Budget vs Alamo

[cyberphonze]

My flights to FLL have recently been changed (see the Norwegian not flying to Fort Lauderdale anymore thread).

I managed to get them to switch us to an MCO flight instead of MIA, so am in the process of switching my car. In doing so I saw that the price for Alamo had shot up so not holding out much hope.

I have emailed Andy at discountfloridacarhire and he wasn't hopeful but has checked with his supplier and they can switch the booking for the same price. In the meantime I saw Budget were offering a class up for less money so now I have the decision.

Prices are high but we go in Easter holidays so were best available and both are platinum packages with extra driver etc)

Alamo - Standard 5 seater SUV e.g. Ford Edge, Santa Fe etc £655 - Pros: Can check in online, pick car etc
Budget - Standard 7 seater SUV e.g. Ford Explorer - £630 - Pros - bigger car, cheaper Cons: Queue at MCO, assigned car

Which one would you choose?

[pad406]

I picked Alamo as I like to have a choice and their toll scheme. From the perspective of customer satisfaction there seems to be little between them according to JD Power survey, posted here by Duncanb. You may also want to consider charges re tolls if you plan to use that, I believe Dollar are more expensive and charge for the whole rental not just usage days.

[pad406]

Originally Posted by Mr Tom Morrow

well apart from the Dodge Journey I had a few weeks ago which was about as exciting as a bucket of frogs.

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I'm having nightmares about arriving to line after line of Dodge Journey

[Quietman]

We have used both but budget only once as the car was dire. Had to take the first one back as air con stopped working less than a day in. Very disappointing, would pay the extra for Alamo.

[Powlay]

Ones a five seater the other a seven

How many people are going?

[Ridersmom]

I had two car rentals over the Thanksgiving holidays. One with Alamo (mini-van) and a small car with Thrifty (also a one way rental)

Alamo charges were $125. less that expected (was returned one day early). Thrifty chages were $200. more than expected. Still cannot figure out what charges were. Upon return there were no Thrifty employees at the return and the Hertz person who accepted the car back was polite but could not explain all the costs. NEVER again with Thrifty.

Alamo all the way.

[PPM]

Originally Posted by Mr Tom Morrow

As above, the Thrifty toll fees worry me (same as Dollar) albeit they can be avoided if you pay cash.

Bird in the hand etc etc. Alamo is a known quantity, well apart from the Dodge Journey I had a few weeks ago which was about as exciting as a bucket of frogs.

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Hi Tom,
Did you mean Thrifty as the poll is between Budget and Alamo?

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by PPM

Hi Tom,
Did you mean Thrifty as the poll is between Budget and Alamo?

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Ooops!

[cyberphonze]

Thanks for the advice. Settled on Alamo.

[PPM]

Originally Posted by Ridersmom

I had two car rentals over the Thanksgiving holidays. One with Alamo (mini-van) and a small car with Thrifty (also a one way rental)

Alamo charges were $125. less that expected (was returned one day early). Thrifty chages were $200. more than expected. Still cannot figure out what charges were. Upon return there were no Thrifty employees at the return and the Hertz person who accepted the car back was polite but could not explain all the costs. NEVER again with Thrifty.

Alamo all the way.

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OP and the vote dint ask about Thrifty, just Budget versus Alamo?