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The How-To Guide to Compare Rental Car Prices
Comparing rental car prices can help consumers find the best deal for the car they’re looking for, whether it is needed for a day, weekend, week, or even month. Cars range in all different sizes, from sub-compacts to full-size passenger vans, and their costs also fluctuate. By comparing different company’s rates, it is possible to get the same exact car at one business for hundreds of dollars less than a competing company.
Cheap Prices – The Economy Class
Those who compare rental car prices often find vehicles in the economy class to be most appealing. Oftentimes, with no air conditioning, power windows, or extra frills, the “economy class” is the cheapest at a rental business, and typically comes at $30 or even $20 per day. For instance, at an airport in Michigan, it is possible to rent an economy class-sized Chevy Aveo for $33.75 per day with Enterprise, for $33.86 per day at Alamo, and for $33.90 for a day at Avis. As you can see, all economy cars are available for around the same price, as competition is fierce in this line of vehicles.
A Step Up – The Intermediate Class
A step up from the economy class would be the line of intermediate, or mid-sized cars, capable of taking 5 passengers and a little bit more luggage then the economy car line. Some cars come with A/C – some do not. At the same airport, a Pontiac G5 can be rented from Enterprise for $37.29 per day, or $37.33 at Alamo. Budget, National, and Avis rental companies offer the G6 as their mid-sized vehicle, and their prices range from $37.40 per day at Budget to $39.75 at Avis Car Rental.
Nicer Vehicles – The Full-Sized Class
If you plan on driving more than 3 people in your car on a daily basis, or if you plan on traveling long distances while renting, you may want to consider renting a full-sized vehicle. This line offers A/C, legroom for passengers, and other features that the mid-size and economy cars lack. Prices fluctuate drastically in this class, with Enterprise charging $40.75 per day for a Chevy Impala, and Hertz Car Rentals charging $73.11 per day for the same car. However, National, Budget, and Alamo all charge around $40 to $45 per day at the maximum rental cost for similar models of full-size vehicles.
The People Movers – Vans
When traveling with more then 5 people, a minivan is the safest and most comfortable vehicle to rent for a weekend or month. Although vans tend to be a bit more expensive than simpler full-sized cars, passengers will be happy with the decision. Prices tend to be similar in this category across a number of companies, with Alamo charging $105.77 per day for a Dodge Grand Caravan, National charging $105.88, and Avis charging $106.88—though Budget jumps ahead with a rental charge of $177.83 per day for the same vehicle.
Car rental prices can sometimes be all-over-the-map – it is not uncommon to overpay by hundreds for a car that could have been obtained for a cheaper price. All it takes is a simple search online compare rental car prices in your area, and discover the available deals in the car rental industry. So next time you take a trip, do some background research and spend the money you saved on the rental for more important things – like souvenirs.
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