Another question about car rental discount codes...

[mtwingcpa]

Since reading many discussions here, I've started looking at car rental discount codes. But here is what I've found so far:

It looks like the codes will save you money IF you are looking for a larger car and/or an upgrade. But, if you are willing to take the smallest, cheapest car available (and that's generally my case), the codes appear to do little if any good.

Have I got this right? Or should I look more carefully? :-)

[Timeshare Von]

The Entertainment Book does have a number of coupons for $$'s off the overall rental including 2, 3, 4 days, plus full weeks.

[Jimster]

If you are an aarp member, go to their website and order through them. You can also use the Entertainment book codes in addition to the automatic discount given through the aarp site. This usually means a savings of 30-50%.

[BMWguynw]

Originally Posted by mtwingcpa

Have I got this right? Or should I look more carefully? :-)

You're seeing it correctly.

It stands to reason the discounts will apply to those cars that aren't rented as often. Larger, luxury, or specialty-style cars are more expensive, so won't be rented as often as some low-budget econo-box car. The idea is to get a "better" car for similar money as the lesser rental will bring you. So if you aren't seeing those coupons being available, it's likely because they aren't having much trouble renting those smaller cars. But if you rent for a week or more, you can often get a discount on the rental term, instead of the discount on the specific vehicle. The payback to you is for renting for more days, than the actual price you're paying for that specific car.

Dave

[JLB]

I played the discount code game a year ago for our Florida vacation this year. I found that different codes do different things. Some make larger vehicles less expensive, some make smaller vehicles less expensive and some make all of them less expensive.

We are a National Emerald Club member and the codes beat those rates.

Last year for a holiday season rental the codes combined with online coupons got a $1200 Emerald Club rate to below $600. When we arrived at the airport I was the first to the rental car counter. They had one SUV and I upgraded to it for ten bucks a day. We were glad we did.

I just did next year's this week. A midsize was something like $350 and I opted for a Cadillas DTS for $338 total, with all fees added. That was over $500 through Emerald Club. The code I used didn't do anything for the less expensive cars but cut the luxury rates about in half, so you never know.

Last year I googled the topic and wound up with the Flyertalk National Car Rental discount code thread. I plugged in 50 or so before I figured what was best. This year I couldn't find that forum, so googled up another list. The new code I found beat the code I used last year. All of the coupons and most of the contract IDs and promos expired before we need them.

Like we have always said, the hunt is as much fun as the vacation.

[mtwingcpa]

Jeep and JLB, thanks for confirming my preliminary "findings." I have no particular brand loyalty in the car rental market and I tend to do much comparative shopping. As noted, I just don't see these codes doing much ADDITIONAL good IF you want the smallest, cheapest car to begin with. But, I'll keep an eye out for discounted weekly rates when applicable.

I, too, love to spend much time PLANNING a trip. But this is an area where the additional effort seems to have rapidly diminishing returns. :-)

[rickandcindy23]

Planning way ahead, you aren't going to see the biggest discounts.

I just booked a mid-sized SUV out of Tampa for $178.25 for TWO weeks total, including taxes. I used Costco code, plus the $25 off Costco coupon code. This is for 9/15-9/29. Alamo is our favored rental company for the best prices in Florida.

I also booked a mid-sized car for the same dates for $160.90. I haven't decided which car we will pick up yet.

One month to six weeks out are the best car rental deals. Don't just stop looking after you think you have found the best deal because you never know what you can find, if you keep watching.

Last year in September, Rick and I rented a car from Orlando with Alamo for about the same price, $160 for the two weeks for a compact, then when we got there, parked in the compact row was a convertible VW bug, light blue with a black convertible top. We were able to drive it away for that low price. We had a wonderful time in the evenings, putting the top down and catching the breeze.

[BM243923]

A friend I work with told me about a discount car rental place for many U.S.
cities.

Try "carrentals.com" it finds the best rate and they deduct 10%. I just booked a PT Cruiser or similar car for $215.10 final price with taxes for end of Feb/2008 in Fort Lauderdale. It was the best price I could find trying other car rental companies on their own.

[shadroch]

Nice site. I just saved $37 on a four day Vegas rental.Thanks.