Car hire-who do you use?

[Vickyvoo]

So, we have a three week trip to California planned. Flying in to LA, up to SF, then across to LV, flying home from there.

We need to book car hire for the three weeks. Any tips and advice gratefully received...
Also, is it worth returning the car at San Francisco-we are there for three nights, then picking another one up when we leave?

Thanks very much for any guidance!

[cornishfrogboy]

We used Budget last Easter and as has always been for us, it went seamlessly. We rate budget very highly. Ours (11 days from The Bay Bridge to LAX) was £275 for a RAV4 with less than 2k miles on it.

Interestingly, there is a Budget depot just over the bay bridge where you could dump and walk to Union Sq .. or catch the Powell cable car down to Fishermen’s (an awesome way to start SFO). I certainly wouldn’t keep a hire car in SFO. The parking at our 3 star in Union Sq was $75 per night!.. and in any case, you won’t need it.

[fiona88]

I've found Alamo work out the cheapest when it's a 1 way rental, the others looked cheaper at 1st but then have a £100 1-way fee or something added at the last minute.
I've used Alamo twice before and had no issues, but then I haven't used anyone else so can't compare. Found using autoeurope comparison site gets it a few quid cheaper and includes underside and glass cover as well as CDW etc


Edit: as for San Francisco, check the parking cost of your hotel add it to full hire cost and compare it to the cost of 2 separate hires. I've heard horror stories of people not realising and being charged $75 a night parking fees. You won't need the car while in San Francisco as the public transport looks really good

[landandword17]

I use discountfloridacarhire (he posts as Andy DFCH on this forum). He’s gotten me the best quotes for Alamo. I have also done Avis through a BA package, they were fine but I like Alamo because I can check in online and pick my own car from the row.

[FloridaFi]

We’ve used Alamo or Hertz mainly.

[berneslai]

I've used Alamo and Avis with no issues. You want the car hire company with the most courtesy buses out of LAX! It's not much fun waiting for courtesy buses after an 11 hour flight + immigration.

I agree with the other points here. Look at two one-way car rentals as San Francisco is expensive and a car isn't necessary - or move your holiday around so you visit Las Vegas before San Francisco and just dump the car when you get there. I would have expected outbound flights out of SFO to be cheaper than LAS also?

[colin39]

Originally Posted by landandword17

I use discountfloridacarhire (he posts as Andy DFCH on this forum). He’s gotten me the best quotes for Alamo. I have also done Avis through a BA package, they were fine but I like Alamo because I can check in online and pick my own car from the row.

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Another vote for andy, professional ,helpfull and least expensive.

[BallisticJack]

Originally Posted by colin39

Another vote for andy, professional ,helpfull and least expensive.

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...and another vote for Andy from me!

[400ixl]

Previously on the west coast used Avis, Hertz, Sixt successfully. Had an absolute nightmare with National.

This year trying Andy with Alamo. Just having issues with the OLCI process at the moment which Andy is looking at.

[miss_mouse]

And another for Andy.
He's saved me so much money!