Rental Car Experiences?

kyfdx · February 2013

New deal with National hit my e-mail today... I'm now renting a car for one day... for....

$17.57!! all taxes and fees included...

:P

stever · February 2013

And let me guess, that email is just good for you? We're renting a midsize in Seattle in mid April for $38 from EZ.

kyfdx · February 2013

I can't post the e-mail, naturally, but here is the link to the "last minute deals"

National

I didn't need to log into my account to get it to come up..

stever · February 2013

Thanks, have to check that site the last few days before we leave. We have a confirmation number with the other outfit but don't have to pay until we actually show up at the counter. Our rate doesn't look too bad compared to some of those last minute ones. Hawaii has gone nuts.

fintail · February 2013

Seattle is notoriously expensive for rentals, especially when tourism picks up. Good luck on finding a decent rate. If I was renting from Seatac specifically, I would check Sixt as they will have new cars and good rates, or maybe Fox etc for low prices.

Sandman6472 · February 2013

Hoping to see a 2013 Avalon soon and take it on a long drive. Going to Orlando for Dollar in the a m and just hope I snag something interesting this time. Really looking to try a Verano or Regal as I hear they are superb on the highway! My bud got a C Class on Sunday from Sixt from Lauderdale to Miami and I was so bummed it wasn't moi! My dream car!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever · February 2013

I think we rented from Fox one time. Maybe that's how I wound up in a fire engine red stripper Mustang years ago. We had an "off-site" rent-a-wreck cheap reservation one trip and the company wasn't open the day we arrived (a Sunday). That was a fun scramble. :shades:

Sixt does looks pretty reasonable, but they don't have any fancy cars at the airport lot. No E-Class, no SLKs, not even a Genesis. What kind of two-bit operation are you running there? :P

kyfdx · February 2013

That link is on the regular National site... I think it's updated each Tuesday..

fintail · February 2013

Will be a very smooth ride, I hope you get something fun too. Every workday is kind of like Christmas morning for you - sometimes you get a pair of socks, sometimes a Red Ryder BB gun :shades:

Sixt sometimes has amazing rates on its nicer cars. When I rented my E last June, they had C for under $30/day - if you like the car so much, you should treat yourself and take one for a few days.

Here's the E I got from Sixt in FLL last year:

stever · February 2013

Yeah, I bookmarked it. Will lock stuff in when we Priceline the airport hotel the week we travel. We can always bum a ride with the relations if we pooch the deal and wind up without a car. Or we'll just take the rail/bus up to Wallingford.

fintail · February 2013

It seems to take a few months for the branches to get highline cars, the one at SEA just opened a few weeks ago. You're a cheapskate anyway, I don't see you renting an SLK :P

SEA has a new rental car facility - technically everything is offsite now, with a shuttle from the main terminal.

stever · February 2013

Yeah, we figured finding something even at the last minute would work out since they've lumped all the rental shops together. The other off-site place was practically in Tacoma, lol. One year we just went downtown to rent and that worked well, since we could park in the rental lot for free, which was just a couple of blocks from the motel. My wife was on a paid junket that trip.

We're funny about deciding what we'll spend money on. I'm sure we'll spend way more on dinner that night that we'll pay for the motel room. But a luxo ride would be kind of fun for one day.

fintail · February 2013

It all depends on where you'd be staying. If you are downtown a lot, it might be better to not get the car until you are done in the city. Driving and parking in downtown Seattle is about the 12th level of hell.

If on a long/leisure trip, I priceline/hotwire hotels, and rent a nicer car in exchange. For shorter, I just go cheap (on a 4 day trip in 2011, I got an Impala with 4 miles on it from Thrifty for $17/day).

stever · February 2013

Oh, we have an early flight out the next day so we're crashing at one of the airport hotels. We essentially have a long layover in Seattle (~20 hours) which worked out great since we only get one stopover on our free miles ticket and we're not flying back through there.

So we'll see the brother-in-law and hit Rays or somewhere and be on our way at 8 am. Assuming the in-laws here don't get sick lol (we buy a lot of travel insurance these days).

