Priceline Car Rentals????

[CindyZ]

Has anyone used Priceline to rent a car in Orlando? I am thinking of trying it, but I wanted to do my homework first....please share all positive and negative stories....

Thank you so much,

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Hi,
I did this once and I thought it went quite well. I paid 15.00 per day, all taxes and surcharges, for a full size at Alamo. The shuttle ride to Alamo was nothing and because we are Quick Silver members we were able to use the QS window, so, the wait was nothing.
All in all a positive experience.

 

[clutter]

I've done it twice, no three times now. I usually start bidding about 30 days prior to my trip.

The first time we had to have a minivan. I started bidding at $28/day, then $30. About 24 days before leaving, they took my $30 bid. I have a feeling that acceptable rates change 30 days out, but I don't know that for certain. That's one reason I wait.

The other reason is that they charge you credit card when you get the reservation. Since Priceline has been considered financially iffy at times, I didn't want to bid any sooner than that.

I've gotten National, Budget and Alamo and never had a problem. Except for the price of the refill gas at Alamo. Stop at the station!

 

[robinb]

Check out TravelSheryl's Priceline board for more tips on bidding on rental cars: www.biddingfortravel.com. The thing that you should be aware of is that a bid on PL is without taxes and surcharges, so you want to start lower than your budget limit. You might also want to check www.hotwire.com for their prices. They're similar to PL, but will tell you the cost in advance. Also, National and Dollar may beat both PL and Hotwire with specific coupons. Check the Transportation Board for more info.

 

[wdwnutze]

I have a minivan reserved for a week in August. I think it is with Budget. The total for 7 days is $210 and that includes all taxes, fees etc. I was a little nervous about trying priceline but figured I'd give it a try.

 

[briternik]

I have a full size from National for $220 for 10 days next June. This was using a coupon from the entertainment book, and the Disney Club discount.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I have a full size from National for Sept. for 145.00 inclusive. Using the disney code and a Delta coupon.

 

[DavidOH]

I got a minivan last May for $20/day for 7 days through Alamo. Great Deal!!!! I reserved it back in Feb. I was concen about trusting the computers. the confirmation I recieved had several confirmation numbers. I contacted Alamo several weeks before we left and was able to confirm my reservation.

 

[sablair]

I got a car on Hotwire three weeks ago. Compact for 160 for 8 days (that includes all charges and taxes.) Went great. Car was an escort and we had no problem with space either. I think priceline couldnt beat the price at that time, but closer to the trip people were getting the $15 plus tax a day rate at priceline too. I say if you are 100 percent sure of your travel times and know you wont need to cancel, go for it. Keep looking at the rental car sites though up until close to your trip and then try priceline if you cant find a cancellable deal you like.