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Talk It Out:
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"When I needed to reserve a car, I went to several different websites: first, one that compared a bunch of different companies. The least expensive brand there was Thrifty, so I made a reservation with them for 8 days, unlimited miles, at about $250. My friend told me she thought that was too much, and she went to a Thrifty website, and came up with the same rental for about $200. Then, I noticed that the airline I was using had a link to a Thrifty website, and I came up with my final deal, at $156! All this from the same company for the same car, for the same amount of time, but a $100 difference! The clincher is, when I got to the car rental counter, they upgraded the car at no charge and deducted $12 from the fee since I was not coming directly from the airport -- therefore no "airport fee". Also, I was picking
the car up in one city and dropping it off in another. Several
rental companies charged extra for that convenience, but Thrifty
didn't. Also, check with your credit card benefits and your auto
insurance and decline the insurance coverage the rental company offers
if either your credit card or auto insurance already provides the
coverage. This will save you big bucks!" ~ Sharon
"Lowering
car rental cost can be achieved in a variety of ways. One way is
to decide on the smallest possible vehicle with which you can
live for the duration of the trip. The smaller vehicle equals
less expense for fuel and fuel costs can eat your budget to
pieces. Things like having the tires aired properly also help on
fuel cost. If you carry a small tire gauge with you, it is quite
possible and easy to check each tire's air pressure. If the
pressure is not up to the standard for the vehicle, you can fix
it at a local gas station for 50 cents or less. Sometimes, the
cost for using the air hose is absolutely free. "I go
on Priceline.com and have saved a bundle! The directions
are good and so is the price! It does require that you
purchase online but I have had no problems or spam.
I use the 'name your own' price portion of the site. I
have also used hotwire with some success but usually with
buying hotel or airfare as well. Good luck!" ~ Glenda
J.
"Don't
get the insurance from the car rental company. Look at
your policy and make you are are covered. If not then
get the coverage from your own insurance company. It is
much, much cheaper. Also make sure you get a rental
agreement that includes unlimited miles, or you will
given a set amount of miles (very small) and each
additional mile over that limit is somewhere between .29
and .35 a mile. Sometimes these plans are a little more
expensive up front, but they really do save you more
money in the long run. Also when you return the vehicle,
make sure there is a full tank of gas. Some companies
are charging extra when this is not done." ~ Laura "If you are a member of AAA or a whole sale club (BJ's, Sam's, etc) check with them. Often they have coupons or discounts. Another place to check is your bank or credit union. You could also contact your car insurance and see if they can find any discounts for you." ~ Becky
Editor's Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. |
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