Define "CHEAPER". What does cheaper mean to you? Because less is NOT always better. Especially if you run into an "issue". I would stick with the name brand rental car companies. I would avoid any place like Payless, Advantage, etc. If you always rent with National, then keep an eye on Alamo and Enterprise rates. They are all under the same corporate umbrella. Alamo seems to have the best rates the closer you get. I am not a fan of Budget, Avis and Hertz but will use them over any of the off-site and/or off-brand names. I wouldn't drive a car from Payless rentals even if they paid me. Also check with your credit card company. Some of the rental benefits do not apply to those off name companies. Especially the insurance waivers. The language in the rental car agreement can make you "fully responsible" for any damage inflicted even if no fault of your own. You will be at the mercy of the rental company value assessment. Sometimes cheaper is not better. You may not find out until something like an accident or mechanical breakdown happens before you realize the "TRUE" value of spending a few bucks more on a well known brand name. Make sure you read and understand the rental agreement and coverages of those "off-brand" names. You may save a few bucks if all goes well. But if it doesn't, that little $200 savings may end up costing you $700-$1000.
I recently read a post about someone getting royally *****ed by one of those discount MCO companies. If you choose to go that route, read all of the fine print very carefully during check-in to make sure that no extra fees or costs can be added on in any way. Don't leave any spaces blank, or things could potentially be added in after you've signed, and then you'd have no recourse because it's a contract with your name signed at the bottom.
Wait......Hertz lets you pick the car?? I thought Hertz, Budget and Avis assigned a car to you. See....I am learning new things everyday!!! I didn't know Hertz lets you choose. I prefer to choose for myself so I always went with Alamo that lets me choose.
If you sign up for their Gold Plus Reward hertz program, some airports (MCO being one) has an aisle for specific membership programs. Some days the selection is great, some not so much. One MUST book at least a mid grade vehicle to be eligible to pick your own vehicle.
