Choosing a car-rental company - price versus loyalty
When you’re about to rent a car, do you shop around or go with the same agency you’ve always gone with? If you have a preferred company, what is it about it that makes you use it regularly?
I wondered about this recently when booking a car at the Oakland, California (OAK), airport. I ended up going with Hertz because my usual standby, Budget, had run out of cars. The Hertz car was absolutely fine and a decent deal, but whenever I rent a car, it ends up being fine and a decent deal. So why do I always gravitate toward Budget, even when I do a comparison and find another offer for a few dollars less?
Do you have a favorite car-rental agency, or do you dig for the best deal every time?
I think my Budget addiction has something to do with an experience I had years ago: I was returning a car, after several weeks of a camping trip in the Western U.S. You see, I had done a little (OK, a lot of) off-roading (to get to the best campsites, you’ve got to, after all) and the evidence was all over my economy-class vehicle.
But without blinking an eye, the generous staff person overlooked the car’s appalling condition, including a not-insignificant scratch. That would probably not meet with his manager’s approval, but it certainly inspired loyalty in me.
Now that I’ve recognized them, the origins of my favoritism seem a little silly. Next time I might just shop around and see who can give me the best deal.
— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times
[Photo: Gregory R. Gallo / Your Scene, Los Angeles Times]
5 Comments on “Choosing a car-rental company - price versus loyalty”
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March 10th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I’ve been finding more and more that each city has the best and worst of car rentals. That can be based on the location (on airport?), whether or not it is franchised, and other factors. Thus, I can’t always stick with my preferred and end up happy. A bummer but true nonetheless.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Loyalty plays a big part in having that consistant, stress free experience. As well as certain perks you can get from time to time, which is nice…like Free ‘double’ upgrades, pick of the litter…so on. Price is important, if you only rent once or twice a year…but any more than that, find yourself a good Off Airport location and develop that relationship with your agents. In the long run, you’re much better off money wise.
For more info see: http://www.MyRentalCarSecrets.com
March 13th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I believe that no matter where you decide to choose a rental company (Hertz to Thrifty) there is bound to be a disapointment. This “destiny” is due to the fact that these company’s are designed to sell out. Tis’ unfortunate but what makes the difference is how the agents themselves handle and accomodate the situation. In some cases consider yourself lucky if you even get some wheels. I choose Thrifty car rental to be the best out of the bunch. Often I have received a mini-van but those guys have more than a few times just given me a luxury to get me moving. In busy times they dont make me wait for my reserved car they just give out any available vehicle for free.
July 21st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
you cannot blame people ‘coz we have to be practical nowadays
August 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I do not reccomend Thrifty to friend or foe alike. I rented a car at a great weekly rate. The only problem was, I got lost looking for a small town in KY, and crossed into WV, which was a no no, I found out. I could not get to any off ramp on the interstate, before crossing a river, which was the boundry. I explained the problem when I turned the car in, but did not care I had come right back out of WV, instead the charged by the mile for the week which was $450, more than the rental should have been. I had been a Blue Chip member for many years, and had always used it for business, and my 50 member crew always used it. I guess by now Thrifty, lost about $300,000.00 for that extra $450 they charged me. Guess thats not a great return on their investment huh?