NWR: Renting Vehicles

paperpusher

I'm starting to look into the cost of plane tickets and renting a vehicle for my honeymoon in July.

Does anyone have any advice on what to look for when renting a vehicle? What you did or didn't like when you rented one?

DH said he would really like to drive a Jeep Wrangler and I came across SoBe Jeeps. Anyone heard of this company before?

beethery

What to look for when renting a vehicle:

1. Does the car run?
   
2. If you google the rental company and look for bad reviews, how many are there?
   

That's it. Google to find out about the rental company.

flutteringinfl

I've only rented through your standard companies like Enterprise, Budget, etc. My favorite has been Budget. I've had good luck with them with prices and customer service.

Are you thinking of flying in and renting a car when you get there, or trying to decide between flying or driving to your destination? If you're flying in definitely look for a place connected to the airport, where they have the cars there. It's easiest. If you have your heart set on a specific car I'd call ahead to ask about it.

southernbelle0915

I've never tried to rent a particular make/model. I've always just gone on carrentals.com or similar site and booked whatever's cheapest. If we need 4 wheel drive, tons of cargo space or extra seat belts for whatever reason, I'll look for a car that has it.

novella1186

Last time I rented, I knew we'd be driving a lot. We had the option of paying per mile or per day, so we went with per day because it would end up being cheaper. We also made sure the rental place had a free shuttle to get us from the airport to them so we wouldn't also have to pay for a cab (or some places will bring the car to you) 

paperpusher

flutteringinfl said:

I've only rented through your standard companies like Enterprise, Budget, etc. My favorite has been Budget. I've had good luck with them with prices and customer service.

Are you thinking of flying in and renting a car when you get there, or trying to decide between flying or driving to your destination? If you're flying in definitely look for a place connected to the airport, where they have the cars there. It's easiest. If you have your heart set on a specific car I'd call ahead to ask about it.

We were thinking of flying into Palm Beach International. They have a lot of car rental company options posted on their website, but none offer jeep rentals for that location. SoBe Jeeps offers to drop off and pick up the vehicle at the airport of you're renting for 3 or more days free of charge.

Maggie0829

H and I rented a car for our HM.  We flew into Miami and then drove to Key West.  Since it was going to be awesome weather and once we got closer to the keys the view would be pretty we rented a convertible.  On the way back we just got a basic car (read: cheap).

We just rented from one of the typical rental agencies (Budget, Enterprise, etc) that was connected to the airport.  And since we really didn't need the car while were down in Key West we just dropped it off at the airport and took a 5 minute cab ride to the hotel.  No sense paying for a car that would just sit for 5-6 days.

paperpusher

Maggie0829 said:

No sense paying for a car that would just sit for 5-6 days.

See that's what I keep thinking. Google says it's an approximate 30 minute drive with no traffic from the airport to the resort. So we would use the vehicle for the drive there and drive back. Maybe to go out to get groceries because our room has a full kitchen. But other than those 3 things would we really use it?

julieanne912

paperpusher said:

Maggie0829 said:

No sense paying for a car that would just sit for 5-6 days.

See that's what I keep thinking. Google says it's an approximate 30 minute drive with no traffic from the airport to the resort. So we would use the vehicle for the drive there and drive back. Maybe to go out to get groceries because our room has a full kitchen. But other than those 3 things would we really use it?

Exactly this... plus, a vehicle like a Jeep will likely have a pretty high per day rental cost.  Generally they charge way more for "fun" vehicles like convertibles, anything with 4 wheel drive, trucks, etc.  

Right now I have a rental as my car is being repaired for hail damage.  The first rental they gave me was an SUV, because I have a long commute and our roads aren't always plowed.  It was crappy and $41/day.  I turned it in after the weather lightened up and got a sedan, it's $31/day.  $10/day adds up really quickly.  

paperpusher

julieanne912 said:

paperpusher said:

Maggie0829 said:

No sense paying for a car that would just sit for 5-6 days.

