Car hire Canada/ north America

[neptune]

I have a trip to Canada coming up and need to hire a car. All the usual web sites state car type or similar. 

Does anyone have experience of hiring in north Canada/ America without the or similar ?

I would much prefer to speak direct but that doesn't seem to be an option .

[Alan France]

You rent a class of vehicle right from economy through luxury, SUV, convertibles and mini vans.

 

Some companies like Alamo let you choose so if you have paid for a convertible they will tell you to choose any car in row H. Others like Hertz and Budget and others will let you rent a particular model like a Corvette but at a price.

 

Just be aware of CDW (Collision Damage Waver) and all the other things they will try and sell you, especially on the basis of you being tired after a long flight. It is not unusual to turn down damage excess insurance and it still appear on the form so READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN. Staff get a bonus for up selling.

 

If they offer a free upgrade make sure it's actually FREE.

 

I would take out collision damage excess insurance before you go, rather than use the rental companies, it's much cheaper. 

 

Also remember the big airport rental places move a lot of cars. When I visited Phoenix to see NASCAR racing I collected a rental at 4pm and Alamo had rented 1700 cars that day so far.

 

I would go for a Mustang convertible or a Dodge Charger, can't go wrong.

[Steve (sdh2903)]

Highly reccomend tripwheels for north America. All inclusive hire with all the insurances included.

 

https://www.tripwheels.com/

[6carjon]

I've just come back from canada. I used Alamo.  We had a dodge charger and a ford Taurus. Both great luxury effortless cars. 

Alamo were great as Alan says you just pick a car from a lane of your price.

Buy the cdw waiver unless you are a risk taker.

We had a cracked windscreen unidentified at pick up (a tiny chip on a wet windscreen in a dark  car park collection,that spread when you drove the car....)they were going to charge us until I reminded them.

Not many usa or Canada rental cars have sat nav.  Japanese ones are most likely but dont assume a certain price level guarantees it.

Check each car.

Petrol is cheap.  In Canada it's  1 dollar 14 a litre on a 1.55 a change rate so you can afford to enjoy it.

Cheers Jon 

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 2019 by 6carjon
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[Stuart]

I hired a Dodge Charger from Avis on a one way from Calgary to Vancouver in June. Almost 4 weeks and 2300 miles. Great car for the job. Took out XS insurance here but the up selling on insurance from Avis was quite aggressive. Make sure you have the right cover before you go and just keep saying no at the desk

 

[neptune]

Thanks for all the replies. Sadly a Mustang isn't an option this time round. 

 Looks like I will have to book and hope for the best.

 

[corsechris]

While you are browsing,  make sure to use private mode. The big rental firms are b*******s for upping the price each time you visit as soon as their website spots the cookies.

 

I always go with the full insurance package myself. Had a shunt one visit . At first it looked like it was just a minor ding on the boot lid, then I realised it was about 6” shorter than it had been when I collected it. Just drove it back to the rental place, dropped off the keys and asked for a new one. Quick form signing exercise and good to go, no penalties, no hassles.

[neptune]

Thanks Chris,

Yep noticed this when searching for airline tickets. Have been browsing on my tablet at home then booking from Pc at work !