Car rental

Marie · Guru

Car rental

EngagingKate · Senior Member

Marie,

Walking up to a car rental counter when you get to Ireland and renting a car (assuming there are cars available in the category you're wanting to rent) is generally extremely expensive. You will save a ton of money by doing it from here before you leave (as soon as you have solid dates). How much will it save it you? Even if you overestimate by a week or so on your rental dates (say you tell them you're going to rent the car for a week longer than you need it), you will probably still save money... especially with an automatic.

That doesn't seem to make sense, but that's how it goes with walk-up car rentals!

When will you know for what dates you will need the car? If it's at any point before you leave, you should make the reservation before you leave the U.S. My two cents... wink

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

The problem this year is that because of the recession the car rental companies are not ordering lots of new cars. It is kind of like how the airlines consolidated flights and put more people on less flight. You will have less choice. There will be less cars available. Automatics are harder to come by and I always suggest booking them in advance. Otherwise you could walk up to the counter and find they have only manuals.

Did you decide where you are renting from? Is it Dublin?

Here's another point. If you call Dooley's toll-free number here in the States they are very nice and helpful. There is an extra charge now for declining CDW and because I rented from them before they waived that charge and gave me a free upgrade. Also, the transaction went through on my credit card in dollars here in the US so no other transaction charges on my card. Use the following code for a 10% discount: dochara

Take Kate's advice and try your hardest to make your car reservation before departing for Ireland. If that is impossible, try phoning the car rental companies when you are in Ireland to see what's available. Then look online to see some rates too. Sometimes there are better rates on the websites.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

It is also because the government changed the tax breaks on new company cars (don't ask I don't know) which had an effect on the net replacement cost even before the 2008 crash. Auto's are more expensive to purchase, run and repair. They also tend to spend a bit of time in the body shop which is why insurance rates are ridiculous. Having said that May is not prime season so there should be no problems finding one, but do it the minute you know your dates. I do everything a week late and fly by the seat of my pants but not having set dates for a major trip with only 2 weeks to go.. good luck girl blankstare

Roy · Guru

Last trip I got a free upgrade to a pretty nicked up Ford Focus. I carefully documented dings, dents, and scratches as well as took time and date stamped 360 degree photographs for my records. I figured the pressure was off since this car was well worn. It also dawned on me that the rental company was probably charging people for the damage but not bothering to do the repairs. Upon return the care was carefully scoured for damage. I asked the man how he would know if I put any damage to the car (I didn't). I don't recall getting a response.

Marie · Guru

Thanks for all the help! I will try to call Dooley this week. Here is the dilemma: I don't have to make set plans, as I am staying with friends and family. The only fuzzy part is WHEN during my stay I am going west, getting a car and driving to Donegal. I am so glad to have the info you've given me. Now I am more motivatd to secure some sure dates for my western excursion.

You guys are the best.

Marie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

Call Dooley and tell them your problem. If you know the number of days you want the car for they may be able to work around the dates. Get their email address so you can email them while you are in Ireland. Perhaps you can lock in a rate for X number of days, then email them with the dates. It certainly can't hurt to ask. All they can say is no.

Michele

Marie · Guru

Good idea, Michele! I will let you know how it goes. wink

Marie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

You are leaving very soon. I want to wish you a fantastic trip to Ireland. Have fun visiting your friend. Hope the car and everything else works out well. Let us know how it goes.

Safe travels.

Michele

Marie · Guru

Thanks, Michele! When do you sleep, by the way? I notice the times of your posts! yawn

I wrote another post on the car situation. Let me know what you think. smile

Marie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

I never sleep. That's how I get so much work done! wink

Michele