See that's what I keep thinking. Google says it's an approximate 30 minute drive with no traffic from the airport to the resort. So we would use the vehicle for the drive there and drive back. Maybe to go out to get groceries because our room has a full kitchen. But other than those 3 things would we really use it?

The first rental they gave me was an SUV, because I have a long commute and our roads aren't always plowed.  It was crappy and $41/day.  I turned it in after the weather lightened up and got a sedan, it's $31/day.  $10/day adds up really quickly.  

Are those prices the norm for renting vehicles regularly? Or is that the price they are charging due to insurance coverage?

I requested a quote from SoBe for the time frame we will be there and the price they gave was $159/day. I can't remember what prices were being quoted on the other sites like Avis and Hertz, but they seemed to be in that same range even for their "cheap" economy cars.

flyingfoxes

I know lots of people don't get the insurance, but I usually do.  Probably because I drive unfamiliar cars like a maniac.  We rented a Fusion in Florida for my girls' weekend back in October, which is what FI drives, but sure as shit I drove that sucker up over a curb and probably scraped the shit out of the underside.  Their insurance means I gave the keys back to them and happily made my way back home, no questions asked. 

I'm not sure I'd be down for paying $159/day for a rental car, unless it came with a driver to take me around, lol. 

lyndausvi

We rent cars all the time.    As someone said $7-$10 a day adds up.  Especially when that rate does not include tax.  Oh and you both want to drive?  That can be another $11 PER DAY.  Not using a cc that provides insurance?  Looking at additional $5+ a day    Dropping off at another location?  Yeah, that can add up too.     Really read the fine print.   Do you have to pay for parking?  That is another cost added.

Renting cars to us is getting the best rate overall.  That is not always the best daily rate.  It's the one that cost us the least with all the extras included.    We also take into consideration how much driving we are doing.   No need for a gas guzzler when it's just the 2 of you and a suitcase or 2.   

Cookie Pusher

mobride2015 said:

I know lots of people don't get the insurance, but I usually do.  Probably because I drive unfamiliar cars like a maniac.  We rented a Fusion in Florida for my girls' weekend back in October, which is what FI drives, but sure as shit I drove that sucker up over a curb and probably scraped the shit out of the underside.  Their insurance means I gave the keys back to them and happily made my way back home, no questions asked. 

I'm not sure I'd be down for paying $159/day for a rental car, unless it came with a driver to take me around, lol. 

A lot of credit cards cover you for rental car insurance, as do many personal car insurance policies. I've rented a car almost every time I've gone on a trip, but never paid the inflated insurance prices because between my Amex, Citibank card, and car insurance, I was getting way more coverage than the rental place could offer me anyway.

climbingsingle

I know lots of people don't get the insurance, but I usually do.  Probably because I drive unfamiliar cars like a maniac.  We rented a Fusion in Florida for my girls' weekend back in October, which is what FI drives, but sure as shit I drove that sucker up over a curb and probably scraped the shit out of the underside.  Their insurance means I gave the keys back to them and happily made my way back home, no questions asked. 

I'm not sure I'd be down for paying $159/day for a rental car, unless it came with a driver to take me around, lol. 

A lot of credit cards cover you for rental car insurance, as do many personal car insurance policies. I've rented a car almost every time I've gone on a trip, but never paid the inflated insurance prices because between my Amex, Citibank card, and car insurance, I was getting way more coverage than the rental place could offer me anyway.

BOX

Ditto this. Check with your car insurance provider. State Farm covered me for rental cars. 

julieanne912

The rates for rental cars will vary depending on location.   This was from a neighborhood Enterprise location.  In tourist hot spot areas, they're way higher.  I think I've paid $100/day before for an Audi convertible in So Cal.  I don't get the insurance as my insurance covers rental cars.  

