From Vancouver, British Columbia, to Miami, Florida, it’s a supply and demand problem - a problem deliberately created by the brand-name rental car companies, who’ve been selling cars from their fleets into the suddenly lucrative used car market.
Demand for used cars is high, thanks to consumer reluctance to buy new cars and a banking system that’s reluctant to lend on new cars anyway.
Now there are 15 percent fewer cars available for rent than 2008, resulting in an astonishing 65% increase in rental rates.
Tricks for paying less to rent a car:
-Don’t rent at airports. Rental car companies know they’re in control when you’re stuck at an airport.
-Take advantage of airline partnerships. For example, Hertz partners with United Airlines on specials.
-Consider independent rental agencies, which may offer rates 15 to 25% lower than the national name brands.
-Scour the Internet for the best rates.
-Rent online and reserve early. Never show up at the rental car desk without a reservation.
-Do any of your memberships offer car rental discounts?
-Keep track of discount codes and coupons that you accumulate.
-Always return a rental car with a full tank - unless you get a kick out of paying $6 a gallon for gas. Even so, some rental car companies add an extra “top-off” fee for cars even when they’re returned full.
-Ask about extra fees, such as a $47 “Facility Usage Fee,” a $42 “Energy Recovery Fee” a “Vehicle License Fee” of $58, or an “underage” fee for being less than 25 years old. Don’t forget any state and local taxes.
Check out Vancouver’s public transportation. You may decide you don’t really need to rent a car, after all.
