I've looked for minivan rentals from time to time, and have consistently found the rates to be at the top of the spectrum -- nearly as high as for specialty cars that cost over $50k. I don't understand why rates for cars/minivans don't roughly approximate some percentage of their cost to purchase. Shouldn't that be the case? Minivans sell in the range of 20-35k, generally, but I can rent a car that costs that much for far less. Surely it's not supply/demand; if so, the supply would increase and drive down rates to a more reasonable level. Any thoughts?
If you're looking for a minivan, you probably don't have much choice. No reason to cut you a deal when your choices are limited to "vehicles with lots of available seating."
There is likely a correlation between the price and where you are trying to rent from (e.g. Orlando or other family vacation destinations are usually very high for large vehicles). In some locales, smaller cars cost more than larger cars (e.g. cities with limited parking). You have not specified where you are trying to rent from, nor have you defined what is a reasonable level. Simply put, you can fit more people and stuff into a minivan and many find it more cost-effective to pay the higher rental rate. And in the end, it always comes down to supply and demand.
I'm generalizing a bit and not too concerned with certain destinations (like Orlando) where minivans are more desireable. I've looked in several states on different occasions (CT, OH, VT, LA, probably others over the last few years) and have never seen a rate that would approximate the rate I could get a Buick Lucerne or some other vehicle that costs about as much as an average minivan. But both responses so far indicate that you both believe that supply and demand forces cause high prices for minivans. The reason to "cut a deal" is that some rental company should offer a more reasonable price (that correlates more to the vehicle's cost) to undercut, profitably, others that don't do so. Thus my original query.
I've gotten minvans in the past at good rates ( often the price of a mid size or "lock low and go" type rates) in ski areas because most people want SUVs. However, the "rules' have changed. Rental companies are trying to minimize their costs in the face of decreasing demand by reducing their fleets and not buying new cars so the pickings have gotten slim. Best strategy is to book something when you find a reasonable rate, but keep checking back, especially the week or two before your trip and then rebook if rates have been reduced.
I was able to score one for $22 a day in Orlando in the sumertime using Priceline (and biddingfortravel.com) by bidding low about three weks before we went. the best conventional rate even with discounts was well over twice that. Even saved a bunch over Hotwire. it all depends sometimes you can get lucky othertimes you cant baced on availability. Being flexible to use an SUV can help too if it meets your needs as sometimes they have too many of them and but some out for to Priceline.
The reason why minivans are expensive is because they don't make profit most weekdays. You can count on business travelers to take sedans, but minivans sit longer. Hence higher charge to make up for the lost profits.
scrouds said: The reason why minivans are expensive is because they don't make profit most weekdays. You can count on business travelers to take sedans, but minivans sit longer. Hence higher charge to make up for the lost profits.
I've found that the cheapest rental rates I can get are rental places near airports. And I also found if you happen to be traveling during very busy times and go for the 'economy' size you can automatically/freely upgraded to minivans if that's all that comes through. Of course you have the option to pass them up as well. The only cars they won't pass on to economy seem to be the luxury but I think that's for insurance reasons. So if you happen to travel during a busy time, try to go at the busiest time! And be prepared to wait like 2 hours in line then another 30 minutes on the lot. And play the generous game where you let one or two other people go before you (keep in mind to let couples choose first rather than families or groups. try to stay ahead of the 'packs') However what's bad about this tactic is if you have more than 5 people...then you really can't chance being forced to take an economy. I mean if all else fails just change your mind and upgrade.
I've only got rentals twice but i got my rental on a thursday and then a friday from ALAMO. Both times I was offered a minivan while waiting. I must have passed up at least 4 minivans each time and at least 1 or 2 family wagon type vehicles. I ended up getting a ford fusion both times (I really like that car) but I was only traveling with 3 people.
I've also had a friend of the family tell me going to the small ma and pa type car rentals may be cheaper than the name brand companies. Sometimes... So you might try looking up independent car rental places.
All I know is my father would've started piling us kids in the trunk lol *i'm only kidding*
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