car rental secrets, DFW | FerrariChat

car rental secrets, DFW

Discussion in 'Texas' started by lukek, Dec 9, 2004.

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  1. lukek

    lukek Formula 3

    May 2, 2003
    2,085
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    LK
    So I am getting all these quotes with my United discount for renting a car at DFW....All the numbers come back as $250 for a medium sized beast for dec 22 to jan 5, but then they calculate the surcharges and taxes, and all the sudden, it is $450 !

    Has anyone rented from a dealership? Is there a locally advertised special, secret promotion code, or a nice independent agency somebody knows about?

    I can probably get away with stealing the family e320, but it would be nice to have wheels (trip for 4). Any ideas appreciated.

    luke, CA
     
  2. FarmerDave

    FarmerDave F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Jul 26, 2004
    15,782
    Full Name:
    IgnoranteWest
    I just called the concierge at the hotel I worked for, and he said that including taxes but not insurance he can get a malibu-grand am type car for 45.99 a day.
    EDIT: it will be about a $20 cab ride from the Airport to this hotel, factor that into your decision.
     
  3. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 30, 2001
    24,903
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Jim E
    Expect to be raped on the taxes for a rental car here, we tax the hell out of our visitors to pay for everything we do.

    You might look at picking up a car in the 'burbs somewhere, doing it at the airport is the worst. I know there's an Avis office in Richardson and another in Plano. Check around. If someone can pick you up at the airport and you can rent the car later, it would probably help you.
     
  4. lukek

    lukek Formula 3

    May 2, 2003
    2,085
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    LK
    Thanks, guys. Even at 45 a day, it works out to be $680 for my 15 days. Unless I can find a deal in the burbs, I will beg and borrow from family.
    Consolation: Taxes are much worse in California. Salaries are a little higher, but the gov. takes it right back. I miss my time in Arlington and Dallas...
     
  5. icars

    icars Formula Junior

    Mar 28, 2002
    855
    Plano Texas
    Full Name:
    Rodney Haas
    I would look at Enterprise or Thrifty both in the burbs. If you rent @ DFW you will pay a rather large "premium" and airport tax.

    With Enterprise you can get a Grand Am for $142.49 per week. This is entering 75023 for the zip (Plano)

    Thrifty in Plano
    Dodge Stratus for 131.49
    Intrepid for 150.49
     
  6. Rexcoltrain

    Rexcoltrain Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    671
    Oahu, Hawaii
    Most airports have big taxes...Houston is 25%. 15% to the airport and 10% for stadiums. I used to work at Avis and it was amazing how much the rate varied for the same car just by using different discount numbers. Lots of companies have them (AVIS calls them AWD numbers) and you just have to know the number to use them. Sams's Club, AAA, credit cards, USAA all have discount programs with the major car rental companies. The Entertainment book also has good coupons.
     
  7. Husker

    Husker F1 World Champ

    Dec 31, 2003
    11,792
    western hemisphere
    You might try "Ugly Duckling" or "Rent-a-wreck."
     
  8. Kboy007

    Kboy007 Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2004
    344
    Allen
    Full Name:
    Mike Verinder
    Heres one approach.. that will get you a great rate.
    A. Dont rent from the airport.. mucho extra taxes..
    B. If you have a preferred card.. tell them you work for a big company like "IBM" and ask for the corporate rate.. they will give it too you.. and you will like it.. Noone has ever beatin IBM's corporate rates for Hertz rentals.
    (I know i used to travel ALOT)...



     

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