Sandman6472 · February 2013

Now that's one beautiful ride! I never thought about that but it's the perfect idea really. Rent one for a few days just to see if it's something I could really live with and if not, I at least had some fun. I also like the idea of staying in a less expensive hotel and splurging on the rental because honestly, how long is one really in the room? More time is spent outside exploring the destination and getting to that destination.
Thanks for the idea...I never even thought about it!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stever · February 2013

We often camp in the woods for free or find a primitive forest service site for $10. Then we go to town and blow $100 for dinner. :-)

fintail · February 2013

I think that one cost me $43/day out of FLL, from Sixt - that included all taxes and fees. Bargain. I think it can be more or less repeated now, at the right time, too. As you are in the area, you can shop around for the cheapest dates, and try that C-class. They should have active satellite radio, too - but I am pretty sure the Sixt C fleet lacks nav.

For me, a car is a big part of the trip - only car people will relate to that. If I wanted a fancy resort experience, I probably wouldn't be renting a car at all.

michaellno · February 2013

I will be renting a car for the first time in a few years next month. Flying to California to visit family.

Economy class (Kia Rio or similar) from Burbank airport - $170 with taxes and fees for 5 days.

I know, it's not a C-class or a Volvo or some other premium make, but I just need A to B transportation.

stever · February 2013

"Luxury-car rentals are rapidly growing, and for some, you don't have to spend all that much more than you would for a full-size sedan. The nation's largest car-rental firm, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, which usually focuses its business on the lower end of the market, has expanded its "Exotic Car Collection" to 13 locations in six states, recently adding Houston and Naples, Fla. Hertz Corp., the second-largest, says rentals from its luxury-vehicle collection grew 15% between 2011 and 2012.

And last month, a startup company called Silvercar began renting nothing but silver Audi A4s with customized technology at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Current prices start at only $55 a day."

And this one deal must be hidden, sold out or over:

"Sixt Rent a Car, a European agency now rolling out operations in the U.S., is currently listing a deal in its new Seattle-Tacoma International Airport location on a Mercedes C-Class sedan for $50 a day."

The Rise of the Rent-a-Porsche (WSJ)

fintail · February 2013

Fun thing, renting highline cars has been normal in Europe for eons.

I'd also like details on the SEA Sixt having highlines - not on the site. I sent a message to a corporate spokesperson who said he would look into it, hasn't replied. But the company has had highlines elsewhere in the US for some time, at rates much less than the pricey Hertz Prestige Collection. I rented an A6 from Hertz in Vegas back in 07 - cost around $80/day, which I thought was a good deal.

$130/day for a Malibu? I've got a bridge to sell that person.

kyfdx · February 2013

Picked lowest level car, but got free upgrade to the Emerald Aisle. Chose a new KIA Optima. Not a bad car. About 31 mpg on way down here to Louisville, today. (75-80 mph).

fintail · February 2013

Nice price for a standard/fullsize car. How many miles were on it?

kyfdx · February 2013

9XXX miles..

fintail · February 2013

The MB dealer where I just bought a car uses an Enterprise fleet for loaners. All C-class and GLK. I saw about 10 of them hanging around the shop area today.

fintail · February 2013

Nice, and great price.

I am thinking next time I rent, I might just do it standard to sample a Fusion or Optima etc.

jpp75 · February 2013

We're doing a New England trip around Memorial Day, I wish Sixt had a location in Boston as we got cheap flights and hotels are free thanks to points so I'd gladly pay a little more for a nice car. Right now the car is free too but may see what they can upgrade to if National has anything interesting when we get there.

fintail · February 2013

Free is worth it. I participated in an online survey program and now have like 2500 Hertz points, which I think is about enough for a free week. Eventually I will use it, even though it has been many years since I have used the company.

National and Alamo both allow you to choose cars - I think a couple others do now, too. I think Sixt is at MIA and area, FLL, MCO, ATL, PHX, SEA, for the US. They are trying to expand, but it takes time and money.

jpp75 · February 2013

Free is definitely worth it, but since the overall trip is cheap I wouldn't mind splurging if it meant something like your deal in FLL last year. I consistently rent from National and am part of the Executive Elite, which is nice and I definitely like being able to choose the car but it is rare you get a "premium" car even at their top loyalty tier. It's still a nice upgrade but you don't get any of the real fun stuff.

I rented from hertz from years but never really liked them. Even when I had status with them I was still relegated to a base corolla way too often and they considered a Taurus wagon a nice upgrade. So while National may not put premium cars in the emerald lane at least I can choose if I want a Prius, a Legacy, an Avalon or an Escape. I even got a Chevy Silverado a couple of weeks ago. It was absolutely horrible, but at least it was fun getting to pick.

stever · February 2013

My sister just got a fly/drive reserved for April back to England. The rental will be through Hertz, which she's not happy about after a lousy experience with them a few years ago. But the price was okay.

