Car rental costs continue to rise
If you haven't rented a car recently, you'll be amazed at how much rates have increased – despite the fact that airlines, hotels, and cruise lines have been cutting their prices all over the place.
The car-rental business is struggling big time. In fact, agencies are squeezed so tightly they can no longer maintain enough supply to meet demand, according to the Globe and Mail.
Companies are selling their fleets of vehicles and not buying enough replacements. The result: Rising rates and unhappy customers. Business travellers, the industry’s lifeblood, regularly report showing up at major airports only to find no cars, or only older ones, on the lot.
Cheapest, that is, until they check out the additional fees.
Most drivers expect to face insurance, mileage and refueling charges when renting cars, but what about unexpected costs like early return fees, environmental charges, or even extra fees for using your own frequent flyer miles.When asked about the long term prospects for the rental-car industry, industry pundit Bill MacNeice feels these changes are permanent, and there's only one way to make sure you get the car you need: “Book early and pay more.”
Very reassuring.
Tell us: Have you found one rental company that offers consistently decent pricing for your travel?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Britishmini | Oct 23, 2021 12:55:37 PM
You should do exactly the opposite to what the self proclaimed, industry pundit suggests. If you don't need a specific vehicle and don't mind who you book with, for the best price you should book at the last minute 7-14 days before rental and make a lowball offer on a discount website like priceline.
Posted by: Britt | Oct 23, 2021 2:32:58 PM
The car rental business stinks and Budget at Vancover Airport is a classic example.
Posted by: Dwight Topolinsky | Oct 23, 2021 3:39:06 PM
I don't use rental vehicles very much, but recently visited Canada's east coast in September and used Discount Car Rental. The car was a 2009 model and cost me just a bit over $200/week. I thought that was great. Fast, friendly service just added to my pleasure. I booked 4 weeks in advance on-line, had them deliver the car to me at my destination and all went as planned without a hitch!
Posted by: Skipper | Oct 23, 2021 3:41:41 PM
Maybe it's time for Rent-A-Wreck to rise from the ashes again. Hmmmm
Posted by: MW Schultz | Oct 27, 2021 1:41:42 PM
Despite the fact that the big boys have the Airport and Hotel locations sewn up, some enterprising person is going eat their lunch. Why? Because even corporate accounts can no longer afford to turn a blind eye toward this price and service gouging - poor service is the beginning of the end - high prices and substandard service is guarantee.
This new competitor is going to go with a fleet of Hybrids (not from a brand that also owns a car rental company) since they will be valuable as used cars, after the rental mileage is put on them.
Customers will support this type of business even if they have to book the vehicles on they iPhones or Blackberries.
Oh, one more thing: The prices will be the same no matter who you are and when you book your vehicle (availability notwithstanding).
Posted by: RealityCheck | Oct 27, 2021 1:57:46 PM
Don't even get me started...Had such poor service from Avis in Arizona from charging my VISA for doing the currency exchange (why?) to fees they don't even bother explaining that my bill was more then double the quote I was originally given. I cut up my Avis client card and now shop around a day or two before I need a car.
Posted by: Shirlgirl | Oct 28, 2021 1:12:57 AM
I have found that Priceline works very well, if you know how to work the system. My husband and I went to Florida (Ft. Lauderdale) for three weeks through high season, Xmas and New Years. One would expect to pay top rates for this time of the year. I decided that I did not want to pay a dollar more than $9.99 per day. I placed my offer of $9.99 per day and it was denied. I continued to make that same offer everyday for approximately a week and a half, and guess what, Alamo Car Rental jumped on it... For a three week vacation, we got a full sized luxury car for a bargain price!!
Posted by: Nick Stamatoff | Dec 15, 2021 8:12:43 AM
Need to hire a car in Bulgaria, then welcome to our service with new cars.
Nick
Posted by: Corporate car service Boston | Jan 11, 2022 1:26:24 AM
Nick please can you say what models of car du you have in your service?