The point about gas is a good one too.  One time I flew in to Denver airport (before I lived here), and my flight got in really late at night.  The rental place was out of the car type I reserved, so they offered me either a Cadillac Escalade or a Cadillac CTS, for the previously agreed upon quoted price.  While the idea of driving a big obnoxious vehicle like an Escalade sounded kind of fun, I knew I'd be doing a lot of driving so I picked the CTS to save on gas costs.  

I'm liking my current Ford Fusion rental... it gets way better gas mileage than my Edge SUV, so when the repair shop told me some parts were backordered and it was going to take longer, I was pretty much like, take your time!  

julieanne912

Oh and one last thing to note, if you plan on taking any toll roads, read the rental company's policies on that.  Some will charge you up to $20/day each day you use a toll road.  

flyingfoxes

Cookie Pusher said:

mobride2015 said:

I know lots of people don't get the insurance, but I usually do.  Probably because I drive unfamiliar cars like a maniac.  We rented a Fusion in Florida for my girls' weekend back in October, which is what FI drives, but sure as shit I drove that sucker up over a curb and probably scraped the shit out of the underside.  Their insurance means I gave the keys back to them and happily made my way back home, no questions asked. 

I'm not sure I'd be down for paying $159/day for a rental car, unless it came with a driver to take me around, lol. 

A lot of credit cards cover you for rental car insurance, as do many personal car insurance policies. I've rented a car almost every time I've gone on a trip, but never paid the inflated insurance prices because between my Amex, Citibank card, and car insurance, I was getting way more coverage than the rental place could offer me anyway.

I was hesitant to go with my car insurance - my credit card offered secondary coverage with my car insurance being primary, but I had already filed a homeowner's claim AND an auto claim that year so I didn't want to risk getting dropped if something happened on the trip. 

teddygirl9

I've never heard of the jeep company you're renting through, but if you sign up for the loyalty programs at the major companies, they often offer discounts/coupons.

 

But for your situation, I probably wouldn't bother with a car. Does your resort offer an airport shuttle? I'd probably take a cab from the airport to the grocery store, then to your resort, and rely on the airport shuttle to get you back. Or shuttle to the resort, settle in and then cab to get groceries. It sounds like you are planning to stay around the resort and not explore much, so your car isnt going to be getting much use.

flutteringinfl

$159 a day just to drive it to the hotel and back and then park it at your hotel the rest of the time? Nah, girl.

paperpusher

teddygirl9 said:

I've never heard of the jeep company you're renting through, but if you sign up for the loyalty programs at the major companies, they often offer discounts/coupons.

 

But for your situation, I probably wouldn't bother with a car. Does your resort offer an airport shuttle? I'd probably take a cab from the airport to the grocery store, then to your resort, and rely on the airport shuttle to get you back. Or shuttle to the resort, settle in and then cab to get groceries. It sounds like you are planning to stay around the resort and not explore much, so your car isnt going to be getting much use.

I'm sure there is a bus that would go from the airport to the resort, but I doubt H will take one and will insist on getting a rental even if the shuttle and cab make more sense.

The resort has at least 2 restaurants on site and just a couple minutes walking distance are a few more. Whatever we rent will probably just sit in the parking lot for a good portion of the time. Thankfully it's free for guests (ie rolled into your Time Share dues). Only time we pay for parking is if we did valet.

I've checked with my insurance company and I'm fully covered for rentals and I think my credit card has coverage as well, but I'd need to double check.

Thank you all for your feedback. This has been helpful.

southernbelle0915

paperpusher said:

I've never heard of the jeep company you're renting through, but if you sign up for the loyalty programs at the major companies, they often offer discounts/coupons.

 

But for your situation, I probably wouldn't bother with a car. Does your resort offer an airport shuttle? I'd probably take a cab from the airport to the grocery store, then to your resort, and rely on the airport shuttle to get you back. Or shuttle to the resort, settle in and then cab to get groceries. It sounds like you are planning to stay around the resort and not explore much, so your car isnt going to be getting much use.

I'm sure there is a bus that would go from the airport to the resort, but I doubt H will take one and will insist on getting a rental even if the shuttle and cab make more sense.

