How to Rent a Cheap Car

Do you want to rent a cheap rental car, or rent a car for cheap? Do you want to paying a lot less than $40 a day for a decent rental car when out of town on vacation. I have always been skeptical of web sites such as Priceline and Hotwire, however after a recent experience I now swear by them. I was able to pick up a full-size Chevrolet Impala in Los Angeles for only $18 a day, through a major company. That is much less than the standard price you would pay for a compact car on Travelocity, or directly through a rental car company's web site.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Connection
• Credit Card
• Drivers Lisence

1. 
   Research Prices

   Research rental car prices on the internet. Check out the prices for a rental car on sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, or Orbits, as well as checking the major rental car company web sites for specials.

2. 
   Priceline.com

   Log on to Priceline.com, and select the "Rental Cars" section from the top menu.

3. 
   Name your own price

   Click on the "Name my own price" icon.

4. 
   Enter rental information

   Enter in the Pick-Up/Drop-Off location of your rental, and the dates and times of your rental. Make sure you choose these correctly as you will not be able to change them once your offer has been accepted. Also, choose the type of car you wish to rent.

5. 
   Enter offer

   Double check the information you entered, and now choose a price. I would recommend the following strategy. Go very low, with a "lesser" type of car, with the idea that when you raise your price, you will also raise the level of car you desire.

6. 
   Verify information

   Review the information before you accept the offer. Once submitted the offer is final, and if accepted, cannot be changed.

7. 
   Enter credit card information

   Finally, enter your credit card information, and click the "Buy my rental car now" button.

8. If you shot low, your offer will be rejected, however, often Priceline will counter offer with a price a few dollars higher. Use this price to create a new offer, but this time choose a higher standard car. Why not go for a "Full-Size", "Premium" or even "Luxury" car.

9. "Congratulations, your offer has been accepted." After playing around a little, you will eventually get your great deal. Your rental has now been charged to your credit card. This includes the rental cost, and taxes, however it does not include any extra insurance.

10. You will be surprised at what you can get. Enjoy driving your Lincoln Towncar around Beverly Hills, at a low price of $20 a day. With the money you save, I would highly recommend buying the full coverage insurance.
    11Step Eleven If you are unfamiliar with the area you will be driving in, I would also highly recommend picking up a GPS unit. These usually run about $10 a day, but will save you ALOT of time in the long run not having to deal with maps, and getting lost. These are easy to use, and will guide you through voice prompts to your destination.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to up your price, also up your rental type as well. You will often get a better car for much less than you expected.
• Add auto insurance to your rental, for piece of mind.
• Do not drink and drive.

Resources

• Priceline