best place to rent a car?

[DeathRazR]

hi, was wondering wheres the best place to rent a car preferably a van for 5 days. this would be my first time renting a car. is there anything i should look out for or be worried about when renting a car? Thanks

[iamaaronlol]

You might get better replies in the Travel forum.

[Bomberman07]

Everytime I rent a car (twice or three times a year) I come to this forum and search for "enterprise rent-a-car" and I find a post with some coupon codes. It always give me a great deal. Be sure to have car rental insurance on your credit card as the renter will charge you like $20 a day.

[DavidY]

1. Reserve as soon as possible....the sooner, the cheaper. You can upsize in person. Use coupon/discount codes when possible. Since you need a vehicle for 5 days, your best bet is to rent by the week....it should be cheaper. Depending on how much you are planning to drive, some companies charge unlimited mileage. This is different from several years ago when it was often by the km. Also, return it to the same spot where you pick the vehicle...drop off charges at other locations tend to be costly.
2. If you have Roadstar or Roadstar Plus in BC, you don't need any car rental insurance...saves you ~$20/day. Same if you have a premium credit card....especially those that you pay an annual fee....check your credit card coverage on rental cars.
3. Check over the car closely for any damages....declare these damages to the attendant. He/she will mark up an inspection sheet accordingly. Check the inspection sheet matches the damages on the car. If you don't, you are responsible for the damages.
4. If you have your own GPS, bring it along. Rental companies charge extra for GPS.
5. Make sure that you fill up the fuel tank right before you return the rental. If you don't, they will charge you a big fee/penalty. Check over the car for any personal items.

In May 2012, I rented a compact car for 2 days from Avis. I didn't reserve early since I am picky on what cars I drive. Cost after a number of fees and taxes (unlimited mileage) was almost $180....that's without the car rental insurance.

You will need a credit card to book your rental.

Dave

[Bomberman07]

1. Reserve as soon as possible....the sooner, the cheaper. You can upsize in person. Use coupon/discount codes when possible. Since you need a vehicle for 5 days, your best bet is to rent by the week....it should be cheaper. Depending on how much you are planning to drive, some companies charge unlimited mileage. This is different from several years ago when it was often by the km. Also, return it to the same spot where you pick the vehicle...drop off charges at other locations tend to be costly.
2. If you have Roadstar or Roadstar Plus in BC, you don't need any car rental insurance...saves you ~$20/day. Same if you have a premium credit card....especially those that you pay an annual fee....check your credit card coverage on rental cars.
3. Check over the car closely for any damages....declare these damages to the attendant. He/she will mark up an inspection sheet accordingly. Check the inspection sheet matches the damages on the car. If you don't, you are responsible for the damages.
4. If you have your own GPS, bring it along. Rental companies charge extra for GPS.
5. Make sure that you fill up the fuel tank right before you return the rental. If you don't, they will charge you a big fee/penalty. Check over the car for any personal items.

In May 2012, I rented a compact car for 2 days from Avis. I didn't reserve early since I am picky on what cars I drive. Cost after a number of fees and taxes (unlimited mileage) was almost $180....that's without the car rental insurance.

You will need a credit card to book your rental.

Dave

MBNA Smart Cash is a very good card here, 0% annual fees, good cash back and free car rental insurance.

here's the link; https://mbna.ca/RWDapp/benefits?mc=SMCACN&locale=en_CA

[Poulet]

There is a big thread about car rentals. Check it out

[Pete_Coach]

I have begun to use hotwire regularly. I rent cars for business and for myself. Business rentals are covered so I don't care about the price but, when i rent for myself, Hotwire has become my go to website. I rented a mid size car at Vancouver airport fro 17 something a day, unlimited mileage. Great deal.
As for insurances, well, my experience with credit card insurances is that it still costs you money up front if something happens. Eventually they give it back but, it may takes some time and i the meantime, your credit card is maxed out and you cannot use it.

[ichpen]

Rented from everyone all around the world. Still go back to avis. With a good AWS code it still comes cheaper or similar to most truly budget rental places, cars are generally not entirely horrible and has airport locations in most major cities. Plus you get some small perks.

My typical avis rate from TO (not airport) on a premium car (btw they have very nice fully loaded 300Cs now as premiums) is about $45-50 per day (on 5 days or more) inc. taxes/fees which I think is not bad. On an economy car I'm down to under $30 with taxes. This is my guesstimate so don't pin me too much on it.