Car hire in the UK (Scotland) - pricing

simonx

I am looking to book a holiday in Scotland for a couple of weeks at end of April/start of May.
Doing a search for 15 days car hire (economy size)  came in at around a prohibitive £1000! We are planning on Inverness airport, but I checked Glasgow airport as an alternative, prices very similar there.
I checked for prices in a couple of weeks' time and they're around £350-£400 at either location, much more in line with expectations.

Anyone know why the cost would more than double after a few months? Is this a pattern that has been observed and the prices come down nearer the time of rental?

PS I was looking using holidayautos and autoeurope (ignoring a firm called Easirent)

daveyjp

Try zest for a quote.

However that time of year is around Easter school holiday and May bank holiday.  This is when visitors begin going back to Scotland.

Covid has also led to a severe reduction in the number of car hire offices open and they will have reduced their stock numbers.

simonx

Thanks @daveyjp, good point.
I had a look at Zest, about £50 cheaper.
Had a look at Hertz direct with 15% discount (code 53693295) for booking in January - cheaper but it's still £800 for a Kai Ceed - cheapest car.
Although I could get a Ford Transit for £588 - supply and demand!
Reckon we'll drive up now!

sheramber

My  son and partner always use SIXT ,  picking up at Edinburgh airport. 

Always had fairly new cars and never had any problem.   they even sourced a black car for them when they found out they were going to a funeral.

simonx

Thanks Sheramber- I checked - £969 so very similar.

ferreroreeses

They must be getting a lot of early bookings, there's probably a lot of demand.

simonx

Still sky high:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/holidaymakers-face-sky-high-car-26214167

https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/news/car-hire-pressure-points

simonx

Arnold Clark prices better now, still high unless you can get a 15% discount code  e.g police & NHS.
Does anyone know of any discount codes anyone can use?