She was excited about the car though - said even though she went cheap, they said she'd get a MINI. I popped her balloon when I told her they probably meant a subcompact. :shades:

fintail · February 2013

I have no status other than Sixt "gold", which is nothing. I don't travel enough. I remember I rented from Alamo in ATL, reserved premium, was offered an iffy looking Town Car or a Grand Marquis with the wipers parked up. I rejected, agent laughed and understood, said I could walk over to National and choose. They had no premiums, and the only luxury was an STS with no keys. I tried to get a loaded Grand Cherokee, but the agent said it would cost more, so I passed. I waited for cars to come in to the Emerald Aisle (this was around 0700 - had no competition) - almost chose a loaded Taurus Limited, but it smelled funny. Ended up with an immaculate Buick Regal, which was a nice drive, and was technically PCAR. No complaints.

I might take a week in California this year, where I will use my Hertz points - I think I can get up to "premium" with them, which is my usual category. Most of the time I have rented, Hertz prices are steep and the fleet is nothing special. The Avalon you mention should be "premium" too - I'd be happy to have one as a rental. Dull, but comfy for long drives.

fintail · February 2013

What category did she rent? Could end up with a Mini - it is not considered to be anything special there.

Reserve a "full size" category with Sixt in Germany, and chances are you will get a C or 3er - as they are ordinary cars there.

berri · February 2013

Does she drive stick? Otherwise, make sure she has "automatic" on her car reservation. Even then, they like to drop the line on tourists they finger as saps that they are out of automatics and it will be a several hour wait. However, if you're persistent and just hang politely in their face, an auto usually turns up in about 20 minutes. Some Brits like to think we're still their colony

stever · February 2013

Category Fin? Who knows (you'd have to know my sister to understand. :shades: )

However, ditziness aside, she can drive stick and has owned a few (MGB, some Honda). The last trip over she got an automatic though and did prefer it. Most of the times before that she's wound up with sticks.

(I use the term "drive" loosely).

fintail · February 2013

You know, like "compact" or "intermediate". I don't think there is a "mini" category.

First time I rented a car in Germany, I reserved automatic, they tried to give me a stick. I was about to take it, but Stuttgart can be hilly, and I didn't want to deal with an unfamiliar car (it was a Citroen) on unfamiliar roads. So they gave me an E-class, which I gladly took.

stever · February 2013

Hertz UK lists a Mini category. A Kia Picanto or similar. No MINIs, naturally.

When she complains, I'll tell her it was designed by the same guy who did the Audi TT.

Good idea on the upgrade. Maybe I'll suggest that she wear a sling to the rental counter. Knowing my sister, she'd put it on her right arm though.

fintail · February 2013

She's renting through Hertz? Booking the cheapest car in some countries might be an eye-opener - they get cheaper models than anything seen here.

stever · February 2013

It's a fly/drive deal through a travel agent. The airline is United, which has a long association with Hertz.

Neither ourfit has ever especially impressed me, but she's a UAL retiree and really a brand snob, so I don't say much. (I did tell her about the sandwich I got on one UAL flight that already had a bite taken out of it. :shades: ).

Last time she did use some "cheapo" outfit and had a great experience with them. She's too impatient to take a chance on her pass privileges, and she's been stuck at Heathrow for a couple of days before trying to get home. So there's another $1,000 she's blowing; guess I should tell her for what'd she'd save flying standby, she could rent a high end Mercedes and just sleep in it if she gets bumped coming home.

fintail · February 2013

Flying standby...that would be an adventure, if you have no time pressures.

Sometimes reserving a low car and ordering nav will get you upgraded to a higher car with integrated nav.

stever · February 2013

I've done standby domestically on her passes before and it's never been much of an issue. As long as I can get wifi somewhere I'm happy. I do know that the marble floors in the Minneapolis airport are cold and uncomfortable. The benches in Seattle are better. One airport escapes me, but quite a few of us found an empty terminal with rows of padded seats that had no armrests one night. I was in dreamland until they rousted everyone at 2 am to clean it. :sick:

kyfdx · February 2013

Our company has interline priveleges for stand-by flights at a discount, but it just isn't worth it to me, any more... Planes are so much fulller than they used to be, and getting on is harder....

I will take a bump for a $400 voucher, if the opportunity arises, however...

stever · February 2013

Me too, but I always lose those races to the counter.

kyfdx · February 2013

Got the wife and son bumped in Phoenix for $400 each. I stuck with the scheduled itinerary, and they beat me home by 6 hours. That's my best success story.

