Budget Rental Car

[braxus]

I'm one day going to sell my current car in favor of a 2004-up Mazda 3. I found out Budget does rent this car, so I made a reservation for one Sept. 18th next month. They have it listed as mid size??? Its a small car and its mid size? Anyway my Visa had a small discount on renting from Budget, so I included that. They list the Corolla as the standard car for this class, but the lady put in the notations I want a Mazda 3. What are the chances I'll get that car, and if for some reason they can't get the Mazda in favor of some other car, do I still have to go through with the rental?

This will give me a chance to drive one of these cars to see how she drives for a day. I could go through the hassle of a test drive, but it might be years before I get one of these. So for fun on my week off- why not rent one for a day? Not cheap though. $70 a day with insurance. Im not sure if my own car insurance will cover this rental, so I opted to get their insurance.

[Fast Forward]

my experience with car rental agencies tells me that your not obligated to take the rental,,

[Scorpion8]

my experience with car rental agencies tells me that your not obligated to take the rental,,

I know people who travel a lot and make reservations at 3 or 4 rental agencies so when they show up they have options and a fallback if one loses their reservation. But you'll like the Mazda 3.... great cars.

[JaeTee]

I'm one day going to sell my current car in favor of a 2004-up Mazda 3. I found out Budget does rent this car, so I made a reservation for one Sept. 21 next month. They have it listed as mid size??? Its a small car and its mid size? Anyway my Visa had a small discount on renting from Budget, so I included that. They list the Corollo as the standard car for this class, but the lady put in the notations I want a Mazda 3. What are the chances I'll get that car, and if for some reason they can't get the Mazda in favor of some other car, do I still have to go through with the rental?

This will give me a chance to drive one of these cars to see how she drives for a day. I could go through the hassle of a test drive, but it might be years before I get one of these. So for fun on my week off- why not rent one for a day? Not cheap though. $70 a day with insurance. Im not sure if my own car insurance will cover this rental, so I opted to get their insurance.

You won't have to go through with the rental if they don't give you the 3...

Also for consideration... are you a 5-speed kind of guy? If so, you'll be getting the automatic version from Budget, which might be a very different drive vs. the manual transmission.

I'd love to spend a couple of days driving the Mazdaspeed 3!

[braxus]

Thanks guys. I'd hate to get stuck with a bill if they can't get the Mazda for me. Im going to follow up with the rental outlet (I used to work for them once) in town and make sure they know my intentions.

An automatic is fine with me. I'll probably be getting an automatic when it comes time to buy.

As for the Mazdaspeed 3. I'd love one. I was planning on getting it at one time. I still might too. But it comes down to what I find and afford the day I finally look for one of these to buy.

[braxus]

Well I went into the outlet today and confirmed my rental. I had them take off the insurance since my own vehicle insurance has coverage for that. They also told me that cannot guarantee which vehicle I will get, and didn't even ask which one I was after. Doesn't sound good that I'll get to drive the Mazda since they'll probably just give me whatever vehicle they decide to grab.

[clhboa]

Yeah, I don't ever pick what I want until I get there. It depends on what they have on hand. I like to try and get Lincoln Towncars or a Mercury Gran Marquis.

[braxus]

I cancelled the reservation. I got the impression they have no intention of giving me THAT car that I requested, but will take whatever they can quickly get. So instead that day I will call the main number and see who has one, then reserve it right then. Of course I'll have to get a ride to where ever it is.