When looking for a convenient and cheap rental car, the answer can vary based on your location, the rental company, and your specific needs (like how much luggage you have, how many passengers, and how long you’ll be renting). However, there are a few general tips and recommendations that can help you find the most affordable and convenient rental options.
1. Economy or Compact Cars:
The cheapest rental cars are typically economy or compact cars. These cars are smaller, fuel-efficient, and ideal for solo travelers or couples. They tend to have the lowest rental prices because they are less expensive to maintain and run on less fuel.
Examples of cheap rental options:
- Chevrolet Spark
- Toyota Yaris
- Ford Fiesta
- Hyundai Accent
- Nissan Versa
These cars typically offer good fuel economy (around 30-40 miles per gallon), which is a major bonus if you plan to drive a lot.
2. Rental Companies:
The cheapest rental car options often depend on the company, location, and availability. Some of the most budget-friendly and convenient rental car companies include:
- Enterprise: Known for good customer service and competitive prices. They often offer “Pick Up” services and have a variety of smaller cars.
- Hertz: Offers “Hertz 24/7” for hourly rentals and often provides discounts or deals for frequent renters.
- Budget: As the name suggests, it’s often one of the most affordable options for economy cars.
- Avis: Similar to Budget, Avis provides competitive pricing, especially if you book early.
- Turo: An alternative to traditional car rental companies, Turo lets you rent cars directly from owners. Depending on location, you might find cheaper or more unique vehicles.
3. Online Platforms to Find Cheap Rentals:
- Kayak or Expedia: These platforms compare prices from multiple rental agencies to help you find the best deal.
- Rentalcars.com: Often has great offers for economy and compact cars.
- Priceline: Offers “Name Your Own Price” options or great deals if you book early.
- AutoSlash: Automatically applies the best available coupons and deals to get the cheapest rate for your rental.
4. Booking in Advance:
One of the best ways to save money on a rental car is to book well in advance. Rental car prices can fluctuate, and booking early can often secure you a lower rate.
5. Consider Off-Airport Locations:
Renting from off-airport locations (such as those in downtown or residential areas) may save you money compared to renting from an airport location, where fees and taxes tend to be higher.
6. Other Money-Saving Tips:
- Avoid Additional Insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk, so check if yours does. Often, this can save you the cost of rental company insurance.
- Check for Discounts: Look for any available discount codes or memberships (AAA, AARP, military) that might offer you a better rate.
- Avoid Extras: Skip add-ons like GPS, satellite radio, and additional drivers unless absolutely necessary. You can often use your phone as a GPS, for example.
Summary:
For the most convenient and cheapest rental car, go with an economy or compact car (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Toyota Yaris, or Ford Fiesta). Book early through comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia, or AutoSlash to find the best rates. Consider renting from off-airport locations, and always check for discounts or your credit card’s rental car benefits.