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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: rob in cal on August 11, 2017, 08:58:01 PM

Title: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: rob in cal on August 11, 2017, 08:58:01 PM
  So we are renting a car for four days in September from Chicago O'Hare airport, and priceline and Hotwire seem like much better price options than renting direct from the car agencies, a price of about 150 for a Toyota Corolla type car from them vs about 250 from the agencies themselves.  I tried autoslash but just got pretty similar prices to the agencies.  So this 100 dollar difference is pretty big and I'm wondering "whats the catch" outside of the fact that you have to pay now and its non-refundable with hotwire and priceline.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: NeonPegasus on August 11, 2017, 09:17:15 PM
One catch is to make sure you're renting from the same location. I rented via Priceline and accidentally placed a reservation at a rental branch that was off-airport, had no airport shuttle and was closed by the time my flight arrived. I ended up paying $$$ more to rent a car than I could have. :/
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: Dicey on August 14, 2017, 01:22:04 PM
I'm a member/fan of Hertz Gold and now National's Emerald Aisle. What I wish to avoid when traveling is waiting in long lines. Both of these programs allow you to go straight to the car from the shuttle, for the win. I book online, sometimes directly, or through Costco or autoslash, whatever gives me the best price. Having AAA get really helps with pricing as well. Picking up at an off airport site can sometimes be a money saver, but only if it's in the direction I'm going and the access is easy.

There may be other companies with similar programs. Hertz and National have enough options for myour needs.

If booking through PL or HW means waiting in line, it's not gonna happen.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: apricity22 on August 14, 2017, 01:33:22 PM
I like Hotwire because the savings are usually pretty good. You already mentioned a couple of the disadvantages: must prepay and non-refundable. If the prices on Hotwire are similar to those booking directly with the company, go direct and pick a good company.

When I first started using Hotwire, it seemed like I got Hertz a lot which was great but they do try to upsell you once you get to the counter. More recently, I have been getting a company called Advantage and they are horrible. I've rented twice in Denver and once in Virginia (near DCA) and both times it was a 40-minute wait in line, not worth the savings unless it is significant.

I have also used CarRentals.com, I think they are another Expedia company but it seems like the rates there are better sometimes.

Don't be tempted to use Fox Rent-a-car even at an incredible price. I've used them twice and they are permanently on the black list. Showed up once and they didn't have cars anymore. Showed up another time and there was an hour wait in line and then another two hours wait for cars to come out of the car wash. I wouldn't book with them if they were offering cars for free.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: Broadway2019 on August 14, 2017, 01:33:30 PM
Costco travel for rental cars is great. You can add a second driver for free! And they have always had the lowest rates when I look. In addition, you can book and re-book as many times as you want if you find a better rate.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: redbird on August 14, 2017, 02:13:09 PM
I've used Autoslash several times in the past. The amount starts out about the same as the rental car agencies, but over time (after you book it) the price goes down. I've had it go way under what the agency itself ever would've charged me. I've never had any issues.

Never tried Hotwire or Priceline (for cars). I'm trying out Priceline for the first time for an upcoming vacation, but for hotel only. My only annoyance with it is your credit card gets charged upfront, instead of at the end of your stay like hotels typically do.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: missundecided on August 14, 2017, 02:20:53 PM
I think Priceline owns Autoslash now, but I'm not 100%.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: Dicey on August 14, 2017, 03:11:57 PM
I think Priceline owns Autoslash now, but I'm not 100%.
Could be. The results always include multiple book-it-now reservation options and a link to PL.
Title: Re: Hotwire or priceline or autoslash for car rental
Post by: Saving in Austin on August 14, 2017, 08:19:55 PM
I found the cheapest price for a Tucson car rental on Kayak last week.