quick car hire question [Archive] - Orlando Villas - Florida Discussion Forums and Guide

SunLover

31-07-2004, 19:22

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by BlueDaze
Remember how cheap gas is out there and try not to be as smart as I was some years ago...
ran out of gas in the rough area of Miami...!! Doh..! (wife still brings it up to this day.)
[/quote]

Maybe you shouldn't have sent her out to find a gas station [:0];)

31-07-2004, 19:50

Also if you are going to the space centre/ coast make sure you have enough gas.

Being florida newbies we expected services on the freeway , but there were none. Panicked on the way as not that many signs of civilisation. Struck lucky and found some workmen and they directed us 5miles off the frreeway to a gas station. I though the mother-in-law was going to have to get out and walk in all that heat!

pieman790

01-08-2004, 11:44

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by BlueDaze
Remember how cheap gas is out there and try not to be as smart as I was some years ago...
)
[/quote]

Ask an american and they will say that Gas is no longer cheap. We were there a few weeks ago and everybody was moaning about the price of Gas. They even have Gas watch alerts on there new channels to tell you where the cheapest gas is.

Nostromo

01-08-2004, 13:40

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pieman790
Ask an american and they will say that Gas is no longer cheap. We were there a few weeks ago and everybody was moaning about the price of Gas. They even have Gas watch alerts on there new channels to tell you where the cheapest gas is.
[/quote]

But it is still about a third of what we pay over here in the UK! Also, because the roads tend to be long and straight in the US, the average MPG seems to be better.

blott

01-08-2004, 16:11

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
But it is still about a third of what we pay over here in the UK! Also, because the roads tend to be long and straight in the US, the average MPG seems to be better.[/quote]Although, in theory, it shouldn't be with the air con going full blast and cruise control reset using up loads trying to catch up with itself.

Nostromo

01-08-2004, 17:54

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
But it is still about a third of what we pay over here in the UK! Also, because the roads tend to be long and straight in the US, the average MPG seems to be better.[/quote]Although, in theory, it shouldn't be with the air con going full blast and cruise control reset using up loads trying to catch up with itself.
[/quote]

That is what I thought at first. But I have driven several different types of car in the USA and made a rough calculation on the MPG (correcting for the US & UK gallon differences) and I am fairly certain that you get better economy on the US roads for similar cars. It may have something to do with greater use of cruise control on long drives with fewer sudden changes of speed.

blott

01-08-2004, 18:44

Although I have both air con and cruise on my UK car, I usually either forget I've got it or, in the case of air con, it's hardly ever required! So unfortunately I can't compare that fuel consumption with driving in Florida, where I use both all the time.

Ray9

01-08-2004, 20:00

The State of Florida reduced the gas tax by 8c starting today to help us poor residents. The reduction will last for the month of August only.

sunseeker

02-08-2004, 01:53

Blott use your aircon all year even when cold outside.
Its not just a fridge unit it does exactly what its called, conditions air. Not using the aircon for long periods of time could cause premature failure, leading to expensive repair bills.

Nostromo unless you drive your car around with all the windows and sun roof closed with the aircon switched off, a car using aircon will be more efficient than one with all the windows open.

Dave

hillgj1

02-08-2004, 13:05

Ray9 is the 8c reduction in tax for residents only? or will us tourists benefit? due out on the 23 of Agust so could effect when we go on long drives to the coast's etc

Thanks

Graeme.

Frosty

02-08-2004, 14:40

In answer to the original question,

I would much rather bring the car back full and get a refund on the gas, that way you dont need to worry about running out of fuel, and there are several gas stations just before the airport.

The deal the car people people give on the fuel isn`t that great, supposedly they give you cheap gas, but over estimate how much the car holds, plus theres always some in the tank from the last renter, so why do they charge for a full tank, just another way to rip you off.

Take it back and get a refund, that way you pay for what you use and theres no worry about running out.

