Rental cars...

I've used Avis every time to great success

 

Ive used Enterprise for most of my car rental needs.

 

Damn elitists!

I had a problem with one branch of Enterprise. They were trying to put my in a really nice car that would have maxxed out my insurances coverage real quick. I went to a different branch and got an economy car, as I knew I was going to need it for a few weeks.

 

Avis Preferred program. It's ready to go, no counter waiting, no hassle. Off the plane or bus to the depot and just a walk to the car. Sometimes the bus drops me off at my car.

 

I've only had one beef w/ Enterprise. I was told that the rental was covered under insurance (rental while my regular car had body work done). Turns out it wasn't covered and cost me $800. When I said something to the effect of "you told me it would be covered" they told me it was my responsibility to double-check. Bummed me out but they're right. Just wish they'd not have told me it was covered in the first place.

Avis has been good to me, but they're usually the most expensive.

Budget rented me a car that died coming down the PCH. Twisty downhill... Lost power... Lost brakes... Had to e-brake it to stop. Scary moment. They replaced the car at no charge, but it was still pretty sketchy. It was a later model Chevy Impala if anyone cares to know.

 

I used to work for Enterprise while in college and can say that there can be big variances between quality of service at different branches. Several of the "managers" in my region were members of the management trainee program. AKA, they give the title and a small local branch to a recent college grad, underpay, overwork, and expect them to thrive. Some do and do well at Enterprise, others move onto other business ventures.

That being said, each branch takes care of maintenance, cleaning, etc. so there can be big variances here.

Now, Hertz is our corporate partner, so I get discounts here. I'm a Gold Member and cannot beat the feeling of getting off a plane, having a text with what I'm driving and where its parked. No lines, no waiting, just get in and drive. They'll print my contract at the exit of the parking lot. I've had nothing but great experiences.

Side note: don't ever buy a used car from Enterprise. Enterprise self-insures most of their vehicles, so if there is a single vehicle collision/accident, they don't need to report to an external agency. The only incidents that will show up in a Carfax will be incidents that involved more than one vehicle.

 

Whatever gets me the biggest discount with USAA...

 

Dollar Express for me. Walk past line, get in car, leave.

 

Same here, get good upgrades as well.

 

You can get good deals if you can get your hands on the service histories.

My previous car was bought used from Enterprise. I still had some friends in the biz who ran the VIN for me. Worked out great!

 

I used Alamo last summer. No complaints. Used them b/c they had the cheapest rate through Priceline.

 

Cheapest car. Sometimes I even rent from "Rent-A-Dent" used car places...but usually the major lines will match their prices and offer more convenience at airports.