Rental in USA for 1-2 weeks.

[scheps]

Hi guys,

Just wondering, is netflights the way to go still? I did a dummy run and it doesnt actually have the platinum package or whatever it used to be called anymore and i keep hitting Nationals ..... which IIRC.... do not have cars in their best shape. Having said that, i haven't rented in the states for a good 9 months now.

Going to hit the usual hertz, europcar etc but hoping if anyone can suggest what they think is the best current rental for a time period like that.

Will be aiming for a SUV as well coz I always feel like i am going to get run over (literally) in a sedan in the states.

scheps

 

[cove]

We hired thru Argus and the Mitsubishi ran ok up the freeways at 75 to 80 which was the speed the cars we were following were going. We bought a GPS in California and that works fine. It came from Frys or Best Buy and one two week hire more than pays for you to buy one.
Hire cars don't really get serviced too well so don't be afraid to switch cars if the one you get thinks it is a crab. I avoid hiring a Jeep and I prefer a Japanese model but that is just me.
The latest one came from Thrifty thru that Argus trawler site and it included insurance.

 

[drron]

And if you go for the majors check out their UK sites.I use Avis as they have been very good with their preferred service.I like just walking to my rental rather than waste time in a queue.
The Avis UK site is nearly always as cheap as the consolidators and does include insurance.

 

[file51]

I used Netflights for 3 of my bookings last month.

Mostly large SUV's (Tahoe) and through Alamo (previously everything was with Thrifty)

I have found that the Platinum package is only available at select locations, and does not
seem to be available on a lot of one way rentals.

FWIW, of the 6 rentals in the US last month (LAX x 2, CMH, MCO, SEA & LAS) the 3 with Alamo (using Netflights)
were the lowest mileage vehicles I have had in many years (2 x Tahoe's both less than 4,000 miles, and a brand new
Ford Escape which had 60 miles on it).

I am in the process of booking my cars for July and the rates are a little higher than normal, but all
are coming back with the Platinum package which is a life saver when renting tanks like the Tahoe (they
can easily suck up $80-$100 when filling up)

HTH

 

[Deewhy]

Do as drron says and check out the UK sites . Often they are fully inclusive of zero excess for damage.
Where are you heading?

 

[scheps]

That made me recall a nice experience with a C class in the UK. Will definitely look into that as well.

I am just driving around California, so actually nothing interstate.

 

[PLANT]

Last year I used http://www.novacarhire.com/?_$ja=kw:nova+car+rental|cgn:Brand+EX|cgid:4571288355|tsid:44537|cn:Brand+Campaign+(desktops)|cid:95521395|lid:74370140|mt:Exact|nw:search|crid:16217240955&gclid=CK2K4qXOh7YCFQIVpQodukgA4g
for America and they hooked me up with Alamo(check your receipt on pickup because Alamo try to hook you up with paying for tank of fuel and extas you don't ask for)
I asked for a compact and ended up getting a Toyota Corolla which is actually out Toyota Camery with AIRbags/ABS and a bit of room if they hit you. Headlight always on low beam.
Basically Nova is good to compare as includes everything you need and have Irish chicks to chat too 24/7!
In Canada I just went to the National site and clicked extra insurance and got a great deal ie. $300 7 days one way unlimited kms...again clicked compact and got Upgraded to a Brand new 10kms Focus Titanium in Vancouver!
Definately need GPS.. I used Garmin 3790T with ; acquired maps on sd card and Nexus with Sygic maps......also used google maps on phone if need be these days as you can download and store routes!

 

[file51]

Headlight always on low beam.

You will find most new cars in Nth America (Canada, U.S. etc) have DRL's (Daytime Running Lights)

Much like what we are seeing on all the new car's here with there fancy array of LED lights up front

 

[beardoc]

And if you go for the majors check out their UK sites.I use Avis as they have been very good with their preferred service.I like just walking to my rental rather than waste time in a queue.
The Avis UK site is nearly always as cheap as the consolidators and does include insurance.

I wish I had known about this last year - I usually go Hertz but avoided them because the quotes were astronomical. I ended up going with Argus and having to do the lining up thing for most companies (this was painful - up to 45 minutes in some locations).

Just did some dummy bookings changing the location to the UK - about half as much on a rental, and included all the insurances. Thank you for this, drron - this is going to be very useful in future!