CAR RENTALS
If you’re in a city for a week or more with great public transportation, but a multiple day pass instead of paying as you go. It could be cheaper.
Go with the birds. If you’re renting a car one-way you might get an incredible rate. They are not advertised most of the time but you can get a Buick Regal from National for 8 bucks a day when going from Atlanta to Orlando in November or Southern CA to Northern CA in July.
Check out the LDW/CDW benefits of your credit card if you’re not renting on a company contract.
Ask for the smallest car available. You will usually be upgraded to the next level because they don’t carry many subcompacts. Or ask for the lowest rate then ask the cost to upgrade, usually another $1 to 5 a day.
When renting on a weekend, go for broke. Go ahead and make a reservation with one counter and goto a competitor's counter and haggle. Most rental car companies are concerned with having the real estate to park all of their cars on their lot on the weekend. When you goto make comments like 'sure looks like you have a lot of cars available today.' 'I'd like to do my part to take one of those off your hands. The selection sure looks broad.' 'I'll give you 10 bucks a day for that Buick Regal up front, unless you're planning on renting all of those today.' You get the picture. I've driven LeSabres/Bonnevilles/Durangos for 10 bucks a day on the weekend.