How to Rent a Small Car on a Trip
Ways to Avoid Getting a Gas Guzzler on Your Next Vacation
Jun 18, 2008
If you drive a small, fuel efficient car at home, you sure don't want a huge SUV to eat away your vacation dollars.
But just because you rent an economy car for your next trip, doesn’t mean you’re going to get one. Not too long ago people were clamoring for an upgrade to a mid-size vehicle. Now that upgrade is something that is likely to send you packing.
How to Rent an Economy Car on Vacation:
- There isn’t a shortage everywhere. If you’re travelling to Orlando during the month of July, you may be in luck. July is a big family travel month and thousands of families are heading to Disney World. Along with a bunch of excited kids, they have a lot of luggage and need a lot of room to lug home all those souvenirs. So minivans are actually more in demand. If you’re heading to central Florida this summer, you might actually have an easier time finding a small car. But anywhere else, the pickings for subcompacts are slim.
- Arrive early. If you get to the car rental site first thing in the morning, you’ll have a better chance of getting a small car. If you requested a compact vehicle, and you arrive and find all that’s left are mid size, complain bitterly. Of course they tell you they can’t guarantee you a certain car, but you should receive some sort of compensation, either a coupon toward another car rental, or a credit towards gas. You’ll have more clout if you are a frequent customer.
- Split a large car with another family. If you simply can’t find a small car no matter how hard you try, go in with another couple on a big car. You might be able to save money on your entire vacation that way, by staying in a two or three bedroom condo instead of a hotel.
Other Ways to Save Money on Car Rentals:
- Try to rent a car somewhere other than the airport, as long as you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get there. Comparison shop on the phone before you arrive at your destination. Because usually airport car rental locations charge higher taxes.
- Check the Internet. Many car rental agencies will tell you, you can get a better deal online. Rather speak to a live person? Print out the internet price and the person over the phone will usually give you the same deal.
And if you are member of AAA, ask for a discount. Check for coupons online and see if the hotel where you’re staying offers any car rental discounts. Finally, be a pest. Call once a week and make sure the representative knows how badly you want an economy car. Just make sure you badger them nicely.
The copyright of the article How to Rent a Small Car on a Trip in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish How to Rent a Small Car on a Trip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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