Big variation in rental car rates

Press, 1 February 1983, Page 29

Big variation in rental car rates

By

LES BLOXHAM

travel editor

Planning to hire a rental car 0 If so. shop around and carefully compare rates in relation to the number of days you want the car and the distance you' hope to cover. A random survey of eight firms in Christchurch last week revealed a surprising variation in rates. But first, a word of warning. Making comparisons in this business is far from simple. For instance, makes and types of cars frequently vary in the rental categories offered. Nevertheless, a fair comparison could be made by concentrating on the smallest, reservabie car — mainly Toyota Starlets and similar vehicles of that size. Also, it is important to remember that while some of the smaller, lesser known’ rental firms offer the cheapest rates, their fleets are limited in size. Likewise, they cannot offer the same comprehensive back-up and drop-off facilities of Avis. Hertz and Budget. Nevertheless, as can be seen from the table at the end of this report, the smaller firms do offer the best deals for shortterm hiring, specially where the vehicle can be returned to the original place of pick-up. On the basis of a one-day hire of an “economy" size car covering 50km. the

Shirley Service Station offered the best deal with a Mini for $24. Most expensive was Budget, for the simple reason that this company in Christchurch hires out its cars only on a flat rate with no extra charge for kilometres. If the distance covered were to exceed 300 km. then Budget would clearly offer the best deal. This becomes evident in the comparative charges for longer-term hires. Except for the occasional “special deal," Avis and Hertz and most of the other rental firms will only enter into an “unlimited kilometres" agreement if the

car is hired for a minimum of three days. Of the major firms, only Budget offers a - one day “unlimited kilometres" service. Charges for longer hire periods also vary. Examples of the cost of hiring a medium size automatic car (Holden Commodore or Toyota Corona) over five days with unlimited kilometres from the four major companies are: Avis $325. Hertz $360. Budget $3lO. Newmans $325. Over all. Hertz appears to be the most expensive — probably because of a recent 7 per cent rate increase (approved by the Department of Trade and Industry). However. Hertz does offer the occasional attractive "special." like the current $44.95 daily rate which includes insurance and unlimited kilometres. (This offer expires next Monday).

Both Avis and Hertz also offer reduced rates at week-ends. Most airports throughout the country have Avis and Hertz booths, but in Wellington Budget has eased Hertz out. At Rotorua, all three are represented. A $3 airport fee is charged between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; outside these hours the Charges leap to $l5. At week-ends and on public holidavs the fee between 8 a m. and 8 p.m. is $7.50. I have found it pays to check the petrol tank at the nearest service station after picking up a rental car. The tank is supposed to be full, but do not rely on the gauge. On some occasions I have managed to get another couple of gallons in. Keep a dated receipt and advise the rental firm as soon as you can — with the current high cost of petrol, $6 is well worth saving.

Rate Rate Insur Sample costs, for small ear Company a dav Allowances a km a dav 1 dav-50km 2 dav-150km 2 dav-500km Avis $24" — 18c $4 ’ $37.00 $8.3.00 $146 Budget $45 unlimit km — $4 $49.00 $98.00 $98 FerryRdSer $19 '(inc ins) 15c — $26.50 $60.50 *$88 Hertz $37 (inc 50km) 13c $5 $42.00 $90.50 $136 Mangers $24 — 16c $4 $36.00 $80.00 $136 Newmans $18 — 14c $4 $29.00 $65.00 $114 Rhodes $23 — 17c $4 $35.50 $79.50 $139 ShirleySer $15 — 14c $2 $24.00 $55.00 $104 * Price based on special $44 per day rate , including insurance. Limited number of drop-off points.