Why are rental cars more expensive now than I can ever remember?

My assumption is that gas prices have driven up costs, but I haven’t had to deal with it that often. Despite the increases on regular, advertised costs, in the past 8 or 9 times I’ve rented cars, I’ve been able to get them through Priceline for no more than $20 a day. A couple of times, they’ve accepted my bid for $13 a day.

In September, I was able to get the same route exact route of SFO – SBA for $25 a day, during a holiday weekend. I contacted the 1800 number at Enterprise and asked for the best deal they could give me, and got around it that way.

I know this doesn’t answer your questions about thoughts or theories, but maybe there’s enough time for you to find cheaper arrangements?

Car prices are up, Maintainance cost are up, insurance cost are up. It makes “cents” that rent went up to cover expences.

Get a gold card and save on the costs of insurance at least.

It could be just price increases due to the economy, and it could also be that the rental company is charging more for a oneway rental within California, whereas in the past they may not have charged extra to drop it off in another city. I see this alot now in Florida. You didn’t used to have to pay extra to pick up and one airport and drop it off at another, but most companies are now charging extra for this.