Rent Car or Drive 2

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Okay so my in-laws are visiting for the next 10 days. I thought we would just drive two cars since both our cars only fit 5 people. But we're going on an overnight 2 hrs away. And I was thinking perhaps it would be worth it to rent a minivan. Well actually I'll be honest I'd like to rent a minivan for the week. But we do have two cars so it's not necessary we can divy up and drive

But it's priCy. $90/day so we're looking at $900 the week they are here or $200 for just the overnight.

Should I do it? Or forget about it?

[sandrark]

Have you looked at Hotwire or Priceline.com for that rental? I would assume that the cost of gas for 2 cars would justify renting a car that would take you all....

[jackmiller]

Agree fully with Sandrack... pile in to the bigger car!

[disneysteve]

Assuming you can afford it, I'd go for the rental so that the whole party can travel together. Even if you weren't going to be covering some distance, it's just more convenient that way.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I'm having trouble sucking up the $180 it'll cost to rent for 2 days so we can do down and back again. Minivan will use more gas but less wear and tear on our cars.

I did try to hotwire it and it's more expensive than from enterprise. Priceline it wasn't even available. Ugh. So $91/day or drive separately.

[disneysteve]

I'm having trouble sucking up the $180 it'll cost to rent for 2 days so we can do down and back again. Minivan will use more gas but less wear and tear on our cars.

I did try to hotwire it and it's more expensive than from enterprise. Priceline it wasn't even available. Ugh. So $91/day or drive separately.

Factor in gas for 2 cars vs. 1, tolls for 2 cars vs. 1, any parking fees at your destination, etc. Would your in-laws contribute to the rental rather than taking their own car?

Depending on where you live, also look at renting at different locations. Price can vary even with the same company but at a different location - city or suburb, airport or not, etc.

[creditcardfree]

I'd book it for the 2 days when you have that longer drive for sure. It is just nice to be all together. Also, if you book, you can keep looking for a better deal until the last minute. Car rentals don't require any money to book and then cancel.

[ua_guy]

For generally cheaper rates (and fewer fees) rent from locations not affiliated with an Airport.

See if anyone you know has a corporate (contract) plan that could reserve a car for you, or if you have anything through an existing employer.

Alternatively, if you decide not to rent, for some extra comraderie/fun, buy a pair of $20 2-way radios and keep one in each car. The person in the front passenger seat of each vehcile can facilitate radio chatter with the folks in the other vehicle. They can be a hoot especially if you have kids coming along...

[disneysteve]

Alternatively, if you decide not to rent, for some extra comraderie/fun, buy a pair of $20 2-way radios and keep one in each car. The person in the front passenger seat of each vehcile can facilitate radio chatter with the folks in the other vehicle. They can be a hoot especially if you have kids coming along...

Or just use your cell phones.

[bjl584]

I just rented a car today for a vacation I'm taking at the end of July. In my area (Pittsburgh) Enterprise had the best rates. It's going to be $344 for a compact car (Toyota Corolla or similar) for 9 days. Not too bad. Much better than putting 1500 miles on my truck and getting 18mpg the whole time.

[ua_guy]

Or just use your cell phones.

Nowhere near as handy/quick as instant point-to-point communications, and also not as fun. Have you never traveled in a caravan of 2 or more vehicles with radio communications?

:-P

[disneysteve]

Nowhere near as handy/quick as instant point-to-point communications, and also not as fun. Have you never traveled in a caravan of 2 or more vehicles with radio communications?

Yes, especially back in the days of the CB radio craze. It was tons of fun. Of course, we didn't have cell phones now.

Today, we can just use our phones, play them through the car's sound system, and all talk to each other. And on our plan, at least, cell to cell calls are free, so we can talk non-stop and it doesn't cost a penny. It's a whole lot clearer than the walkie talkies too.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

rented the minivan from a dealership for $70/day including all taxes. Felt like I got a deal.

[disneysteve]

rented the minivan from a dealership for $70/day including all taxes. Felt like I got a deal.

Sounds like a wise decision.

[Mdarius]

I just rented a car today for a vacation I'm taking at the end of July. In my area (Pittsburgh) Enterprise had the best rates. It's going to be $344 for a compact car (Toyota Corolla or similar) for 9 days. Not too bad. Much better than putting 1500 miles on my truck and getting 18mpg the whole time.

I joined just so I could join this discussion. Has anyone done the math to support their arguments?
For the statement above, the current fuel prices in the Pittsbugh, PA area are 3.70 a gallon. The math says that by driving a Corolla (combined Fuel economy of 30MPG) vs the 18MPG truck, the driver would save only $148.00 in fuel costs. Adding 1500 miles to the odometer of the truck will have little impact on resale value over the course of years of ownership. Assuming the driver does an oil change every 4500 miles and assuming this is a full size pickup, the maintance cost is about $26 (40% of a $65 oil change). Add other wear and tear and you might be into the truck $50. Don't forget the accident liability with the rental company. Your credit card coverage is sketchy at best and based on very specific circumstances.

Bottom line: The rental will actually cost you about $150 more than driving your truck, plus inconvenience and time.

That's just the 2 cents from a newbie.