, thanks so much for all the feedback.

Sam, good point about comparing apples to apples; i'm re-checking to be sure i have.

Hey Easytraveler, good to see you! I'm thrilled to be doing another trip west (our 10th!) but these airfare and rental rates are killin' me! Geesh, give me our old (new) covered wagon (SUV) any old day EVEN w/ the price of gas. But this time we had no choice except to fly since we only have 10 days between jobs, internships, yadda yadda. And its only money. Gotta go when we can; can't buy more time

So back to rentals, OUCH!
At this point i think i've sliced and diced it to death (except priceline) as i've literally tried every company directly, and thru expedia, travelocity, sidestep and neotravel - seems like even more..

And believe it or not, the best deal is the very first one - where i linked through UA w/ Hertz. Unless i'm missing something. And no drop off fee, unless it's hidden. The next closest was Advantage but won't even consider now per easytraveler.

So, can i ask another question... How easy / difficult is it logistically upon arrival to check out one co., and if not satisfactory, change to another? DH is funny about cars (and not in a haha way :-< ) but because he's tall and also prefers american made. How much wiggle room is there in terms of negotiating?

You guys are awesome, thanks again.

kenmat

I just rented through Hotwire for a week in Santa Fe. I was provided a PT cruiser for $14.95/day plus tax. I have never had a bad experience with a rental car. However , always inspect the car very carefully for any small scratches or damage and make them take note.

gail

Something is very strange with this thread - someone named kenmat is listed as author of my post above and there is a post attributed to me that sounds like it came from OP.

Lori

We rent from Dollar several times a year in Las Vegas (they have desks at all the major strip hotels) and never had any problems.

We've also used Hertz, Avis, Alamo and Budget in other cities and frankly I just go with the one that gives us the best rate. I think at any given time you can find something to complain about with any car rental agency (or hotel, or airline, or cruise ... whatever), but in general we have had no real problems.

tracys2cents

Just wanted to add...book ahead for sure but be sure to check back about 3 weeks and again at 2 weeks and 1 week before your trip, rates do sometimes go down. I just logged into National and priced the exact same car that we're renting in two weeks and the price had dropped by $40 due to their "last minute specials".

joesorce

How much time in Phoenix and how much time will you have the car in Vegas? If you are spending say 6days in the Phoenix area, just rent locally for six days. Then you would only have four days at the higher one-way rate.
A hassle to change cars but it's really not too bad, and we saved $200 once this way.

ellen_griswold

Hi Joe! we're only picking up the vehicle in Phoenix, then leaving town. So, can you (or anyone) recommend another pick-up site nearby, that is truly convenient? I know they're cheaper off site but its not worth it to us at the expense of time. TIA.

Cali

We always rent luxury cars (my husband is tall and we always haul tons of stuff with us for business) and we have had great luck with Budget. Their rates have always been very reasonable and usually much cheaper than the competition and we have always gotten a Lincoln Town car or a Cadillac DTS. We are happy.

tracys2cents

Avis has incredible one way deal from Phx but you must return the car to anywhere in California. And current special ends June 30

joesorce

Ellen I don't have your specifics but plugging in a 10 day rental of a Ford Taurus from phx Airport I come up with $770 from Hertz.........and the same car is $540 if you take a cab ride to Hertz on Indian Springs Road.

Of course they are closed on Sundays and probably not open in the evening if that's when your arriving. However, you might just net yourself $230 for a half hour of hassle.

FreakForGhosts

The best local secret in Savannah is renting from a locally owned place in the historic district called "Savannah Car and Van Rental." Its been there for years, the prices are always the lowest in the area and you get treated like a guest and not a number. Ask for Norman when you call and you'll see the difference right away. Avoid paying all of those overpriced gouging airport places--call these people!

tinamidon

I found what I thought were good prices at carrentals.com and also through Kayak.com. Intermediate for 10 days $322, all inclusive, with different drop-off in CA during peak season. I have never had a problem using Dollar, Alamo, etc. I think Hertz is overpriced and you will not get anything extra for the $$. We always book a lower class vehicle & try for a free upgrade at check-in. Usually it works.

mcales

Why does Alamo and other rental agencies require the driver to have a credit card in his/her name? Reserved car with Alamo. I would be the main driver as husband was in meetings for 3 days. They said I needed to use credit card in my name instead of his name and wanted to charge $8 per day extra. We said forget it and went to Enterprise and they didn't require this fee or question that I used a card with my husband's name.

Gretchen

It probably had to do with the CDW. If the card isn't in your name then they were charging you the insurance fee. Alamo also charges for an extra driver, I think, which also may be this charge.