how to rent a cheap car

[Rodney]

To rent a cheap car, your strategy matters more than anything else. The single most effective tactic is to book your rental car as far in advance as possible, especially for peak travel seasons. Prices can double or triple for last-minute bookings. Beyond that, consistently using aggregator websites to compare prices across all major and discount rental companies is crucial. Always skip the counter-to-counter rental car insurance if your personal auto insurance or credit card already provides coverage, as this is a major hidden cost.

Your choice of rental location also plays a significant role. Airports often have high convenience fees and taxes. If it's practical, take a shuttle or rideshare to an off-airport rental location for substantially lower rates. Being flexible with the car category—opting for a compact or economy car instead of an SUV—can lead to immediate savings on both the rental rate and fuel costs.

Here’s a quick comparison of average daily rates for an economy car from different booking sources, illustrating why comparison is key:

Rental Company / Booking Method	Average Daily Rate (Off-Peak)	Average Daily Rate (Peak Season)	Key Consideration
Major Brand (Airport Counter)	$65 - $90	$110 - $160	Highest convenience fees
Major Brand (City Location)	$45 - $70	$80 - $120	Often requires shuttle/taxi
Discount Brand (e.g., Fox, Sixt)	$35 - $55	$65 - $100	Older fleet, stricter policies
Aggregator Website (e.g., Kayak)	$40 - $75	$70 - $130	Best for comparing all options
Costco Travel (Member Benefit)	$38 - $60	$65 - $105	Includes free additional driver

Finally, read the full rental agreement before you drive off. Look for prepaid fuel options, mileage caps, and additional driver fees. Returning the car with a full tank of gas yourself is almost always cheaper than prepaying for fuel. By combining advance booking, thorough comparison, and strategic choices, you can reliably find an affordable rental.

[McLukas]

I travel a ton for work, so my go-to move is using my credit card’s rental car portal. The savings are real, and they often throw in a free additional driver. I never, ever take the insurance they push at the counter—my card covers it. Biggest hack? Renting from a location in the city, not the airport. The Uber ride is worth the fifty bucks I save per day. It adds up fast.

[StIsla]

As a college student, every dollar counts on a road trip. We always use an app like Turo—it’s like Airbnb for cars. You can find older but reliable cars for way less than the big companies charge. We also split the cost four ways. The key is being cool with a smaller, basic car. You’re not paying for fancy features, just the freedom to get where you’re going without blowing your budget.

[LaKeegan]

Planning our family vacation, I found the best deals weren't on the rental websites themselves. I went through my warehouse club membership—Costco Travel had packaged rates that were unbeatable, and it included a second driver for free, which is a must with kids. I also set price alerts on Kayak about two months out. Watching the prices fluctuate helped me book at the lowest point. It takes a little more effort upfront, but the savings are substantial.