America - Car rental - young driver

[richard-]

Hey you guys me and a few friends are going to america june just after camping and we are going to hire a car there. Can't wait!! :)

We are going to new york so want to pick up a car around this area, any of you guys ever rented a car in america, and recommend any places you hve used?

Otherwise the cheapest I can find for 7 day rental is around £250 (which includes around £100 for young driver charge, under 25). That is with enterprise.

Come across a few others such as budget rental but they add about £250 for young driver charges.

Also I think renting sat nav off them will be a good idea too? because mine is only for europe. Else I may get terribly lost :p

[dr_jones]

I went to visit a mate in San Diego a few weeks back and just HAD to hire out a Ford Mustang for a drive to LA. I rented through Hertz, and to be honest was totally impressed by the service and cost. I took out the extra insurance package (I would suggest you do this!) and it worked out at £45 a day, which I thought was great. You also have the advantage that gas is $2.80 a gallon. I am 28 though, and am not sure about the limited selection of cars available to the under 25's (if you are).

Give the Hertz reservations line a ring and get a quote ;)

[ULP]

Only rule for hiring a car in the US - it has to be a soft-suspension Yank-Tank with comedy handling and velour seats. Nothing beats going native.

Ford Crown Victoria cuts the mustard.

[andyboy]

i go once or twice every year(florida), i usually find the best rate on a comparison site as costs can vary so much, i will say budget were the worst company i have used.
look out they will try and get you to sign for lots of extra insurance etc on collecting the car, i did once after a long flight without realising i was being robbed blind, i also go for the collect empty (fuel) return empty option it saves paying them double for the petrol fro the hire co, don't worry there are "gas stations" on every street corner most cities.

ps. look out the're crap drivers.

[andyman]

Well imho I would take all the insurance options and yes the gas stations do seem to be on every other corner and sooooo cheap.
Unless your great at directions then get Sat Nav from them as when we did last time it was worth its weight in gold!!, I would happily pay double if I had to !!.
Ye have to say in my mind a convertible is the way to go though wont have the boot space I suspect you would need!!, Other than that a licoln town car or caddy or my personal favorite the Ford crown victoria,
especially if you could get a P71 police interceptor version:cool::o

[andyboy]

yes do get a nav it is a must and available at all rentals possibly available built in the car, if you miss a turn the next exit can be a loooooong way away, just watch out for the ten million dollar take care of everything sir policy option:(, make sure you have cdw(from memory?) collision damage waver and you'll be just fine:)

[richard-]

Thats quite a lot if I take a car for 5 or so days for insurance. Cant you use your insurance you have here lol. I actually saw a I sign coming home tonight and thought theres another to try 'hertz' . Cars not include any insurance in the standard quoted prices?

[Paddys]

Have you tried some of the online holiday places ? They are generally pretty cheap (I got some cracking deals there when I used to go out there regually). The other trip is to book the smallest possible car. They never have them! Then when you get there refuse any offer "I'll upgrade you for only $30 a day" because when you get outside to chose your car..... opps sorry we don't have any tiny little cars - have this big one instead!

I think from about 30 bookings over 2 years only once did I get an "e-car".

Once or twice I even got a nice car! I think the dodge stratos 3 dr 3l RT Sport was the best....

CDW is important if you don't want a nasty shock but I have risked it in the past!

PaddyS

[dr_jones]

Thats quite a lot if I take a car for 5 or so days for insurance. Cant you use your insurance you have here lol. I actually saw a I sign coming home tonight and thought theres another to try 'hertz' . Cars not include any insurance in the standard quoted prices?

Cars do come with insurance, but the difference between the full cover and standard cover was about 6 bucks, for me it was a no brainer! People over there are much more likely to sue your ass if you crash. I agree with the sat nav comments, I had it and would have got lost without it for sure! Hertz have been good for me, but always shop around!

[MPG Lover]

If you are going to New York do you need a rental car? If you are only going to stay in New York City (for example) then perhaps just use the subway and/or taxis.

If you do need a rental car then as others have said book the cheapest possible and do a deal once you are out there. Definitely get a Sat Nav if you can because their road signs are rubbish - on the freeways they tend to have turn-offs by road name rather than place - imagine going round the M25 to have signs saying 'Acacia Avenue' in one mile. Helpful. You do not want to drive into the wrong neighbourhood (I did twice on a trip to the West Coast).

If this is your first time to America beware of the huge difference between the rich and the poor. Otherwise enjoy your trip!