lena

I'm finding rates like $50 per day. I used to be able to rent a compact car in Boston for $20. How can I get a reasonable rate? Thanks

z

I think it is a case of supply and demand - more renters than cars. Rent ouit of Newark Airport.

Hi

They are high because;

1. There is no place to park a car in NYC. Money for the car rental parking ramp is costly.

2. Insurance costs an arm and a leg in NYC.

3. Because of #1 and #2, fewer companies are in the business in NYC, causing lower supply.

nyer

$50/day in NYC is practically cheap, espcially on weekends.
Aside from the supply and demand factor (most New Yorkers don't own cars) there are insurance issues--NYS requires that rental cars include insurance that is usaully optional in other states, hence the higher "included" rates. Also, perhaps higher insurance payouts for theft and damage (but that's a total guest).
In NYC you don't want or need a car; for trips out of the city, Try Newark airport as mentioned or take a train to Connecticut (if that's in your general direction) and rent there.

(or look at it this way--have you ever tried to rent a nice medium sized automatic car in Europe??? Try $100 per day...)

Frank

Consider yourself lucky if you can rent a car in Manhattan on a summer weekend for less than $100 a day. Also if you come back with less than a full tank of gas, be prepared to pay $5.00 per gallon for the gas you used. Lot's of luck!

Dave

Lena, Like the other people stated, $50.00 per day is consider cheap in NYC. I would not wait to make a reservation at that rate.

Frank

Why are car rental prices so cheap everywhere outside NYC? Is something wrong with the cars?

xxx

Thanks Frank!

I always thought it was strange that you sign a little piece of paper and for $19.95 someone hands you a big shiny car

Postal

I rented my compact in NYC from Enterprise for less than $30 per day. There were plenty of dropoff locations all over the city, too. The service and the car were excellent.

a

If you need a car for only a couple of hours, try zipcar.com.

a

By the way, what company is quoting you the $50 rates?

suzanne

Where are these $50 (& cheaper) rental cars? I can't find much under $90 or $100. Please let me know, because I need to rent a car this weekend and for the 4th of July long weekend. I can't pick up a car at any of the airports because I'm going to be bringing lots of stuff home.

a

I just tried National and got $80/day this weekend (Emerald Club rate). Their system quoted me $70/day for 4th of July weekend.

Fess up. What company is giving you those $50 quotes?

lena

Right now none. I see prices about $70-80 now. $50 is the lowest I've ever seen whenever I considered renting a car from NYC.