Wait to rent car?

[mariposa]

I feel like I maybe should have waited to book hotels because I maybe didn't get the best rate..So I'm wondering if the same thing would apply
for renting a car in Cancun?Should I do it online before we go or would it be
better to wait? Also Is it worth it to rent off-site of the airport
to not get the extra fee(how much is the fee about?) I'm still trying to figure this out. I know there's info about this on various forums but I've been getting e-mail quotes from different companies that seem higher than what people have said they,ve paid.. Any additional input on this? I know it's a boring topic but thanks for any help!

[beachreader]

When I rented, I just went with Thrifty at the airport, and I had good experiences, but others swear by various other local companies, many of whom just include all the insurances in their one rate. My first two rentals I trusted my credit card company's assurances that I would be covered the same way I'm covered here in the States, but after living on various Mexico forums (forae?) and hearing about other's experiences, I've decided next time I rent I'll be taking all the local insurance offered. In case there is an accident, it would make things much easier.

Anyway, try looking at Buster, Cancun (which I think is a branch of Caribbean car rental) and Easyway, and see how they compare with the chains after you take the insurance. I think the locals are a little cheaper.

As for whether to do it in advance or not, I think I would rather know the car is available and they're expecting me rather than trying to negotiate on the spot.


So hello! Where are you staying in Tulum? I'm not getting down there until the 26th, I'm just terribly nosy and interested to hear where folks are staying and why they chose their place?

I'm staying at Posada Lamar this trip, stayed at Hemingway's last year.

[petecat]

I have always gotten the lowest rate thru either Travelocity or Orbitz.

[sonofabeach]

We're thinking about renting a car too, for at least 2 days.
The place where we're staying is picking us up at the airport as well as taking us back.
Is there a car rental pace in Tulum for when we get there?

[AdGuy]

Is there a car rental pace in Tulum for when we get there?


Yes, there are several. Buster Car Rental and Executive come to mind...I think there are others.

[AdGuy]

I feel like I maybe should have waited to book hotels because I maybe didn't get the best rate..So I'm wondering if the same thing would apply
for renting a car in Cancun?Should I do it online before we go or would it be
better to wait? Also Is it worth it to rent off-site of the airport
to not get the extra fee(how much is the fee about?) I'm still trying to figure this out. I know there's info about this on various forums but I've been getting e-mail quotes from different companies that seem higher than what people have said they,ve paid.. Any additional input on this? I know it's a boring topic but thanks for any help!

I'd definitely set this up prior to leaving. Make sure to bring copies of your paperwork and correspondence. I highly recommend Buster Car Rental, which is about five minutes from the Cancun airport right on Highway 307. If you reserve ahead, they will have a representative with your name on a sign when you go outside. Their rates are usually one of the lowest and you avoid the "on airport" fee which save a few bucks. You can check out their prices at...http://www.busterrentacar.com/rates.html

[Gale in KY]

If you are there in high season, I would go ahead and reserve my vehicle just to ensure it is available when you get there. Low season, you can wait..but generally you will get a better rate by reserving before you leave than if you wait until you arrive.

As with hotels, high season the rates increase with vehicle rentals too. Buster and Easyway show their rates on their website, I have had good experiences with both, but Buster went out of their way to assist me...so I will defintely rent from them again!!!

There is also an Alamo in Tulum, and Ana Y Jose's has vehicles for rent if you don't want to go into town.

[sonofabeach]

Yes, there are several. Buster Car Rental and Executive come to mind...I think there are others.
Thanks Lee! You da man!:)

[mariposa]

I've e-mailed Buster and hopefully will get a response soon. One other question: I've read on some forums about kind of sorting through the insurance coverage to see if some is included w/credit card payment or
w/your home insurance etc..Is it better to just pay for the insurance they offer or is it worth it to try to get insurance ala carte (if you know what I mean) I think it sounds alot simpler to just get all of it from them...?

