Opinions

Travel: Car Rental Companies
By Mark W. (Oceanside@prodigy.net) - April 22, 2002

0. Ask for the complete rate with tax. That is the only rate you want to compare. And you can ask them politely not to tell you about all those taxes and etc.

1. AAA gets great discounts for you. Especially with National.

2. Hertz has navigation, which can save a lot of your time for you, and not on getting lost or missing the best route.

3. All of the companies vary on service location to location. Don't judge any of the companies by a single location.

4. To get cheap rates, ASK. I know it sounds too simple, but it works. HALF the agents, when they know you are rate shopping, will search hard for a low rate. They will find the rate you are supposed to know the secret code for and give it to you.

5. HALF the agents? When a car rental agent sounds dumb, uncaring, bored, etc, make an excuse and hang up. Having a rapport matters, recognise their feelings, exchange some humor or empathic remarks. You will have a feeling for when they care enough to search the rates.

6. Coupons usually cost more. Usually, not always. So don't expect that $40 off is $40 off. It is $40 off the regular (read highest) rate. Sometimes. So...

7. Check all options. There will be a rate for AAA, your airline, your age, renting on a weekend or weekday, etc. They won't check them all if you don't ask them to.

8. Entertainment rates are another option. Get the book then ask for that rated.

9. Even if you do not mention a coupon, go ahead and throw it in when you return the car. They will often accept it. But since it may only save you $20 or so, it may not be worth going inside.

10. So, call company one, get the best rate you can. Call company two, say the location and dates and times. Say I am trying to beat this rate.... You get the idea. Oh, and when the person clicks away and then mentions a higher rate than the one you said you had... well, make your polite excuse.

11. Avis has this weird technique of not metntioning the rate and going straight to wanting you to reserve the car. It is a warped sales pressure technique and very rude. Ignore it and treat them like they forgot to quote the rate. (Or tell them you want fries with that?)