The funny part? All three tickets were only $605 total, r/t. That's right. They paid me to fly to Phoenix. :P

stever · February 2013

lol, you dog.

I never score anything like that.

With the sequestration hitting in April now, I'm already worrying that the TSA or ATC workers will get furloughed, airports will get crazy and we won't make our flights. But we'll be "stuck" in Chicago with our car so it could be worse. Won't have to fight others trying to grab a rental to drive home.

kyfdx · February 2013

I'll have to start watching CSPAN..

I thought that started in March?

stever · February 2013

I guess the law requires 30 days notice before they can furlough anyone.

stickguy · February 2013

I always wanted the offer, but the only time seemed to be when I was going on business and couldn't take it.

Once though, was taking the family (4 of us) to Orlando, and they overbooked. Well, we ended up being the ones that did not get seat assignments in advance, so at the gate, we got shut out.

So, they booked us on a later flight (we were going to Disney, but flying down at dinner time, so just planning to hotel that night anyway). and to make up for their screw up, we got vouchers for tickets anywhere in the country. Plus dinner chit so we ate at the Friday's.

Ended up getting in at around 1:00 AM instead of 9:00PM, so really lost nothing important (just a little sleep!) but got free dinner, and later on free round trip tickets to San Francisco from Philly. SO heck yeah, it was a good deal for us!

stickguy · February 2013

they already gave it,. I have a friend that is civilian with the DOD and she has been complaining about it for a while. Really ticked off too, since it will impact her pending retirement calculation!

Sandman6472 · March 2013

I liked the Optima's that I have driven lot to lot. Just can't wait to get one for a longer trip to really check it out. Personally, I'm liking Hyundai/Kia products more and more with each new arrival...they are checking all my boxes and remind me of the old Honda corp when they kept producing winners and cared about their customers unlike the Honda of today who've lost their way and don't seem to give a rat's [non-permissible content removed] anymore about customer satisfaction. I know that there will be no Honda products in our house again and plan to give Hyundai/Kia a shot at my next vehicle unless I do go the premium entry level lux cpo route which is a distinct possiblity.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472 · March 2013

Sixt is also at West Palm airport but off site. We moved 10 cars for them last Friday at 6 p m...there were 5 of us and we did two trips each and finished at 11:30 which was pretty good considering the traffic into and out of Miami on I-95 during rush hour. The 2nd trip was so much easier and timely and the Sixt location was in a strip mall just off Belvedere Rd. Pretty quick to get to and they have a shuttle to get one door to door. Love that Sixt has C and E classes plus GLK's and since we are doing more work for them, the chances of me driving some of these are increased hopefully. Their system is a bit weird with them needing our licenses and actually renting the cars to us...strange really. All the other companies just let us choose without all the paperwork...the boss has it on his paperwork only. There are 3 differnt teams and I'm glad I got the team I did...we all seem to work together well and watch out for each other. Now that we know who likes what, we all make sure, if we can, that we get to drive our preferences and the boss seems to look the other way. All he wants us to do is find a vehicle with a full tank and no other bodywork problems. We have found a rhythm and it works now. It's just that he has too many people and he needs to use everybody so I can no longer work daily if there is work. Seems like this weekend there was none...and that does happen from time to time. But I miss not working actually and was a bit bored today at home.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472 · March 2013

Good chance we'll be flying into Milwaukee to see my boy in October instead of Chicago. Is that a bad airport? I found Midway to work pretty well for us even though O'Hare was closer to our destination. I prefer Southwest and they only go into Midway. Milwaukee should work out o k also, I hope, and it isn't to far from Chicago I've heard as we're going there for a few days also to visit family. Plan to book travel by the end of May or middle of June so that should give us plenty of time to get a good deal as who really flies in October mid week...we plan to go from a Wednesday through a Tuesday at this point as the kid is off on weekends so we can spend time with him. Want to see where he works , lives etc. and see his life there. His lady is in Chicago and I hear he spends weekends down with her at her place. Have never met her yet so am excited to finally get the opportunity to meet his love as I think they plan to marry quietly and then spring it on the families...he's so private that I wouldn't be surprised if they do do this. Whatever, as long as they are happy and love each other...let 'em do it their way. I'm very flexible on most stuff really! The course of least resistance is the road I always prefer in life...hate drama and avoid it whenever I can!

The Flexible Sandman :sick: :shades:

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