Rental Car Deals

[lilbriansmom2008]

I have spent the last week searching for the best (full size) rental car deal for a 10 day rental out of Jacksonville, Florida ( April 2-12th). Ive searched for coupoon codes, rates, coupons etc. and I really havent found any deal Im really happy with.

Do any of you have any tips or suggestions for me? Perhaps a website that you have used and have had alot of success? I also want to make sure when I book the car that I do it through a site that will give me some sorta percentage back but not sure which one to go with.

Any of your suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!


Thanks again!

[Save4Fun]

I've had success with car rentals through Entertainment Book -- reserve online and then take coupon from book to car rental counter when you check in.

Here's my previous post on that: http://forum.couponmom.com/restauran...ar-rental.html

As you can see, someone else has had success with Priceline. If you book through Priceline, go through Upromise's website (if you do Upromise) for credit.

Entertainment Books are on sale right now for $17. Get one for the area where you live or the area where you are visiting. Go through CouponMom.com's link to give credit to support this site: Restaurant Coupons

Let me know if you have further questions on the EB and car rentals. I've had good success. You'll still want to shop the deals in the book to see which company and which coupon has the best price.

[Tracy63]

If I were you, I would avoid picking up a car rental at an airport. There are a lot of airport taxes and fees to tack onto the rental. Try to find a non airport local branch that you can pick it up at. I suggest Enterprise -- They will pick you up.

I would also call the branch directly. The employees at the local branches are able to adjust the rate for you..... especially if you tell them you are shopping around. At this time of year, they will do practically anything to get you in the door. Be sure to mention a competitor's name and I am sure they will take care of you. I managed a location for them and we would go to all extremes to get people to choose us over the local Hertz. It's worth a shot!

[Save4Fun]

At this time of year, they will do practically anything to get you in the door.

Interesting that you say that because I was thinking around Easter (spring break) is probably a very expensive time to rent a car in Florida.

I do, however, agree with you about the airport taxes. We debated saving about $10 off the total bill by using an off airport car rental on our last trip. We decided to go ahead and "splurge" on the airport location. It just seemed like it would be easier. But the fees and taxes do add up (on and off the airport), so definitely something to consider. If you are on a tight budget, take every dollar off you can.

[lilbriansmom2008]

Thanks so much for the advise so far!
Out of my HOURS of time spent doing this ( im hell bent on making sure I get the BEST deal possible!) the best I can come up with so far is $388.82 at Enterrprise, for a full size car for 10 days. Im going to keep looking but if I cant find anything better, Im going to have to go with this deal!

[Tracy63]

I am pretty sure that the majority of college spring breaks are over by April. I know that here the high schools had spring break last week and this week UK is out. You never know what is going on though.

The airport taxes here in PA were 2.00/day CFC tax and a 10% HIA fee. Not to mention the 6% sales tax, 2% luxury tax, and 2.00/day transportation tax. I loved working at the airport and having to explain all these fees. Crazy!

Also if you have AAA, be sure to mention that as well. We used to give a 5% -10% discount off the rental for that. Every location is different so they may not be as generous....worth a shot though!

Interesting that you say that because I was thinking around Easter (spring break) is probably a very expensive time to rent a car in Florida.

I do, however, agree with you about the airport taxes. We debated saving about $10 off the total bill by using an off airport car rental on our last trip. We decided to go ahead and "splurge" on the airport location. It just seemed like it would be easier. But the fees and taxes do add up (on and off the airport), so definitely something to consider. If you are on a tight budget, take every dollar off you can.

[lilbriansmom2008]

yeah..I figuired out long ago that renting from the airport is not a good idea, however the selection of cars is so much more when renting there than a local place ( if thats important to someone).

Im still looking....hoping to find something for under $300!!

[Save4Fun]

the best I can come up with so far is $388.82 at Enterrprise, for a full size car for 10 days.

I plugged your trip into Kayak, and assuming that price includes all the taxes and fees, it looks like you got an awesome deal with this quote. How did you do it? Did you call them directly? What did you ask for?

[lilbriansmom2008]

Yes, thats total out the door. Thats with a discount code I found on retailmenot for 15% off.

The rate was: 363.38
tax: 25.44
$388.82

[niffir]

The company my husband works for has all sorts of discount agreements that always astonish us. Perhaps you or someone in your family works for a company that also has this sort of thing. We were looking at renting a car on Oahu a few months ago and could get one with unlimited miles for $30 a day through his employee discount even though he doesn't work for the car company.