Renting a car - Help!

[SnoopyCool]

I did a preliminary search for a minivan for 6 days over Thanksgiving and the price was $430 from Budget! Is this really how much it runs? I realize I need to find coupons, search other places, etc., but I was not prepared for anything in that ballpark.

I should mention that we do need a van because there are 6 of us.

Please advise.

[Caoineag]

Minivans are going to cost you, especially over a holiday weekend. I am pretty sure our last vacation as a family with the minivan costs that much as well and the people who rented it even had a membership card.

The only suggestion I can offer is try playing with the pickup times and locations. Prices vary greatly according to which location and what day.

[eisor]

Our local Hertz dealer charges ~$10 less a day than online. Instead of looking online, I'd call up a few places and get a quote over the phone.

We could have saved $100+ dollars when we rented our car for the honeymoon. We were NOT happy when we found this out!

Also, check ebay for coupons OR buy an entertainment book. There are tons of rental car coupons in them.

[PrincessPerky]

try looking at an older car that will seat 6..might be cramped but might also be cheaper... (would have to have a bench in the front)

[DebbieL]

I've had some success bidding for car rentals online. You just name the price, type (ie: minivan), city, dates, etc. I think closer to the actual time works best. I've done it for hotel rooms too.

[pearlieq]

Here's a website I've had good success with for finding discounts on rental cars. It's geared toward people planning a Disney vacation but most the codes listed can be used nationwide.

MouseSavers.com - Rental Car Discount Info - Car Rental Discounts

[SnoopyCool]

Thanks, everyone. You have been most helpful!