That my view:D

Neil

floridadreamvilla.co.uk

02-08-2004, 14:48

Great idea but that means you then have to stand in line when you return the car so they process your refund. I know I would not want to have to bother with this before a long flight home.

I think a better idea would be to return the car with minimal in the tank - it's not as if the price of gas means you have to calculate it so you return the car with just the vapours of fuel left in the tank. A drive from the villa the original enquirer is staying at to MCO will use minimal gas so if he sets off with, say, just less than a quarter of a tank he will have no problem at all.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Frosty
In answer to the original question,

I would much rather bring the car back full and get a refund on the gas, that way you dont need to worry about running out of fuel, and there are several gas stations just before the airport.

The deal the car people people give on the fuel isn`t that great, supposedly they give you cheap gas, but over estimate how much the car holds, plus theres always some in the tank from the last renter, so why do they charge for a full tank, just another way to rip you off.

Take it back and get a refund, that way you pay for what you use and theres no worry about running out.

That my view:D

Neil
[/quote]

Frosty

02-08-2004, 15:03

What line do you stand in,

With most of the companies they simply have a service hatch you go up to and they simply credit your card.

I'm afraid it human nature to try not give anything away, thats why the previous writer broke down in Miami, why not forget about how much is needed to get you back, when all you need to do is keep it full, no worries

Neil

blott

02-08-2004, 16:26

You have to return to the car rental desk to stand in line with your return receipt and your car rental paperwork. Even then, you may not be successful with a refund as you'll have paid for the fuel in with your car rental voucher in the UK so bear in mind that you can get refused!

To be quite honest, the car rental rates from this site are so low and include a tank of fuel with the Gold option which Bigblue33 has ordered, that I just couldn't be bothered with the hassle. The rate already also includes additional drivers (which some other companies charge for and which may be the reason you chose the Gold option anyway) so you're hardly losing any money to begin with!

floridadreamvilla.co.uk

02-08-2004, 16:29

Certaianly with MCO you have to go back to the Dollar desk in the ground level of the Terminal where there may or may not be a line. I would not want the hassle for the couple for Dollars you may save [msnsad].

Also there is no promise they will actually refund you as the Gold option contract is that you staert with a full tank of gas and return empty - I've never seen mention of crediting you for any gas you return on this option.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Frosty
What line do you stand in,

With most of the companies they simply have a service hatch you go up to and they simply credit your card.

I'm afraid it human nature to try not give anything away, thats why the previous writer broke down in Miami, why not forget about how much is needed to get you back, when all you need to do is keep it full, no worries

Neil
[/quote]

Bigblue33

02-08-2004, 18:14

Got to Sanford no problem,just,we were driving around in a Ford Taurus for most of the Hol,this is not what we ordered and after a fornight in one I would not reccomend them,as I broke my hand just before we left and I had to rely on my sister-in-law,who met us there with her family,to drive us around the first week. The second week was not so bad as I managed to drive around myself,which I am really happy about as I really wanted to drive in the US.Anyway my problem arrived when we tried to fit the cases in the "trunk"....they did'nt fit! A quick run up to the Dollar ofice on the 192 and a very helpful and funny guy on the desk he gave us a SUV,Mitsubisi(sp),which made me even happier because I had ordered an SUV before the hand break and then changed to people carrier.
I was only asking because if it had to be full I would have filled it before we got there and it had nothing to do with saving money.The Ford was almost full when we changed it for the SUV and the SUV was over half full when we got to Sanford.

Anyway great time,next time i think we will go for 3 weeks and I'll try not to break anything next time [:o)]

Don.

BlueDaze

02-08-2004, 19:39

Bigblue33,

Fair play to you. I cannot believe that anyone who can afford 2 weeks in Orlando, can really be that fussed about the price of a tank (or part thereof) of gas..
I didn't run about because I was tight.
I ran out because I was stupid...!! (I make a habit of it..)
We have a Jeep ordered off this site and I may just put a can in the boot to keep Mrs BlueDaze happy..!

