Are all hire car companies the same?

N9eav

Just booking my car for USA for 2 weeks. I have had several cars over the years but mainly Alamo. Thrifty is the cheapest this year, but is it any better or worse?

The one thing I like is to arrive get a quick courtesy bus and then choose what ever car I want in the range I have paid for. Possible upgrade choice too.

Do they all do the same or not (I know Alamo do).

Nordictat2

I personally like Dollar's fleet best and Thirfty has quite a few of the same cars as them. I have used Alamo in the past but find their service not so good and cars a bit hmmm boring...

WHen you go to the desk...ask them which cars you can choose from in your range.
Dollar atleast let's us pick

N9eav

Alamo let you chose too, I suppose they all do? The problem I have is that there are 6 of us. An MPV is ok for 6 passengers but not 6 pieces of luggage. At least in Europe you can hire a Caravelle size, but not in the US

eslick

Thirfty do appear the cheapest at the moment but googled them on customer service and didnt like what I saw. not all companies allow you to choose budget, avis and if I remember dollar dont.

If you want a big car how there are some, 8 seater SUV or bigger MPV that might hold all of the luggage.

http://fifteen02.com/1502/carhire/floridadollar.htm?refer1=Unknown

Nordictat2

Well...what you can do is call and ask a few questions like..Do they have a MPV in stock to supply you with your needs..or perhaps a luggage rack. They don't have every car in their fleet named on their website's so it's worth a try to atleast ask.

Nordictat2

eslick wrote: »

and if I remember dollar dont.

If you want a big car how there are some, 8 seater SUV or bigger MPV that might hold all of the luggage.

http://fifteen02.com/1502/carhire/floridadollar.htm?refer1=Unknown

Dollar does actually...which is why I have been using them for the past 4 yrs for my US trips..atleast in the Philadelphia airport branch. Never had any issues with Dollar.

N9eav

eslick wrote: »

Thirfty do appear the cheapest at the moment but googled them on customer service and didnt like what I saw. not all companies allow you to choose budget, avis and if I remember dollar dont.

If you want a big car how there are some, 8 seater SUV or bigger MPV that might hold all of the luggage.

http://fifteen02.com/1502/carhire/floridadollar.htm?refer1=Unknown

The web site you gave is OK, but it only works for Florida. I have always found the rest of the USA more limited in choice of vehicles outside of the normal. They often have them on the ground and there is a chance of upgrade, but I am trying not to leave it to chance.

eslick

where are you looking to rent from

DKLS

Last time I went I used Avis Cool cars
as I didnt like the standard range of cars offered, and wanted something a bit more special.

N9eav

Thanks. Avis looked a tad expensive.

What I need is a car from Chicago 19/12/09 to 02/01/10 It must have 6 seats and it must have good luggage. We have tried a mini van before. I have one at home but for holidays I put the roof box on. In the USA I gota grand Voyager and you can't get the luggage in. I upgrade to a Surburban last time, but something that big is not on the list of rental agencies we normally use.
I might get lucky and upgrade when I get there, but can't be sure.

Nordictat2

Well, we have given you some options and advice and personally you seem a bit picky on what you want so the best thing is for you to call around and see what "big" cars/vans they have in stock for your rental dates!