Avis/Budget vs. Enterprise/Alamo

[PoppyJ]

I have always rented with National or Enterprise out of MCO. It looks like Costco doesn't offer National anymore (at least out of MCO).

I have a big trip planned next year and will need a van for 2 weeks. Right now it's looking like Avis/Budget is a lot cheaper than Enterprise/Alamo.

If you search reviews for Avis/Budget vs. Enterprise/Alamo specifically at MCO and MIA, there's a pretty substantial difference in favor of Enterprise/Alamo. (2.5 stars vs. 4.4 stars).

For those that have rented from Avis or Budget out of MCO or MIA, are they really that bad??

 

[Greg36]

I’ll be curious to hear others’ feedback on this. We have rented through Costco for Alamo out of MCO many times. It’s always been so good we have never tried any others. Have a trip coming up where budget is cheaper than Alamo but thinking I might just stick with Alamo.

 

[_19disnA]

Have rented from Avis at several large airports (including MCO) and things always went well. The car was ready when I arrived and had no problems. They have that member club you can join (like many other car rental companies) so you can go directly to your car without having to wait in any long lines. Upon returning, there were always employees in the return area with those hand-held devices to check-in the vehicle and print me a receipt.

Depending upon the setup at specific airports, good to check where the facilities are located since the ones who are on-site don't require a bus to get to the rental area. At some airports that doesn't matter (Vegas is one example) since all of the rental companies were moved to an offsite location several years ago to make room for an airport expansion.

Not sure what online reviews will tell you about how to decide. I am sure there are always a few people who had some minor issue and then go online to bash the entire company. I think for the most part, people don't bother to write a review when things go well (I know I hardly ever do that).

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I've used Budget multiple times. I got tired of what seemed like an endless line at Alamo. If you do the Budget fastbreak you can go right to the garage. I really liked Budget and have had no problems with them. I often book through Costco.

 

[Akck]

I’ve rented from both and have had no problems with either. My preference is Alamo since you can pick any car that’s parked in your car category and sometimes that can be an upgrade.

 

[EACarlson]

I have always rented with National or Enterprise out of MCO. It looks like Costco doesn't offer National anymore (at least out of MCO).

I have a big trip planned next year and will need a van for 2 weeks. Right now it's looking like Avis/Budget is a lot cheaper than Enterprise/Alamo.

If you search reviews for Avis/Budget vs. Enterprise/Alamo specifically at MCO and MIA, there's a pretty substantial difference in favor of Enterprise/Alamo. (2.5 stars vs. 4.4 stars).

For those that have rented from Avis or Budget out of MCO or MIA, are they really that bad??

No. There is functionally no difference between them as far as service or cars. My personal rankings would be Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo. I prefer the Avis experience as it assigns me the vehicle in the app, which I can then change. The cars are generally a little newer than any of the others.
It appears that Costco recently renegotiated their contracts with EHI, which owns National, Enterprise and Alamo.
I would recommend using www.autoslash.com to search for rates, sometimes there are better options out there. I've got a rate through AAA and Hertz that Costco can't touch.

 

[kimmar067]

I will NEVER use Budget, nor recommend them. Initially, I had booked through a 3rd party [I think Priceline?] because the quote was a LOT cheaper. However 2 days after returning home, I got an email of all those additional fees and charges which literally DOUBLED my quote. I should have learned years ago [back in the summer of 2017] using Budget when we had a family reunion in Puerto Rico when 3 of us rented through Budget and got burned, along with two other customers. [Basically, Budget played the "bait-and-switch" game]. I always use Alamo - I always get a complimentary upgrade and the employees are always friendly and helpful.

 

[EACarlson]

I will NEVER use Budget, nor recommend them. Initially, I had booked through a 3rd party [I think Priceline?] because the quote was a LOT cheaper. However 2 days after returning home, I got an email of all those additional fees and charges which literally DOUBLED my quote. I should have learned years ago [back in the summer of 2017] using Budget when we had a family reunion in Puerto Rico when 3 of us rented through Budget and got burned, along with two other customers. [Basically, Budget played the "bait-and-switch" game]. I always use Alamo - I always get a complimentary upgrade and the employees are always friendly and helpful.

Sounds to me like the 3rd party didn't disclose to you the final total.

 

[SplashMom]

We also have used Alamo for years but the prices are quite high this year. I have one booked through Budget, which is fine, but I'm more familiar with the Alamo process. I'm hoping the prices will come down but I'm prepared if not.

 

[greeneyedchick]

I just used Budget for the first time last month and it was awful! I will not rent with Budget/ Avis again. The Budget rentals had to use the same line as Avis, so I group them together. I chose them because they were the cheapest but they charged me for gas even though I filled the tank. They charged me for a "free" upgrade that they offered me after I had to stand in the cold for 45 minutes waiting for my car (as a preferred member). They checked my return in over 1.5 hours later than I had. I would avoid them if you can.

 

[Akck]

I just used Budget for the first time last month and it was awful! I will not rent with Budget/ Avis again. The Budget rentals had to use the same line as Avis, so I group them together. I chose them because they were the cheapest but they charged me for gas even though I filled the tank. They charged me for a "free" upgrade that they offered me after I had to stand in the cold for 45 minutes waiting for my car (as a preferred member). They checked my return in over 1.5 hours later than I had. I would avoid them if you can.

I’ve been charged for gas too. I always get a receipt when I fill up so I can contest the charge. I’ve gotten the charge reversed every time.

 

[SplashMom]

Well, I think I'll book Alamo even though they are a bit more. I feel comfortable and I know we can quickly get our vehicle and be on the road. Thanks!

 

[Southernswthrt]

I have used Budget more than I would like in recent years because of the price; however, I try to avoid them if possible. Alamo is my preferred company; I have had several good experiences with them…Budget seems to always be a headache about one thing or another. More often than not, you will save $$$ with Budget but it usually comes at a “price”. Unless I can save a substantial amount of $$$, I really try to avoid Budget. Now I have heard good things about Avis but I’ve never used them.

That said, it’s looking like I’ll be using Budget again in March unless Alamo’s prices come down. Good luck!

 

[_19disnA]

Never had any issues using Avis. I ALWAYS get a printed receipt when returning the car and check to make sure they show the gas tank FULL (I always fill-up before returning) and verify the mileage/date/time of return is accurate. If it is wrong, that is the time to tell the attendant and get it resolved. Those are good practices to follow regardless of what rental company you use.

 

[MagicDVC]

We've used Budget more recently and had so complaints. I like that with Alamo you can choose your vehicle within your booked class. Not all trunks are made the same.

 

[jujubiee4]

No. There is functionally no difference between them as far as service or cars. My personal rankings would be Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo. I prefer the Avis experience as it assigns me the vehicle in the app, which I can then change. The cars are generally a little newer than any of the others.
It appears that Costco recently renegotiated their contracts with EHI, which owns National, Enterprise and Alamo.
I would recommend using www.autoslash.com to search for rates, sometimes there are better options out there. I've got a rate through AAA and Hertz that Costco can't touch.

Did you book this directly with Hertz?

 

[EACarlson]

No, I book through Autoslash, which redirects to Priceline. Then I put my Hertz Gold Plus number in on Priceline and get my Five Star benefits. When I got to MCO last month, it was less than ten minutes from the time I grabbed my bag off the carousel, went downstairs to grab my VTP, across the street, up the stairs, my name was on the board so I went straight to the President's Circle aisle, picked my vehicle and was gone.