[Gandhi]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

When you book for compact, most of the times its not available and you are sure to get a free upgrade

Sounds very good .

PM me once you are here, I can help you with some promo codes from Costco

Sure. Thanks a lot.

[ajmat]

Another trick is to book a compact car. Arrive two hours later than planned. Your reserved car will be given to someone else. Since your reservation is guaranteed, they need to give you another car.

[ravib]

Originally Posted by ajmat

Another trick is to book a compact car. Arrive two hours later than planned. Your reserved car will be given to someone else. Since your reservation is guaranteed, they need to give you another car.

+1 Exactly, that will work most of the time

[Gandhi]

Originally Posted by ajmat

Another trick is to book a compact car. Arrive two hours later than planned. Your reserved car will be given to someone else. Since your reservation is guaranteed, they need to give you another car.

Aren't there any penalties for such things?

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by Gandhi

Aren't there any penalties for such things?

Nope. you paid for your car already and they have to give you one even if your 2 hours late.

[Gandhi]

Originally Posted by vid6639

Nope. you paid for your car already and they have to give you one even if your 2 hours late.

This sounds like a very good plan .

[prince_pervez]

Problem is, most people don't prefer compacts. So in that case if it is still available after 2 hours, you will have to take that.

[Gandhi]

Well, my trip is about to end I used Enterprise 4 times during my trip. I have only good things to say about Enterprise.

• Cheapest of all - They have a weekend special rate of 9.99 USD /day for 100 miles. I used to rent the car for 3 days so I get 300 miles.
• Compact cars are OK in condition, higher end cars are good. I once got a Dodge Caliber which was just mind blowing.
• Service - full marks here to Enterprise. Very friendly staff, explained everything in detail. They have FREE pick-up and drop service. Great for me as I don't have to take taxi and spend 20 USD to reach the rental place.
• Free upgrade on first rental. I took the free enterprise membership and I get a free upgrade for my first rental. I will be taking the free upgrade this weekend.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by Gandhi

Well, my trip is about to end I used Enterprise 4 times during my trip. I have only good things to say about Enterprise.

• Cheapest of all - They have a weekend special rate of 9.99 USD /day for 100 miles. I used to rent the car for 3 days so I get 300 miles.
• Compact cars are OK in condition, higher end cars are good. I once got a Dodge Caliber which was just mind blowing.
• Service - full marks here to Enterprise. Very friendly staff, explained everything in detail. They have FREE pick-up and drop service. Great for me as I don't have to take taxi and spend 20 USD to reach the rental place.
• Free upgrade on first rental. I took the free enterprise membership and I get a free upgrade for my first rental. I will be taking the free upgrade this weekend.

Free pick up is a very good thing, but it keeps us waiting sometimes during busy hours.
Didn't know bout the membership(may be cuz i dont rent much from enterprise ), interesting

[Gandhi]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

Free pick up is a very good thing, but it keeps us waiting sometimes during busy hours.
Didn't know bout the membership(may be cuz i dont rent much from enterprise ), interesting

They never made me wait. Always on time. In fact on one of the Fridays they were very busy to arrange a pick-up. So they called me and asked me to take a taxi and reimbursed the taxi fare against my rental amount.

The membership is free, so no harm in registering. I think they are more prominent in east coast cities, and hence better service etc.

The Dodge caliber I got (instead of economy car), had only 35 miles on it.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by Gandhi

They never made me wait. Always on time. In fact on one of the Fridays they were very busy to arrange a pick-up. So they called me and asked me to take a taxi and reimbursed the taxi fare against my rental amount.

The membership is free, so no harm in registering. I think they are more prominent in east coast cities, and hence better service etc.

The Dodge caliber I got (instead of economy car), had only 35 miles on it.

Possibly, I have had couple of bad experience with the pick up. Nice to know good things bout it
Yes they pretty much have new cars, and feels good to drive one with the fresh car smell too

[ajmat]

Last time around in Orlando - Hertz tried conning me - they quoted me for an indicated price of $300 for a Nissan Altima. I checked before setting off to find it had been jacked up to $600+. So much for being a gold club member

Used Honk car rental Honk Car Rental . It basically acts as a broker and buys discounted hire car capacity. You are given a list of cars and rates and choose accordingly. I ended up paying $230 for a Ford fusion from Alamo. Correction - you are committed to a compact car. you go and process your booking and walk to the lot. There is a fleet of cars parked accordingly to size. Choose which ever and there you are

[275BHP]

Guys, I'm going to be in the US for a month. Was confident of renting a car here till some friends and family members advised me against it. They said it was better to take public transport and/or rely on friends rather than self driving. I have the following queries, would be of great help if BHPians with experience of renting cars can help me out :

1. How different/difficult is it to drive in America? I've never driven outside India till now.
2. Would Team BHPians recommend it?
PS: I have my IDP along with my original DL.
3. Any tips/advise on driving in the US based on your experiences would also be of immense help.
Also, I do not plan on going on very long drives. Max- 2-3 hours from the place of stay. The car will be used only along the East coast FYI.

Thanks in advance.

Mods: Couldn't find a more appropriate thread for this query. Please move the post if this ain't the right place.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by 275BHP

Guys, I'm going to be in the US for a month. Was confident of renting a car here till some friends and family members advised me against it. They said it was better to take public transport and/or rely on friends rather than self driving. I have the following queries, would be of great help if BHPians with experience of renting cars can help me out :

1. How different/difficult is it to drive in America? I've never driven outside India till now.
2. Would Team BHPians recommend it?
PS: I have my IDP along with my original DL.
3. Any tips/advise on driving in the US based on your experiences would also be of immense help.

Driving in US is entirely different from driving in India. And that is why you must drive in US

Most Indians who drive in India find it quite easy to drive here. You just have to remember what side of the road to drive on and be generally more aware of the rules of the road and be more courteous.

Where on the east coast are you going to be? I suggest go to that state's DMV and go through their driving handbook. Most states have it online on their DMV website.

And do go on long drives too. This is a car crazy country and you'll be crazy to not drive a car here

Oh but if you are going to stay in a big city where parking is an issue, then yes, use public transport as often as possible but do rent a car for weekend trips.

[NinadJoshi]

Depending on where you are going to put up, you may or may not be required to drive by yourself.
Driving in the US is quite unlike doing so in India, (in a bunch of good ways), but I would still recommend doing some passive driving for a day or two from the passenger seat if possible to get the hang of the game. People who have driven extensively in India but never in the US do, in my opinion, need a bit of re-calibration to drive in the US.

Lot of driving tips available on the DMV's web sites, as Amit already suggested.