I will be renting a car. In florida!

"Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
04/09/2014 at 22:28 • Filed to: None

Does anyone have any car rental kung fu they could teach me?

How do I get a good price how do I make sure all the luggage fits? Can I use some straps and just throw it all on the roof?

How do I not get raped?

DISCUSSION (17)

AthomSfere > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:31

Um, no idea why this popped into my mind but:

How do I not get raped?

Kinja'd!!!

Arben72 > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:33

Pay with bath salts, the exchange rate is much better.

No Prius Needed > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:35

Which part of FL are you going to. And just a tip everyone doesn't know how to drive.

Sn210 > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:38

being 25+ helps

My mother inlaw just told me about autoslash.com. I don't know much about it, but I guess they track your reservation and automatically rebook it for you if the rates go down.

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:43

I'm a cheap ass myself, but unless you want to die merging onto every interstate don't rent anything in the "Economy" class.

Holy fuck, never has my blood pressure been as high as trying to merge onto Utah's 80mph speed limit interstates in a Versa.

The first time I opted for the "Full-Size" and got a Jetta instead. 1000x better just in driveability alone. The Versa felt like if an hawk swooped down it could've probably picked me up right off the highway.

Stef Schrader > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 22:49

I've only had to deal with it when my car's been broken, so I've always dealt through State Farm. Just be firm: I want this, give me this or I call somebody else. Sometimes it's worth the wait to get something else.

Mazdas are solid bets. 2, 3, either one = cheap and not too bad.

Jetta = also not bad, although there's no traction control off button.

Sort of the same problem with the Focus—probably the nicest feeling rental I've had—hands down—on the road, but try and hoon it even with traction control off (hidden in a menu, arrgh) and stability control will come back on, give you the middle finger and kick you in the nuts. Hate.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Stef Schrader
04/09/2014 at 22:56

kick you in the nuts

jariten1781 > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 23:02

Join a 'frequent renter' program (even if you're not going to rent frequently) that way you can just skip the desk and go straight to the car. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and what your credit card covers before deciding on getting the Loss/Damage waiver from the renters. Fill it up before you return it. If you're trying to save, renting from a local lot instead of an airport or train station can save 20% or more in 'tourist concession fees'. Make sure you look at the price after all taxes and fees (they can actually exceed the daily rate). Understand how (or if) they will charge for a late return. Don't lose the keys. Understand how the companies work together (for example, Avis gets new cars then as they get more miles, aka shittier, they give them to Budget). Search online for a discount code or rate (for Avis it will be called a AWD code). If you do go to the desk and they give you a choice take whatever car has the lowest mileage even if it seems like a lesser vehicle...rental miles are hard on cars and they develop bizarre problems like broken sway bars and bad ball joints at <20k miles. Don't wreck it.

Frank Grimes > jariten1781
04/09/2014 at 23:10

nailed it.

Frank Grimes > Stef Schrader
04/09/2014 at 23:12

I always thought you were a girl.

Frank Grimes > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches.
04/09/2014 at 23:13

that would be awesome to be stolen away by a majestic bird of prey.

Stef Schrader > Frank Grimes
04/09/2014 at 23:27

I've got balls of steeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel.

Buick Mackane > Frank Grimes
04/10/2014 at 03:24

I rent a lot of cars and I always try to reserve the smaller cars (Focus, Versa hatchbacks etc,,). Usually when I show up they always seem to be out of the small cars. You will be upgraded to a much larger and nicer car 9 out of 10 times. Also the Focus, Versa, etc,,, always have lots of trunk and interior space anyway if you don't get the upgrade. Bring a digital camera to video record any damage to the interior seats and carpet, exterior body work and wheels and tires very carefully while the clerk is still with you in the parking lot inspecting the car. Make sure you get the car rental clerk to acknowledge on video all the nicks, dings and scratches while recording. Also check the wheels very carefully for scrapes and dents, they will be very expensive to replace if you get blamed for the damage to the rims. Your video will be proof that you did not create any new damage to the rental car when you return it. Fill the tank 20 miles before returning to the rental car agent location, the tank will still show full and you save a bit of money on gas. Clean the car inside and out as much as possible before returning it, a dirty car with a lot of trash in it will be examined much more thoroughly for damage upon return. Also, check the oil and fluids before leaving the lot so you don't get blamed for running it low on fluids. They will either top of the fluids right there for you or will upgrade you to a nicer car.

Buick Mackane > Frank Grimes
04/10/2014 at 03:33

If you get two keys on the FOB make sure you separate them so you don't lock yourself out. Keep one key on the FOB and the keep the spare key in a magnetic box inside the rear bumper or on the rear car frame. This will surely save you from getting locked out in the middle of nowhere and waiting for a locksmith to show up. Make sure you return both keys when returning the car, they are probably expensive. The car rental agency will try to sell you insurance for $17.00 per day. American Express offers premium car rental insurance for a flat rate of $17.00 for up to a 30 day rental, much cheaper way to go.

GRawesome > Frank Grimes
04/10/2014 at 09:13

I too also always rent the smallest car and almost every time they are out of them when you get there and they give you a free upgrade to something larger. If not, you can always upgrade at the counter for the same price you would have paid before.

See if your employer or school has a rental agreement with any of the companies. The University I work for has a rental agreement with 3 different companies which we are allowed to use for personal travel, gets you a car for $25/day with insurance and everything.

I got a Camaro in DC once just by chatting up the lady behind the counter and being nice. She gave me the car over my original economy for just a few bucks a day more. They will often make deals on the day of the rental because they know the car won't be rented last minute. Never hurts to ask!

I friend of mine goes to the airport rental desks and acts like an auctioneer. He stands about 10 feet back from the counters and starts a bidding war, seeing who will give him a car for the cheapest. A little aggressive for my tastes, but some people enjoy that kind of thing.

What part of our great state of Florida will you be visiting?

Frank Grimes > GRawesome
04/10/2014 at 17:38

thank you for taking the time to offer your advice! we will be flying into orlando and travelling to port canaveral in a rental car for a cruise.

Frank Grimes > Buick Mackane
04/10/2014 at 17:40

You really must rent a lot of cars! thanks.