The resort has at least 2 restaurants on site and just a couple minutes walking distance are a few more. Whatever we rent will probably just sit in the parking lot for a good portion of the time. Thankfully it's free for guests (ie rolled into your Time Share dues). Only time we pay for parking is if we did valet.

I've checked with my insurance company and I'm fully covered for rentals and I think my credit card has coverage as well, but I'd need to double check.

Thank you all for your feedback. This has been helpful.

****etf boxes****

To the bolded - I'm just curious, but why?

lyndausvi

southernbelle0915 said:

paperpusher said:

I've never heard of the jeep company you're renting through, but if you sign up for the loyalty programs at the major companies, they often offer discounts/coupons.

 

But for your situation, I probably wouldn't bother with a car. Does your resort offer an airport shuttle? I'd probably take a cab from the airport to the grocery store, then to your resort, and rely on the airport shuttle to get you back. Or shuttle to the resort, settle in and then cab to get groceries. It sounds like you are planning to stay around the resort and not explore much, so your car isnt going to be getting much use.

I'm sure there is a bus that would go from the airport to the resort, but I doubt H will take one and will insist on getting a rental even if the shuttle and cab make more sense.

The resort has at least 2 restaurants on site and just a couple minutes walking distance are a few more. Whatever we rent will probably just sit in the parking lot for a good portion of the time. Thankfully it's free for guests (ie rolled into your Time Share dues). Only time we pay for parking is if we did valet.

I've checked with my insurance company and I'm fully covered for rentals and I think my credit card has coverage as well, but I'd need to double check.

Thank you all for your feedback. This has been helpful.

****etf boxes****

To the bolded - I'm just curious, but why?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My DH and I took a bus from South Beach to some mall up 1A.  Worst experience ever.  Took so god damn long.  

I also would never take a bus from the airport to a hotel 30 minutes away.   The schedules are not great, you might have to change busses and it takes so much longer.  My vacation time is worth more than the cheapness of taking a bus.

For the record we ride the bus here in CO all the time.  We rid the subways and/or trains in NY when we are there.  So taking public transportation in general is not a problem.  

For us at riding a bus is all about location, location, location.   On vacation, in South Florida, coming from the airport is one of the those locations I say hell no.

teddygirl9

fwiw - I wouldnt recommend a city bus either lol. Some resorts have a dedicated vehicle/mini bus to pick up guests. Sometimes free, sometimes a nominal fee. Since it's just the resort there are no other stops at other hotels, very quick.

500days

I think it would probably be cheaper if you hired a driver (in a limo/luxury car) for the ride from airport to resort and then resort back to airport. You should see if FI would like something like this. 

paperpusher

southernbelle0915 said:

paperpusher said:

I've never heard of the jeep company you're renting through, but if you sign up for the loyalty programs at the major companies, they often offer discounts/coupons.

 

But for your situation, I probably wouldn't bother with a car. Does your resort offer an airport shuttle? I'd probably take a cab from the airport to the grocery store, then to your resort, and rely on the airport shuttle to get you back. Or shuttle to the resort, settle in and then cab to get groceries. It sounds like you are planning to stay around the resort and not explore much, so your car isnt going to be getting much use.

I'm sure there is a bus that would go from the airport to the resort, but I doubt H will take one and will insist on getting a rental even if the shuttle and cab make more sense.

The resort has at least 2 restaurants on site and just a couple minutes walking distance are a few more. Whatever we rent will probably just sit in the parking lot for a good portion of the time. Thankfully it's free for guests (ie rolled into your Time Share dues). Only time we pay for parking is if we did valet.

I've checked with my insurance company and I'm fully covered for rentals and I think my credit card has coverage as well, but I'd need to double check.

Thank you all for your feedback. This has been helpful.

****etf boxes****

To the bolded - I'm just curious, but why?

It's one of those things that I don't have an answer I can put into words.  I'm fine with buses, but I just have this know that H will not ride a bus.  I've tried to get him to ride a bus before, but he wouldn't have it, but never gave me a reason why.