Thanks again!

p.s. I bought kind of a cool little LED lantern yesterday and then read that Nueva Vida has power 24 hours..oh well!

[Gale in KY]

Credit Cards that offer liablity coverage..any damages have to be paid for before departing the country, you will have to pay them and then be reimbursed after submitting the mountain of paperwork as proof of damage etc. I decline this and take all coverage in Mexico with the car rental. It might be expensive, but it is worth it to make sure you get to enjoy your vacation in the event of an accident, rather than visiting a wonderful Mexican jail until everything is sorted out and damages are covered..something to be said for peace of mind.

Buster has insurance built into their rates..except for the small deductible..they will make a copy of your credit card (remember the old paper credit card slips/vouchers that were used way back when..that's what they use)..they won't place a hold on your card though...one of the things I like about them.

No US auto insurance companies that I know of offer coverage in Mexico.

[AdGuy]

p.s. I bought kind of a cool little LED lantern yesterday and then read that Nueva Vida has power 24 hours..oh well!

Don't worry...you'll still use it. While a few of the hotels have 24-hour power, most do not. Your "new toy" will come in handy during romantic midnight strolls on the beach with your "old toy". :p

[minniemex]

Don't worry...you'll still use it. While a few of the hotels have 24-hour power, most do not. Your "new toy" will come in handy during romantic midnight strolls on the beach with your "old toy". :p

Is this what you had in mind?? http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif

[AdGuy]

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif



http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif


That's it...we're taking away your smilie privilages!!!

[Susan&Mike]

Take away the smilies??? I'm trying to hijack them, how can I copy them and make them mine??

[Susan&Mike]

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/458.gif
hehe never mind!!

[Gale in KY]

http://www.myemoticons.com/categories/girlie/www_MyEmoticons_com__blush.gif

Easy Minnie..heehee

[mariposa]

Just got an e-mail quote from Buster. They said a nissan platina for $336.
Or a jeep wrangler or Jetta for $462. These are all 8 days. This doesn't include 10% tax.

What do you think?

[AdGuy]

Just got an e-mail quote from Buster. They said a nissan platina for $336.
Or a jeep wrangler or Jetta for $462. These are all 8 days. This doesn't include 10% tax.

What do you think?


Seems right in line with their typical pricing and probably better than anyone else's. We rented the Nissan Platina from them in December and it was fine. I think you'd only need the Jeep if planning on going into the Sian Ka'an on your own. That can be a bit of a hair-raising drive without a 4WD with high clearance...you could always have a taxi or the collectivo take you for that day.

[Gale in KY]

That price is about what I would expect. Funny thing, I have never seen the elusive jeep..lol..I often wonder if they really have a jeep in their lineup of vehicles..lol!

You really don't need a jeep, unless you really want one. I had a Nissan Tsuru (about the same as the Platina) when I drove to Punta Allen and it did fine..a few years ago before they did any "fixing" of the Boca Paila Rd..from what I understand, it is in excellent shape now, compared to what it used to be. It also did fine on the bumpy potholed road that takes you to Oscar Y Lalo's..front wheel drive is a wonderful thing..and I did appreciate having a stick shift rather than automatic a couple of times.

On the other hand, I did bury a 4 wheel drive Tahoe in the sand of Daytona Beach...lol!

[AdGuy]

On the other hand, I did bury a 4 wheel drive Tahoe in the sand of Daytona Beach...lol!


Oh...you're THAT Gale! The locals tell of a crazed woman from the West but I didn't connect the two!! http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/happy/auto.gif

[sonofabeach]

The only thing that would keep me from renting a Jeep Wrangler is the fact that I would not fully trust leaving anything in it. With a car you can lock things in the trunk. Assuming the Jeep is a soft top, one can simply unzip and they're in.
As a Jeep Wrangler owner I've never had a problem but I would not take the chance on vacation, especially if you don't really need it. However if you don't do much shopping or carry many things with you, there's nothing like cruisin' with the top and doors off.