Discussion
After some advice from the learned PH community.
Doing a FlyDrive to California this summer, with the intention of hiring a 4x4. Have got prices, with the full insurance package, pre-paying.
Am I better off booking a smaller car and then try for an upgrade when collecting, or isn't it worth the hassle (and I suppose run the risk of them not actually having the vehicle I want)? Best to pre-book or book locally?
Have only tried Alamo and Hertz so far (with Alamo coming out marginally ahead). Are Alamo recommended? Any better car hire companies I should use and ones I should steer clear of?
TIA
Doing a FlyDrive to California this summer, with the intention of hiring a 4x4. Have got prices, with the full insurance package, pre-paying.
Am I better off booking a smaller car and then try for an upgrade when collecting, or isn't it worth the hassle (and I suppose run the risk of them not actually having the vehicle I want)? Best to pre-book or book locally?
Have only tried Alamo and Hertz so far (with Alamo coming out marginally ahead). Are Alamo recommended? Any better car hire companies I should use and ones I should steer clear of?
TIA
Give these people a shout.
http://www.carhireagency.com/
I've used them loads of times and they've always been cheaper than booking direct.
And, personally, no I wouldn't risk trying to get an upgrade especially if you're going at a busy time or have a need for a 4x4.
http://www.carhireagency.com/
I've used them loads of times and they've always been cheaper than booking direct.
And, personally, no I wouldn't risk trying to get an upgrade especially if you're going at a busy time or have a need for a 4x4.
Roo said:
Give these people a shout.
http://www.carhireagency.com/
I've used them loads of times and they've always been cheaper than booking direct.
And, personally, no I wouldn't risk trying to get an upgrade especially if you're going at a busy time or have a need for a 4x4.
Tried that website, even with the discount voucher it came in at £100 more expensive than Alamo(and yes that was like for like), but thanks.http://www.carhireagency.com/
I've used them loads of times and they've always been cheaper than booking direct.
And, personally, no I wouldn't risk trying to get an upgrade especially if you're going at a busy time or have a need for a 4x4.
Try Avis via the BA website, if your flying BA all the better but you don't have to be. I found them the best value last time I was in Florida. Good thing is the price you get quoted is all in, no extras to pay, that's all the insurance accident waiver etc. They also include a second driver FOC.
When I tried direct US sites they appeared cheap, until you add in all the extras.
When I tried direct US sites they appeared cheap, until you add in all the extras.
Edited by cjs on Monday 17th January 17:27
Finally got round to booking my flights 
Coming back to car hire, we plan to spend the last couple of days in San Francisco. The ticket agent suggested we would be better off returning the car as soon as we get to SF as parking it up would be a pain in the harris and using public transport (trams?) is a better way of getting around. Thoughts?
Coming back to car hire, we plan to spend the last couple of days in San Francisco. The ticket agent suggested we would be better off returning the car as soon as we get to SF as parking it up would be a pain in the harris and using public transport (trams?) is a better way of getting around. Thoughts?
FUBAR said:
Finally got round to booking my flights
Coming back to car hire, we plan to spend the last couple of days in San Francisco. The ticket agent suggested we would be better off returning the car as soon as we get to SF as parking it up would be a pain in the harris and using public transport (trams?) is a better way of getting around. Thoughts?
Do you plan on visiting anywhere outisde SF during your days there?Coming back to car hire, we plan to spend the last couple of days in San Francisco. The ticket agent suggested we would be better off returning the car as soon as we get to SF as parking it up would be a pain in the harris and using public transport (trams?) is a better way of getting around. Thoughts?
If not, I'd certainly consider chopping the car in as soon as you get there. SF isn't that big, and can be negotiated pretty easily using the trolleys, buses and cabs.
Whenever I've started a holiday with a few days in SF, I've only ever picked up a car when leaving. The first time I ever went to SF, I drove in from LA, and my car stayed in the hotel car park the whole 5 days. Waste of money!
CVP said:
Also lots of hotels in SF charge for parking so definitely ditch the car ASAP if you do not have free parking
They often charge a *lot* - $45/nt isn't unusual. The only snag I've found is that if you ditch the car at SFO you've got to get a cab or use a shuttle van to get to the hotel and then back to the airport, and that costs quite a bit too. It's fairly handy having the car as you can drive over the GG bridge and up the headland to look back at SF, and go to Sausalito (we always go to Horizons for lunch) etc - although we did that by ferry last trip, and you can bike across too.If SF is your last stop, you could ditch the car in town - there are quite a lot of car hire office dotted around. But watch the opening hours and the hire rate might change if you're not dropping at the airport.
Carhire3000 is a little annoying as 1 minute they have my vehicle of choice listed (Jeep Grand Cherokee) then the next they don't (although they have a Chevy Blazer, which from the looks of it is about the same size?). I've also had confirmation that you don't have to pay for 1 extra driver in California, so the Gold/Premium package isn't , AFAICT, worth it as all I'm getting is a free tank of 'gas'.
Alamo have come out circa £335 and carhire3000 (when it's listed) is coming out about £40 more (or £15 more for the Chevy).
Alamo have come out circa £335 and carhire3000 (when it's listed) is coming out about £40 more (or £15 more for the Chevy).
Jez m said:
Ive used carhire3000 for the last few years and booked 'basic' cars then upgraded at the desk at the airport. Last time got a Mustang convertible for an extra $10 a day.
Trouble is it's totally random. I've had some mega upgrades without asking - got an Escalade off Hertz last trip to Florida, and we'd paid a very low rate due to an Expedia/Hertz pricing error which I kept thinking would be picked up and rejected as it went around the Disney forums and a lot of people took advantage - but other trips they've wanted to charge a lot for upgrades, especially of moving up several levels.I tend to book the size of car I want (usually full size SUV) and then I'm not anxious about it. One thing I do is ask for an "American" car - they use Toyota's a lot for SUVs - and I usually get given a crossover. Had GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave on past trips. If you're not happy with whatever you get then take it back and they'll usually upgrade you for the trouble.
FUBAR said:
Roo said:
If you're going be there for a couple of days a pre-booked audio tour of Alcatraz is a must.
Keen to do that. Be OK (ie not too boring) for a 6yr old and 8yr old?FUBAR said:
Carhire3000 is a little annoying as 1 minute they have my vehicle of choice listed (Jeep Grand Cherokee) then the next they don't (although they have a Chevy Blazer, which from the looks of it is about the same size?). I've also had confirmation that you don't have to pay for 1 extra driver in California, so the Gold/Premium package isn't , AFAICT, worth it as all I'm getting is a free tank of 'gas'.
Alamo have come out circa £335 and carhire3000 (when it's listed) is coming out about £40 more (or £15 more for the Chevy).
I've just done a 7-day hire through the Alamo and CarHire300 websites for a Grand Cherokee in San Francisco.Alamo have come out circa £335 and carhire3000 (when it's listed) is coming out about £40 more (or £15 more for the Chevy).
Alamo (all inc) - £204
CarHire3000 (all in) - £172.50
What are you dates and pick-up/drop-off points?
Edited by shakotan on Wednesday 26th January 10:05
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