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Furthermore, many of the troubles plaguing the auto industry are showing up in the car-rental fleets, like slow-moving, gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles. That's why Alamo is renting mid-size SUVs at lower rates than smaller, compact SUVs. Vacationers can rent a mid-size SUV, like the Chevrolet Equinox, with an Environmental Protection Agency combined estimated average of 19 miles per gallon, for $37.99 a day, or $20 to $25 less than a compact SUV, like the Kia Sportage (21 mpg) or Chevrolet Uplander minivan (19 mpg).
Only a handful of car-rental agencies, like Hertz, even have fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly "green cars" in their fleet, like hybrids and fuel-sipping cars. Hertz is shaving off $25 on weekly rental rates in hopes of drawing attention to this newly added fleet.
Small savings
The good news is that some deals don't expire. If you reserve your vehicle with Alamo on its Web site and pre-pay with a credit card, you will automatically receive a 10% discount on the rental.
Dollar and Thrifty have an ongoing regional deal in the Dallas, Houston and Denver areas, as well as in the state of Florida. In the Texas markets you can get the Pass24 prepaid toll card for $8.95 per day, which covers all incurred toll charges in the eligible areas. In Florida, it costs $5.95 per day or $27.95 for the week.
While there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop rising gas prices, with an Internet connection and advance planning, you might be able to shave a few dollars off of the price of renting a car on your summer vacation.