Driving Phoenix. Copyright 2008. J. Hammond All Rights Reserved
Like most communities in the Western U.S., Phoenix loves cars...and trucks...and motorcycles...and SUVs...and, well, you get the picture. The truth is that it can be tough to experience all that the Phoenix metro area has to offer without some sort of vehicle.
Unless travelers drive to Phoenix, that leaves them with two options, traditional car rental services or the newer car sharing programs. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Cost is the most obvious disadvantage of renting a car, however, you will have a vehicle available at any time between picking it up and returning it to the car rental agency even if your trip lasts several days or weeks. Car sharing can be more affordable, especially if you are a member of a national car sharing service like Zipcar but unless you are staying near the Arizona State University (ASU) Main or Downtown Campus, access can be an issue.
If you are planning to rent a car during your visit to the Valley of the Sun, here is some advice to help you stay on budget this summer:
- Reserve a good rate as soon as you see it. This is one time when shopping around extensively can backfire because prices are expected to continue to rise through July and stay elevated through the end of summer.
- Rent over the weekend. You'll have more choices in vehicles because business travelers have returned home. Prices may also be lower because rental agencies would rather rent at a lower rate than have a vehicle sitting on the lot over the weekend.
- Don't rent at the airport. Off-airport and local rental centers can often offer more affordable rates because they may have lower taxes and fees than those on or near the airport.
- Fill the tank before returning the vehicle. No matter how high the price at the pump, the price charged by rental centers will be higher.
- Book opaque through online services like Hotwire. Not knowing what rental car company you will be getting the vehicle from will save you moving even though prices are expected to spike this year.
- Weigh coupons and discounts against advertised rates and don't forget to ask if you can combine a coupon or discount rate with the advertised rate to increase your savings.
- When returning a rental car, be sure to check your bill before you leave the counter. Ask that any discrepancies be corrected immediately. Don't wait until you get home to address problems unless you absolutely have to.
“Car rental firms have cut their fleets by almost 15 percent in the last year, creating an artificial shortage that has raised car rental prices,” explains Clem Benson, president of Hotwire Group. “The game has changed for consumers, so they need to be smart when renting a car.”
Car sharing firms are another way vacation transportation is changing. Visitors from communities and colleges where car sharing is popular may want to tailor their plans to take advantage of car sharing in Phoenix. If you opt for car sharing, you need to join or be a member of Zipcar, the only car sharing organization currently serving the Valley. There are 11 Zipcars at ASU. Two cars available in the neighborhood of ASU's downtown campus. The rest are available in the neighborhood of ASU's Main Campus in Tempe. In Phoenix and Tempe, Zipcars are available for $8-$9 per hour or $66-$72 per day. Remember with Zipcars you don't have to pay for gas, insurance and the daily rate includes 180 miles.
Which option works best for you will depend on several factors. Whichever you choose, weigh your decision carefully and drive carefully, too!
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