In short, the answer is yes, but it is a case of buyer beware, or renter. Whether the trip's for business or pleasure, if a rental car is needed, quality is a must. So in the case of getting a car, cheap must equal affordable, but operable. Cheap should never equal garbage in the case of a rental.
Keeping the need for quality in mind, finding good deals on decent rental cars is more than possible. Cheap cars can come from smaller rental car companies, those that lease scratch-and-dent models and even bigger name companies that offer some great deals.
The best way to find the best prices in rental cars is to shop around. Sounds simple, but it's true. No matter what your destination is, if there is an airport or other mass transit station, there should be rental companies around. Most of these will have their own web sites set up or at least good listings in phone books.
Check out those web sites and make phone calls. Look for companies in the location you're intending to go. Sometimes you can even get free quotes online, which makes comparison shopping quick and pretty darn easy, too. Don't settle for the first price you get quoted if cheap is in order.
Don't forget that smaller companies may offer better rates. Check these out in the place you intend to visit. Remember though that sometimes these places only have service in the general area. This means a car picked up at Point A must be returned to Point A at the end of the rental period. An arrangement of this type works very well for a family trip or even a business trip that's staying fairly localized, but it won't do much good for the traveler who wants to drive a rental to their destination, enjoy a vacation and then fly back home.
Read the fine print on the different web sites you check out. This is important to understand what kind of guarantees the companies offer. If you're calling them, specifically ask.
Scratch-and-dent rentals can often save some money, too. These shops generally are pretty small and localized. Be sure the company's regulations fit in with your trip and do check with the company's local better business bureau for any major complaints. A rental wreck can be a great way to save cash, but if the "wreckage" goes beyond some minor cosmetic issues, the car might be a problem even for a short rental.
In general, when looking to rent a car, it's a good idea to be certain you know what you're getting into. Check around and shop prices, but remember your vacation or your business trip will be riding on the wheels, so a good car is an absolute must.
Cheap rental car companies can be found. As long as they are reputable, too, you should be in good shape.
This is not going to be a commercial for any particular car rental company as I have no allegiance to any of them. This is going to be about the dos and donts of renting a car.
First off, I never wait until I get to a city to rent a car. I get online and make reservations before hand. And I do not go to the individual car rental companies; I go to places like Travelocity, Xpedia or Orbitz to check pricing and make reservations. These outlets save a lot of time and the rental costs are extremely competitive. In fact, you will find deals on free upgrades and price breaks on different styles of cars. Here is where I make my reservation. It costs me nothing; and if, for some reason I change my mind about the rental, I am not liable for any charges. Perfect for the person whose whims guide him or her.
Flash forward to the car rental depot. Be prepared to show your valid drivers license and a valid credit card (MC or Visa) as it is mandatory. Next, they are going to present you with all kinds of different options. Listen to them and affirm or deny each dependent on your current needs. The one option I always deny is the insurance. It is expensive, and both my automobile insurance company and my credit card company provide this auxillary coverage.
Once you get out to the car, check for damages, scratches, or anything that they could bill you for later. Make notes on their pre-damage check list for your protection. Check the fuel level and all of the gauges on the dash to ensure all is okay. Next, check the air, the windows and even the radio if you are dependent on niceties.
Have fun on your stay. Only two things to do on your return. First, make sure you top off your fuel within 10-15 miles of the drop-off point so you pay no costly fuel surcharges. Second and most important, make sure you get everything out of the car that is yours.
Both Ray La Foy & John Francis Amberden are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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