travelling around.

[reynardo]

We're heading to Melbourne in a week, for the Grand-Mother-in-law's 90th birthday. And as we're getting in quite late on the Friday and leaving on the Sunday, and as I do enjoy the freedom of having transport, we're hiring a car.

And therein lies the problem:

3 companies quote around the $100 mark for a 4 or 5 door basic car (automatic) eg Getz.
2 companies quote around the $80 mark for a manual of the same model, which makes me wonder if they've either forgotten the wretched Airport tax or not.
Several companies offer reduced rates, but aren't open past pm at night and aren't based at the airport. One would have to wait until the next morning to get the car, which somewhat reduces the effectiveness of it.
Two that list themselves through "Yellow Pages" as "servicing the are but not necessarily located in it" which are actually located in Perth and Dubbo. Somehow I don't think they do airport pickup either.

We've been bitten many times before with companies that quote "$X" for the rental and then when you go to pick it up, there's a stack of road tax and airport tax and concession recovery fee and suchlike that hadn't been included. I think the companies might be under some pressure now to put the "real" cost of the rental up, but I will be ringing the one I've chosed just to ensure that there aren't any other hidden bits.

Comments

[emmasee100.livejournal.com]

It's worth checking if your credit card, airline, employer or professional organisation is doing a deal.

$100 a day? That's steep.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's $100 for almost-2-days. So the average is $50 per day, being $30 for the car and $20 in all those taxes.

[invader-kitty.livejournal.com]

That doesn't sound too bad, actually.

[emmasee100.livejournal.com]

Sorry, my misread. That's not too hideous, really. If you consider that a taxi to the city from the airport is easily over $40 (ok the bus is cheaper) it's not too bad.

[shadow-5tails.livejournal.com]

*winces* My sympathies. It really sounds like a headache.

If we can help with any part of this, let us know?

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

Shall do. Although your lovely partner's excellent reminder about that bloody debit card deposit was most timely, and I thank him for it.

[shadow-5tails.livejournal.com]

He says you're most welcome, and I'm sorry I didn't mention it myself - I figured the kvetching on our parts wouldn't be easy to forget. *wry smile*

[hacked2death.livejournal.com]

I feel for you. When Sarin and I were together, she used to do a lot of business with them for road trips and such. Bloody bastards, all of them. At the end they always find something to charge you extra. "OH! That scratch wasn't there before!!"

[lirion.livejournal.com]

Oooh, you're in Melbourne this weekend? :0 :0

Bugger re the car issues tho. I have no bright ideas I'm afraid :(

[dilph.livejournal.com]

Aha! Melbournation! Are you all booked solid and suffering major blockages, or is dancing and drinking on the cards?

...also, is it the 10th or the 17th? I'm in brisbane for the 17th :(

[moxie_man]

Do your car rental companies have websites like the ones up here State-side do?

Last time I needed a rental, I got a last minute deal--got a full-size vehicle at the mid-size rate. AND I had that quote in writing with me when I went to pick-up my vehicle.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

They'll quote, which will include the basic taxes and road taxes, but then you'll find out when you go to get the car that there's a whole lot of other costs specific to the location, or state, or something. You've signed up for a car that's supposed to be $32.50 per day, and with all the extra bits (and not even counting the optionals like reduced excess and road maps - some places still cahrge for those) it ends up being $55.00 a day.

[the-funkmeister.livejournal.com]

If dancing and drinking is on the cards for the saturday, please do let me know ;) -- I have a need to dress, and 'stuff'.

+$100 does sound extortionistic though.

[nefaria.livejournal.com]

Bunmovers are free. It's a shame you're not a bunny, or we could let you ride them.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

I'm a symp! Doesn't that count???? Yes, it is a shame. Never mind - the Melbourne Bunmover network is rather limited.

[darclaird.livejournal.com]

There is a chance we'll be tootling off to adelaide over the weekend and if so would likekly be leaving our car unused, I'll have a better idea tomorrow, but insofar as it comes back with a full load of fuel (which will cost you about $50) you;re welcome to borrow it... failing that we may be up for dancing and drinking

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

That is very, very sweet of you, but I've already arranged with the company that seemed to be telling the truth.

Have fun over there, though, and watch out for dinosaurs.

[velvetink.livejournal.com]

no idea, haven't hired a car for yonks... but happy day to your grandmother....90 is wow.