Car-rental prices are high this season, but several options offer daily rates far lower than those offered by national agencies
when demand returned faster than expected. Now, spurred by the shortage, they’ve hiked prices sky high—with weekend rates for standard-size cars in New York City often exceeding $180 a day.
Then there’s AAMCAR, a locally owned car-rental agency on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “Things are about the same,” was the bland report from general manager Marci Hernandez when I asked how business was faring compared with last year. The national chains depend largely on tourism and business travel, but AAMCAR always catered mainly to locals. During the pandemic, says Ms. Hernandez, business held steady as residents booked cars for commuting and summer-home stays. As a result, AAMCAR retained its entire fleet and still offers its usual rates—which Ms. Hernandez says are typically lower than those found at its national competitors’ nearby locations.
As anyone trying to reserve a rental car in New York City knows, prices are bonkers this season. The last time, in 2016, the lowest price available on a three-day mid-August rental in the city was a reasonable $64 a day. Last week, the lowest quote from a mainstream agency was $182 a day—a threefold increase.
“I’m in this industry for 45 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Neil Abrams, president of Abrams Consulting Group, a car-rental consulting firm. He just paid $150 a day to rent a car on his recent trip to New York.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gun goes off, nearly kills victim in Miami car, as women record on cellphonesA woman is clinging to life after she was accidentally shot in a car in Miami Beach, Florida, as a group of women recorded on cellphones, authorities say.
Read more »
UN says attacks on peacekeepers in CAR may constitute war crimesThe Security Council holds an open meeting on the broader central Africa region where the United States and Russia traded accusations over actions in the Central African Republic.
Read more »
Hot car deaths: 7 tips for preventing child deaths in hot carsDuring the worldwide pandemic in 2020, 24 children lost their lives in hot cars.
Read more »
Amorous cicada blamed for causing car crash in CincinnatiPolice are blaming an amorous cicada for causing a car crash in Ohio
Read more »
Activists again use cars, trash cans to barricade George Floyd square after crews clear area'We are collectively committed to establishing a permanent memorial at the intersection, preserving the artwork, and making the area an enduring space for racial healing,' a joint statement from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and two city council members from last week said.
Read more »
Suze Orman helps viewers decide: ‘Can I afford it?’The personal finance expert weighed in on whether taking on a certain car payment and paying for a trip were a good idea, while also giving out saving advice for the summer.
Read more »