I've started a spreadsheet with the different renting companies, rates, perks, etc and I will check into seeing if the resort has a dedicated transport to and from the airport and will add it in with our options.

huskypuppy14

paperpusher said:

paperpusher said:

Maggie0829 said:

No sense paying for a car that would just sit for 5-6 days.

See that's what I keep thinking. Google says it's an approximate 30 minute drive with no traffic from the airport to the resort. So we would use the vehicle for the drive there and drive back. Maybe to go out to get groceries because our room has a full kitchen. But other than those 3 things would we really use it?

The first rental they gave me was an SUV, because I have a long commute and our roads aren't always plowed.  It was crappy and $41/day.  I turned it in after the weather lightened up and got a sedan, it's $31/day.  $10/day adds up really quickly.  

Are those prices the norm for renting vehicles regularly? Or is that the price they are charging due to insurance coverage?

I requested a quote from SoBe for the time frame we will be there and the price they gave was $159/day. I can't remember what prices were being quoted on the other sites like Avis and Hertz, but they seemed to be in that same range even for their "cheap" economy cars.

Are you under 25? That seems like such an outrageous price. Like someone said above, get a town car to drive you to the airport and back. 

paperpusher

huskypuppy14 said:

Are you under 25? That seems like such an outrageous price. Like someone said above, get a town car to drive you to the airport and back. 

@huskypuppy14, DH and I are both over 25.

[Deleted User]

I wanted to comment yesterday, but TK has blocked me from my original account and I had to wait 2 days to start commenting again!

Anyway, look into hotwire.com, they have had the best rates on car rentals that I've seen.  You do have to pre-pay and they won't tell you the car rental company until after you pay.  You purchase by the class of car.  We were only burned once when doing this, we were given Thrifty car rental in Orlando and they charged extra for a spouse (typically a spouse as an extra driver is free).  So we cancelled the extra spouse driver and I did all the driving that week.  Not the end of the world to us, but typically H & I trade off driving.

I think $159 per day is pretty crazy.  I booked a Jeep for a week in Kauai in January and it was about $550 for the whole week.  For 7 days you will spend over $1k, just for a car!  You could get a cheaper rental and have a few very nice dinners out with the difference.  Maybe that will help sway your FI to booking a cheaper car. 

Cookie Pusher

Also check rentalcarmomma.com for discount codes. I saved a ton when we rented a car when I went out to Chicago.

paperpusher

You all are so great. Thanks for the tips. I'll check out all the websites when I can get to a real computer.

lyndausvi

[Deleted User] said:

I wanted to comment yesterday, but TK has blocked me from my original account and I had to wait 2 days to start commenting again!

Anyway, look into hotwire.com, they have had the best rates on car rentals that I've seen.  You do have to pre-pay and they won't tell you the car rental company until after you pay.  You purchase by the class of car.  We were only burned once when doing this, we were given Thrifty car rental in Orlando and they charged extra for a spouse (typically a spouse as an extra driver is free).  So we cancelled the extra spouse driver and I did all the driving that week.  Not the end of the world to us, but typically H & I trade off driving.

I think $159 per day is pretty crazy.  I booked a Jeep for a week in Kauai in January and it was about $550 for the whole week.  For 7 days you will spend over $1k, just for a car!  You could get a cheaper rental and have a few very nice dinners out with the difference.  Maybe that will help sway your FI to booking a cheaper car. 

I only found that to be true for a few rental places (I think Avis is one.  Enterprise another).   All of those typically have much higher daily rates and drop off fees. (we often pick up at one location and drop off in another state or city). 

That is why looking at ALL the fees is important.   We are going away in a few weeks.  Picking up in Philly, dropping off in NY.  It would cost $500 more if we rented with a company that allowed spouses for free then paying the additional driver fee at another place. 

 It's not always that way though.  That is why research is important.  Every location and even time of year can have a different result.