What's the cheapest way to get a car rental?

[alanab 0]

I'm looking into renting a car for my first time and I know I will be charged more for being under 25. I want to know if anyone has experience with this and what is the cheapest way to go?

[Ashtanga 0]

Call them direct and get a price quote. Call different companies and get different quotes. Then go to websites such as Travelocity and see if you can get cheaper rates there. Generally the internet is the best way to get the cheapest but don't book without calling them first because sometimes the companies have discounts that aren't listed on the internet. It's a little work but it will save you money.
...edited for spelling...

[wildblue 7]

Priceline.com does cars too - worth a shot. The "under 25 insurance" is going to kill ya though.

it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality

[rbrcokflichk 0]

I agree with priceline, but first I check sites like travelocity or direct with the rental company to see what rate I should be naming and what rate falls under the "not worth it anymore".

I'd rather have an awkward morning than a boring night!!!

[mailin 0]

When I was under 25 I was told point blank by Enterprise and budget that it would cost an additional $125 PER DAY!!! to rent from them.

I'd stay away from them if I were you.


Jen

Arianna Frances

[Jeth 0]

I rent cars several times a month. Definitely go with the internet, and go directly to the company's web sites. Most of the time, they offer their own best rates. However, I have found that sometimes Hotwire.com beats them. Just do a little comparison shopping to see. Then when you find a good rate, call the company and ask about their "under 25" policy. I think Avis is just an extra deposit which you will get back.
BTW, Enterprise has a kick-ass weekend deal which is only 9.95 a day for the weekend. Its only in certain locations, but you can't beat the price if you can get it. But I have no idea about their under 25 policy, so definitely check on that.

"At 13,000 feet nothing else matters."
PFRX!!!!!
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[Buried 0]

go through your company if you have that option. much of the time the 'under 25' thing is waived

Where is my fizzy-lifting drink?

[Stacy 0]

hey alana-

i remember renting a car through MCO airport once when under 25- I think the cheapest BY FAR was Payless car rental. It's off airport, but has shuttle pick up. They were way cheaper than the big names and the car was fine for my purposes.

[kenz 0]

you can always go through www.rentawreck.com

they rent rebuilt cars - much cheaper than the other places - i've used them before and it worked well

"life does throw curveballs sometimes but it doesn't mean we shouldn't still swing for the homerun" ~ me

[sistaluv 0]

I didn't read all the posts but since I won Pimp my Ride I got a rental in the mean time and I found a sneaky way to cut the cost....but only if you have your own insurance....tell them not to add insurance that you want to put yours on it and that cuts the cost in half almost....now if you dont have insurance put car under someone elses name thats over 25yrs and has it and put ya as second driver...hope this helps..

Blue Skies and Terminal Memories 4 Life

[vid666 0]

www.priceline.com
www.hotwire.com

also, when I was under 25 ( a whole wooping 9 months ago), I found it alot cheaper to rent from the local, off-airport locations. Just figure out which airport you are flying in, search for off-airport car rental - the shittier the place sounds, the cheaper it will be. then just call 'em and reserve. Some of those places only surcharge for under 21, not under 25

www.rentalcars.com is a good site too...

good luck

[jumpwally 0]

Never mind car rentals,,,Hello Aimee !! Nice avatar ! Whats going on in it? Tell us more,,,,,show us a bigger version..yikes......wally

smile, be nice, enjoy life
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[Vallerina 2]

Quote

Hello Aimee !! Nice avatar !

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!!! Aimee's HOT! I've had Hot Sex with her.

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[kansasskydiver 0]

Enterprise is the best way to go. Got a car for a week from LA and it cost me $153 or something and I'm 23

Also, look into NOT getting your car from the airport location, sometimes it's more expensive

<--- See look, pink dolphins DO exist!

[Remster 30]

Quote

I've had Hot Sex with her.

Yeah, but that doesnt mean much.. You'll have Hot Sex with anybody...

Remster

[Vallerina 2]

Quote

Quote

I've had Hot Sex with her.

Yeah, but that doesnt mean much..

Sure it does! Aimee took my Hot Sex virginity!

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[gravitational 0]

Quote

Also, look into NOT getting your car from the airport location, sometimes it's more expensive

In most cases, it's more expensive as they'll add an airport recovery fee as the off airport locations do not. I'd have to look at my expense reports to see what the proper name for it is.
It's easier for me to get at the airport and avoid the bus and since I'm expensing it anyway, the fee doesn't bother me.

------
Michael

[Amanduh 0]

*raises hand*

When I came up to Ohio I had rented a car. I called the day I was suppose to fly in and THEN they decided to tell me they were charging me an extra $25 a day because I was under 25. PUNKS! I cancelled on them. Cheapest way = knock your friend down 20 bucks to drive you around and call it a day.

[rbrcokflichk 0]

Ha ha - too cute, but thanks!!!

Heck I was just trying to bribe the car rental guys!!!

I'd rather have an awkward morning than a boring night!!!

[benforde 0]

come over here... you can drive my car

[globalskyjunkie 0]

Also use any and all ID's/ club cards you have and see which gives the best rate. USPA has Hertz discount (I have personally never used it). Sams Club, AAA, Airline ID (or friend in the Travel industry, some companies will give you a discount for family/friends in the travel industry), Military ID (enterprise once gave me $5/day discount for my military contractor ID!).

Keep in mind most of these discounts I received at the counter and were NOT given to me over the phone or on the internet. I happen to be a very last minute / surprise I'm here kinda traveller. Never been much for advanced planning.

Priceline is great. really low-ball it and slowly work up if you keep getting turned down. You would be suprised the price I have paid for hotels, etc. by bidding this way.

As far as the under 25 deal, off airport locations are MUCH cheaper. most have shuttles to/from airport or will tell you the cheapest way to get there (they may even pick you up!)

Remember, it never hurts to ask!

Good Luck!
__________________________________________________

___________________________
I always say the wrong thing, usually because I'm bored

[rbrcokflichk 0]

That's right - once Val had hot sex with me, she was soooo addicted she couldn't help but begin to spread the love!!!!!

I'd rather have an awkward morning than a boring night!!!

[Sen.Blutarsky 0]

It's not directly responsive to alanab's query but I thought that for some of you a Zipcar might make some sense:

http://www.zipcar.com/.

Cheers.

Blutarsky 2008. No Prisoners!

[chaoskitty 0]

How many years do you need to hit 25? I've got four available that you can have.

But if I remember right, I used to rent from Enterprise when I was under 25 and never had any extra fees tacked on. You'll just have to call around and check.

[racer42 0]

Have someone with good insurance run into your car.

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