Glad to hear you had a good time, we are out in 2 weeks for 17 nights and an extra 2 or 3 nights would make it so much more relaxing (more chill out days by the pool & less consecutive park days..)

Nostromo

02-08-2004, 20:18

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by BlueDaze I cannot believe that anyone who can afford 2 weeks in Orlando, can really be that fussed about the price of a tank (or part thereof) of gas..
I didn't run about because I was tight.
I ran out because I was stupid...!! (I make a habit of it..)

[/quote]

I think that this is a peculiar problem that some drivers (including me) have. It has nothing to do with the price of gas but just an irritating habit of allowing the tank to go nearly empty before refilling it. I feel a peculiar sense of guilt to fill a tank that still has some fuel in it. I can get away with it in the UK, but it could be a risky practice in the US where the distances can be much longer between fuel stations. I hate myself for the habit, but have so far been unable to overcome it.[msnembarrased]

blott

02-08-2004, 20:19

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sunseeker
Blott use your aircon all year even when cold outside.
Its not just a fridge unit it does exactly what its called, conditions air. Not using the aircon for long periods of time could cause premature failure, leading to expensive repair bills.

Dave
[/quote]Crumbs Dave, thanks for that - I had no idea! :) Having just shelled out £1k on service, MOT and repairs last week (not to mention insurance and tax!), I could just do with nothing else dropping off, breaking down, getting a hole in it or otherwise costing money! :(<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

I think that this is a peculiar problem that some drivers (including me) have. It has nothing to do with the price of gas but just an irritating habit of allowing the tank to go nearly empty before refilling it. I feel a peculiar sense of guilt to fill a tank that still has some fuel in it. I can get away with it in the UK, but it could be a risky practice in the US where the distances can be much longer between fuel stations. I hate myself for the habit, but have so far been unable to overcome it.[msnembarrased]
[/quote]Have you tried telling yourself that it'll save you money to fill it up when it's still got some in the tank? Buy a reward for yourself with the money you've saved! :)

worldpeace

02-08-2004, 21:38

Hi every 1, just a quick Q & A for any 1 in the know: I'm going this Oct 4 3wks plus changing car 2nd wk into holl's. Just wondering as I've got the Gold option via this site do I still get a further full tank of fuel with 2nd vehicle? Thanks in advance to any 1 how can reply to this.

blott

02-08-2004, 22:51

You should have two vouchers - one for the first and one for the second car? If so, the second car should come with a full tank as this would be treated as a new rental agreement.

tezz7628

02-08-2004, 23:03

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by worldpeace
Hi every 1, just a quick Q & A for any 1 in the know: I'm going this Oct 4 3wks plus changing car <span style="color:red">2nd wk</span id="red"> into holl's. Just wondering as I've got the Gold option via this site do I still get a further full tank of fuel with 2nd vehicle? Thanks in advance to any 1 how can reply to this.
[/quote]

for future use really please

most i've been for is 8 weeks
i HAD to change the car after 4 weeks

are you saying this site only lets you rent 2 weeks at a time?

caroline

02-08-2004, 23:12

No We've rented for longer than 2 weeks and not had to change the car.

floridadreamvilla.co.uk

02-08-2004, 23:17

No - not at all. We can rent for more than 2 weeks but they do like you to swap cars after 4 weeks - not sure of the reason but it is done by all the car hire companies and does not just relate to people who book through us.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628

are you saying this site only lets you rent 2 weeks at a time?

[/quote]

tezz7628

02-08-2004, 23:23

thanks

most i've rented for is 4 weeks before changing

Ray9

03-08-2004, 19:43

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by hillgj1
Ray9 is the 8c reduction in tax for residents only? or will us tourists benefit? due out on the 23 of Agust so could effect when we go on long drives to the coast's etc
ThanksGraeme.[/quote]
Everybody gets it..They just reduced the price at the pumps
in most garages..