Rental cars and out-of-state travel

[[AK]Abaddon]

Hi folks,

My wife and I are contemplating a long road trip in May - driving all the way out to Tahoe from San Antonio. She's never seen real mountains, or been west of San Antonio ... so I thought the drive would be nice.

But ... we want to rent a car, since both of our Saturns are a bit cramped for such a lengthy trek. I know some rental car companies have out-of-state charges; others do not.

Does anyoen have good/bad experiences to share about rental cars and out-of-state travel? Right now, Avis is looking pretty good - I get a solid discount through USAA and I found favorable postings about them on the web. I'm just trying to narrow the field.

[[AK]Clay]

Can't say, I generally don't rent cars when I travel. But I can say that often corporate rates are better. Check to see if your employer has a contract with anyone, that could save you some cash, as well as give you various perks and upgrades (such as unlimited out of state usage and mileage).

[[AK]Bribo]

I'm a Hertz Gold Club member (through my work) and have been very pleased with the cars and the service.

[[AK]Devil_Dog]

Hi AB,
I like the Hertz Gold Plan. We use it when we travel for our business, you will pay a couple extra bucks, but you can't beat the service. Just my 2 cents...

Now that is very scary, Bribo and I just typed the same thing at the same time!!!!

[The Wraith]

I always rent Enterprise or National. I've had good experiences with both.

[The Wraith]

However...I have also rented from Hertz on a number of occassions and haven't had any problems. It was Hertz I rented from when I was last in California.

[[AK]Choozoo]

Hertz

just make sure you opt for the insurance if you're going to have it for that length of a trip.

[[AK]Abaddon]

Thanks, guys.

I spoke with Avis and confirmed that they have no "out of state" fees on their rentals. I get a 40 percent discount off their rentals because I am a USAA member. I can get a full-size car for $37 per day. Hertz also has special USAA rates ... but it's just a free class upgrade.

[Widowmaker]

You can always get good rates at U-Haul!

And just think of all that space you could have in the back of the truck. Like having a camper without all those anoying comforts.