Avis Pricing

[docjames]

Looking for a hire ex-CNS in october.

Logged in using my wizard.
Small SUV (X-trial) n/a
Commodore Wagon $677

Remove wizard
SUV $540
Wagon $625.



Not happy.

 

[opusman]

Yeah I've noticed I often get quoted more if I put my Wizard number in.

 

[breakNegg]

You would hink they know that we look at all the angles for best results when booking.

I find Budget better to deal with.

 

[VPS]

I've had some good prices with Thrifty through RAA (in SA) - maybe check RACV

 

[JohnK]

I haven't used the Avis Wizard number in a long time.

Hertz #1 Gold is also more expensive.

 

[Quickstatus]

I've stopped using hertz in AUS and USA. Avis now with or without Wizard as its a lot cheaper than hertz

 

[AdMEL]

Looking for a hire ex-CNS in october.

Logged in using my wizard.
Small SUV (X-trial) n/a
Commodore Wagon $677

Remove wizard
SUV $540
Wagon $625.



Not happy.

This is unlikely to be caused by anything sinister! Despite many complaining about higher prices when logged in, IME it is almost always due to settings in your profile - either accepting insurances (Excess Reduction, Personal Accident Insurance), or an Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number that has a higher rate than sometimes low public rates (but usually lower excess). It sounds like you might have an AWD loaded, but suggest you check insurance as well (might be PAI).

 

[JohnK]

I've stopped using hertz in AUS and USA. Avis now with or without Wizard as its a lot cheaper than hertz

Out of principle? The 2,000 MileagePlus miles for each 1 day rental is too difficult to forego.

 

[Quickstatus]

Out of principle? The 2,000 MileagePlus miles for each 1 day rental is too difficult to forego.

No I still compare prices. But in the last 10 car rentals all have been Avis because price was a lot cheaper.
Recently car rental in DEN. Hertz wanted circa $8000 and Avis came in at $3200. No amount of points will compo for that. Same vehicle same insurance. Same unlimited miles. Avis car had 300miles on the clock when I picked it up. So newer than a demo. Used wizard

But happy to use Hertz - if they are cheaper.

I don't have mileage plus or *A loyalty points. At the moment, though have been examining KrisF as an option

 

[JohnK]

But happy to use Hertz - if they are cheaper.

I don't have mileage plus or *A loyalty points. At the moment, though have been examining KrisF as an option

Totally understand if savings are in the thousands.

1 day rental in BNE Avis is ~$50 and Hertz is sometimes $70. 15 x 1 day rentals = 30,000 MileagePlus miles which is a one way redemption to Asia. Everyone values the miles differently but the 2,000 MileagePlus miles are worth at least $30-$40 to me. Others would value them more. There are times when Hertz has paid me to hire a car.

To each their own.

 

[docjames]

This is unlikely to be caused by anything sinister! Despite many complaining about higher prices when logged in, IME it is almost always due to settings in your profile - either accepting insurances (Excess Reduction, Personal Accident Insurance), or an Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number that has a higher rate than sometimes low public rates (but usually lower excess). It sounds like you might have an AWD loaded, but suggest you check insurance as well (might be PAI).

Good point, yes my AWD is in there, however my AWD offers no excess reduction and default is no ticks. So like for like on that account.

I was bemsed as the times in the past i've checked this, the rates and availability has typically been better (not worse)!

I can understand pricing (although I'm not happy about it), but the class unavailability is interesting.

 

[docjames]

And have just gone back in with a different AWD (first one was University, second one a professional body...).

SUV now available (at the public price).

Wagon now $621.

It's all fun!

 

[RAM]

Have been a regular car hirer for periods of up to 5 weeks at the same time of year for around 13 years now.

Only once has the rate offered by one of the majors' web site been the best, and that was by around AUD 40 for a 3 week hire.

Using various online hire car comparison sites has provided significantly better results for all years but that one. Throwing in half a dozen 4 day hires within Australia - not one was cheaper directly.

What I have noticed, and then tested to ensure I wasn't going crazy, is that Google is providing false search results for hire car locations. Most recently, I found that one chain (Enterprise) had its locations at airports disappear from Google yet a quick satellite or street view check showed the outlet still there. Coincidentally, Enterprise offered the best rates for hiring intermediate or full size vehicles for all 3 of my hires in 2016.

These hires were in the US, UK and Europe. The 'error' in the location of the nearest outlet was as much as 15 miles. Turned out there were 3 locations, including one in the airport car park (120 metres away from terminal) in the 15 mile case.

A 2017 booking just done was close to half the price offered by any of the majors operating in Germany despite the deal being with one of them. Seems like the majority of car hirers must think the car hire companies are at the opposite end of the spectrum to car salesmen.

BTW - the saving on the German hire was over AUD 700 and we still get Amex points, hire company points and card travel insurance fully covers us.

 

[AdMEL]

Good point, yes my AWD is in there, however my AWD offers no excess reduction and default is no ticks. So like for like on that account.

I was bemsed as the times in the past i've checked this, the rates and availability has typically been better (not worse)!

I can understand pricing (although I'm not happy about it), but the class unavailability is interesting.

There are two main types of AWD: one that offers % discount off the public rates and one that offers a fixed rate over the contract period (usually a year). Both may or may not reduce the excess. The benefit of the fixed rate is when public rates are high. It sounds like your first one is a fixed rate. It's not uncommon for AWD's with fixed rates to exclude certain vehicle types, because they aren't part of the negotiated rates, either because they are new, or because the AWD holder doesn't want people driving that car. In this case, that class often appears unavailable.

 

[Deleted member]

Mrs GPH has booked a (compact) car (Avis) using my Wizard number for our trip in April this year.
Generally speaking we receive an upgrade , (to a larger) vehicle, when ever we book.
However in this instance, we are collecting (and returning) the car from CDG. having not experienced the European way of doing things, can I reasonably expect a similar type of upgrade?
the compact may not in fact be sufficient in size for the 15 days hire as we will have a friend (and his luggage) for 5 of those days.

 

[Quickstatus]

Mrs GPH has booked a (compact) car (Avis) using my Wizard number for our trip in April this year.
Generally speaking we receive an upgrade , (to a larger) vehicle, when ever we book.
However in this instance, we are collecting (and returning) the car from CDG. having not experienced the European way of doing things, can I reasonably expect a similar type of upgrade?
the compact may not in fact be sufficient in size for the 15 days hire as we will have a friend (and his luggage) for 5 of those days.

Thats the thing with upgrades. They are never guaranteed.

 

[Deleted member]

My thoughts exactly.
mind you, i suppose I can always try and upgrade myself on the day ?

Thats the thing with upgrades. They are never guaranteed.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Thats the thing with upgrades. They are never guaranteed.

My experience is that it occurs 90% of the time.

 

[Simo]

Rental car rates do my head in... One web site will be cheaper sometime adding a promo code will be cheaper other times more expensive

 

[Quickstatus]

My experience is that it occurs 90% of the time.

Its the other 10% that always seem to occur when you really need that upgrade