Car just died leaving TOMMORROW!

[Kristamouse]

:brick:So our transmission just died (again, had it replaced in OCT). It is under warrenty but we are going to have to get a rental car for our trip, any suggestions for getting a good last minute deal?
ARRUGGHHH :shrug:just wanted to vent. But at least it didn't happend on the drive down.:veryconfu

 

[mickey7879]

Will your warranty cover a rental? Make sure to get one that has unlimited mileage. Most do, but some don't.

Check the promotions or specials page on the rental websites. Some give discounts if you pay with American Express or if you have AAA.

If you are by multiple pick up locations, check them all out. One may be cheaper than the other.

Also check on expedia and other sites like this to see if you can get a better deal or at least see what they say is cheapest and then go to the website directly.

You may also benefit from getting a car last minute. Google "last minute rental cars" and you might be able to get a great last minute deal!

Good luck finding a cheap rate and sorry about your car!

 

[miles1]

Another good place to check for discount codes is Mousesavers.com. I've gotten some substantial discounts with codes from there in the past.

I can sympathize with the transmission thing- DW's car just did the same thing this past weekend. The transmission was replaced about 18 months ago, then replaced again back in January, then it started to act up this past weekend. Thankfully the latest episode was traced to a faulty battery (I know-it sounds bizarre but the battery voltage was affecting the transmission computer memory), and should be fixed for about $75. The transimssion shop didn't even have the heart to charge me for the diagnosis time.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[GatorGambit]

Priceline and BiddingForTravel.com are your friends! You should be able to get a VERY reasonable rate with this route.

 

[I-4Warrior]

Yikes.. sorry about the transmission. Although, it's better it happened BEFORE your trip and not on the way or on the side of World Drive.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

SIMPLE - Get the garage that provided the original warranty to provide you with a rental vehicle free of charge (you just pay for the fuel)

 

[colliera]

Two rentals instead of one

This may not be cost effective so you will just have to check it out.

Rent with either National or Alamo, (same company actually), for a car from your home to WDW to drop off and then shuttle to your hotel.

Then you can have a second rental from WDW back to your home. This cuts down the number of days you actually rent and you can use Disney transportation during your stay.

However, renting the eitire stay and having pickup and drop off at the same location may offset the savings with a discount for a week's duration. You may rather just use the rental car instead of the bus system.

Disney rental details below:

Alamo® Rent A Car, the Official Rental Car of Walt Disney World® Resort, is conveniently located at the Orlando International Airport and at the Car Care Center near the parking exit of the Magic Kingdom® Park. For Emerald Club customers, National Car Rental® is also located at the Car Care Center. Shuttle service to and from your location is provided seven days a week, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Holiday hours may vary.) Shuttle service should be scheduled at least one hour in advance. Call (407) 824-3470† for shuttle service and reservations.

 

[Master Yoda]

I would start with the company doing the work on your car. As others have stated they might cover a rental car under the warranty but it will only be for the length of time it takes to do the repair and not for the length of your trip. If it is not covered under the warranty you might be able to get a better rate by gong through your mechanic especially if it is a national chain or a dealership. Rental car companies will frequently offer special rates to repair shops, dealerships, etc and due to your situation you might be able to get their lower rate.

 

[MichRX7]

I like to use Alamo when we have to rent a car. It is the same as National with lower rates (from what I have experienced) and they have a dropoff on property. If you are staying on prop the whole time it might be cheaper to rent just to get down to Disney, drop it off and rent one to drive home.

 

[melissw]

I know you're driving, but if you happen to be a member of any airline programs check our their coupon codes for rental cars. Recently, I was able to get a weekend rental for only $15 total after the discount. And like another poster said check out the various places in your neighborhood b/c prices will vary within the same rental company.
Sorry to hear about your car but if it had to happen much better before than during the trip and hopefully you can get some compensation from the dealer or parts mfg.

 

[sring]

Generally a repair-replacement rental will be less expensive than a leisure rental from one of the majors. As others have mentioned part of the cost may be offset by your warranty.

HOWEVER if you have to rent from a major: Hertz, Avis/Budget, National/Alamo/Enterprise, Thrifty...Check the Local pickup locations (along with the discount codes you can find) as you can avoild all of the surcharges assovciated with an airport location pick-up.

BTW National purchased Enterprise about 2 years ago....but they all maintain different res systems...alamo tends to be more focused on the leisure market, National on the corporate rental market and Enterprise on local and repair/insurance market.