I'm 21 and i want to rent a car......i need some help

[heat23]

I need to rent a car for 1 day where the dropoff location is different from the rental location...

only 2 places allow 21 year olds to rent a car (that i know of)...but they charge a $25 per day fee...and one of them charges $150 fee because im returning it at a different location...

any ideas on how i can get a compact-mid size car for a reasonable price?

thanks

 

[aphex]

Did ya check Budget? They even rented me a car when i was 19 for a reasonable price...

 

[PsychoAndy]

well, are you an AAA, Amex member? I get around 22% off the top if I use my amex. AAA has discounts as well. Theres an entertainment book that has a huge list of coupons for car rentals, you might want to look into that. theyre like $20 to $30 but can easily save you $50+ and the book is good for a year

 

[sheselectric]

<< Did ya check Budget? They even rented me a car when i was 19 for a reasonable price... >>



really?! wow...i tried to rent a car from enterprise this summer and they wouldn't rent to me as a 20-year-old even if my mom was registered as the main driver...i'll have to check budget next time

 

[StageLeft]

I know that enterprise rents to people under 25 (not sure how low they go) at a mere $5 surcharge/day.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Heat,

I cant believe your only 21. Your just a baby! Check out budget.com.

 

[RossMAN]

I rented from Enterprise several times when I was between the ages of 21 - 25. They only charge an extra $6 per day if you're over 21 but under 25. Make sure to use a credit card (not a debit card), and it's a good idea to consider their optional insurance.

 

[heat23]

Budget charges $69 for cars from compact to full sized.. plus another $21 in fees.... it says in Austin, TX there is NO surcharge for under 21....so total is about $91....thats kinda steep...
I am not a AAA member or AMEX cardholder......anyone know how else i can get get a discount on that??

As for enterprise..they said only certain locations allow One-way rentals and that i have to call individual locations (cant find a 1-800 number)...but all the offices are closed right now

 

[Maetryx]

<< Make sure to use a credit card (not a debit card), and it's a good idea to consider their optional insurance. >>

--Rossman

Whoa! Major slip up, oh deity of hot deals. Why not also recommend that he lease, get the optional extended warranty, and maybe the special rust proof undercoating?

I suspect your credit card has built in car rental insurance. You should check that before buying insurance by the day from the rental place.

 

[RossMAN]

<< As for enterprise..they said only certain locations allow One-way rentals and that i have to call individual locations (cant find a 1-800 number)...but all the offices are closed right now >>



1-800-RENT-A-CAR their 800 number is staffed 24/7, give 'em a call.

Maetryx - Don't quit your day job

 

[Lucky]

I know that enterprise rents to people under 25 (not sure how low they go) at a mere $5 surcharge/day.


The fee is variable, and if the individual store agrees, even waved. I've used them every time I've rented a car (im 22) and have gotten surcharges that ranged from 0-30/day. At one airport enterprise I used, they said no surcharge at the beginning, but I then refused to buy that "optional" insurance coverage. so they renigged on the no underage surchase and mademe pay the equivilant of what the insurance was instead.

 

[Lucky]

oh and i've done a few one-ways with enterprise and they've always charged me a one-way surchase, usually around $20/day.

 

[heat23]

Just called enterprise..they have really good rates..but they dont do one way rentals...doh!!

 

[Lucky]

<< Just called enterprise..they have really good rates..but they dont do one way rentals...doh!! >>




do you have any other enterprise locations nearby? I've always done my one-ways at airport locations and had absolutely no problem each time.

 

[RossMAN]

<< Just called enterprise..they have really good rates..but they dont do one way rentals...doh!! >>



That's their corporate customer service talking, I've struck deals with the local office before. Before giving up, give your local Enterprise office a call tomorrow. They are very sales driven, use that to your advantage.

 

[heat23]

I called the 1800 number and it automatically conncted me to the Austin Airport location....and they said no one way rentals

 

[RossMAN]

Those damn $#@!

 

[PsychoAndy]

<<

<< Make sure to use a credit card (not a debit card), and it's a good idea to consider their optional insurance. >>

--Rossman

Whoa! Major slip up, oh deity of hot deals. Why not also recommend that he lease, get the optional extended warranty, and maybe the special rust proof undercoating?

I suspect your credit card has built in car rental insurance. You should check that before buying insurance by the day from the rental place. >>



Amex gives me like $50k in coverage automatically when i charge a car rental to the card. thats another benefit besides the 22% off. I dont have to get pressured by the sales pitch for extra isnsurance i dont need/want to pay extra for

 

[heat23]

anyone know where i can get some good discounts with budget rent a car?

 

[RossMAN]

Try here http://www.biddingfortravel.com/