Rental Cars - Best Deal

[Griswald One]

Good Day All,

I am looking for advise from those that choose to rent a car when they arrive at their destination. I normally flat tow my Sonic. But I have a boys weekend booked in the fall where I will be driving 5 large men into Boston for two baseball games and then tailgating at Gillette Stadium for a Pats game. My little commuter car will be challenging for the 40 minute commute to the baseball games and down right miserable to try and tailgate from.

What are the best resources out there for finding a great price on a rental? Do prices improve as you get closer to the travel date?

Thanks in advance!

[norty1]

We deal with Enterprise when it is available. We call or check online for any specials and often find them.
Often when in a scenic area we rent for 3-4 days and find that we save most half of the cost in fuel.

[DocBrown]

When we travel without the trailer or fly we rent cars. Best deals and least hassles have been though either Alamo or Hertz. And we've rented from just about every chain at least once. But it depends on where you are going, you may not have a lot of choices. Alamo is generally only available where there are transportation hubs (airports, train stations, etc). Not so much in remote areas like towns near national parks. You might be able to find a locally owned rental agency at your destination that has a better deal than any of the chains.

As said, look online and compare prices. When you find one you like call and ask about what you are looking at. Sometimes they will offer you a better deal over the phone. Sometimes not. Many times you can get an upgrade for only a few dollars a day more when actually picking up the car. We typically reserve 6 months in advance. Small cars, SUVs, and full size vans get booked 6 months or more in advance.

[wags999]

If your a Costco member they usually have the best rates, least when I've checked. I would not wait till the last minute you may be out of luck.

[Griswald One]

Originally Posted by wags999

If your a Costco member they usually have the best rates, least when I've checked. I would not wait till the last minute you may be out of luck.

That is not an option I would have known to look at... I don't think Costco in Canada, or at least in my area, rents cars. Will have to look and see if there is a Costco in Foxborough.

[wags999]

They don't rent them themselves, they work with partners, but, typically I have found their pricing is much better than any I have found. It may be Avis, or Hertz or Enterprise they work with, depends on the area. Good Luck .

[norty1]

hey don't rent them, it's a brokerage service.

[elcheapo]

If you have triple A they have discounts at Hertz .

[abarkl]

I used Budget for a number of years. Are you a Veteran, Active Duty, National Guard or a family member?; https://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/htm.../veterans.html