Renting a Car 101

[Cody]

I'm heading to Vegas this weekend to visit a friend who just got married and moved out that way. We plan on driving out to Brain Head, Utah (3 hours). They're getting around 2 feet of snow 2 days before I arrive so having AWD would be a plus. I'll be renting a car from the airport and am totally new to the experience. His POS civic has no chance of making the trek. Any companies you all prefer/ know have a decent selection of vehicles? Am I going to have to rent an SUV due to lack of AWD cars? Tips for cheap deals?

[BLINGMW]

Not that there's anything special about them, but I've almost always rented from Avis for years. In all their offices I've had good service, decent people available over the phone, flexible, good prices, nice boring cars. :lol: That being said, I've gone with Enterprise a couple times and had no problems I can remember either.
FWIW the Avis places around here have a couple Subarus. Don't count on what the website says they have, call the office at the airport you're landing at and ask.
You'll want to give your insurance company a call, or bust out your agreement and dig through the fine print yourself, because you'll want to know what, if any, supplemental insurance you should get with the car.

[JPolen01]

Most credit cards carry insurance on them too so you don't need their bs plan. Also what kind of car do you think is getting around in 2 feet of snow? Rent a truck and drive like a boss!

[Kaan]

Avis and National had Wrangler JKs when we were in vegas in january.

Tips:
1. make sure you CC or car insurance cover your rental car BEFORE you go out there.
2. Take pictures all the way around the car and inside the care... make sure you get the area its in (drive out area is different then check in)
3. check the interior really well... sometimes people do bad things to rentals before they turn it in again.
4. dont be affraid to bitch about the car.... you might get a quick upgrade

*** make sure you can rent a car without a huge deposit since you arent 25 yet ***

[HAULN-SS]

^what kaan said about being 25. A few years ago I know Enterprise was about the only company that even rents to <25

[JustinG]

^what kaan said about being 25. A few years ago I know Enterprise was about the only company that even rents to <25

Underage drivers fee was $20 a day. Must use a CC (cannot be a Visa Debit card, bank card, MUST BE A LEGIT CC) to secure the car, they will take cost of the rental + $100, and refund the $100 when you return. You can pay with your debit card upon return. CC must be in your name, not your mom/dad's name.

Geez, I act like I used to work there.

oh and :finger: Enterprise, but not because they suck, because they treat their employees like garbage.

[Jake]

I fucking hate Enterprise. I have had absolutely zero good experiences with them.

Most places seem to have some Jeeps or Escapes or the like that will have AWD and get you around alright.

Good luck getting a rental being below 25. I know it can be done, but all of my rentals thus far have been through insurance claims, so the policy may be different there.

[FlaakCM]

In my previous job, I was a computer storage engineer (still am), I traveled for work (setting up IT infrastructures). I would hit about 4 states per trip before returning home and was always in a rental car. Just follow everything Kaan and Justin said. It isnt rocket science, but just be aware of the condition of the car before you rent it and make sure that they (rental company) is aware too. Otherwise you might have to pay for someone else's damage because you didnt report it. It isn't dickish, it is just protecting yourself.

Side note, I always used Hertz, but mainly because my company had a deal with them. Never had a problem.

[Ole]

Since I am the mizer that I am, I usually do not rent from anyone but Enterprise and I do not get car at airport (unless I am on a 1-2 day trip). Off airport rates are significantly less. Example: Large SUV for Denver On-Airport 5 days rental $1500...Off airport rental $500. I can get a $25 cab to rental office and save shitton of money for racecar....

[ScottyB]

Hertz has always been awesome for me. clean cars, good service, nice selections.

Enterprise has been meh. never really stood out as bad or good.

i check the oil and make sure to pick out any blemishes in the paint/interior before i hand over my signature. never really had a problem. be sure to check your insurance coverage as noted earlier here.