关于【Car 】问题列表
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How to Score the Best Rental Car Deals: 10 Proven Tips to Save Big in 2025
If you’re planning a trip and want to find the best rental car deals, you’re not alone. Rental car prices have been high since 2021, and while they’re starting to drop, they’re still well above pre-pandemic levels. The good news? You don’t have to blow your budget on a rental car. With a few smart strategies, you can save a lot. Here are 10 practical tips to help you get the cheapest way to rent a car for a week or more.
1. Skip the Airport Rental
Renting a car at the airport is super convenient, but it often comes with hefty fees and surcharges. These can include fixed daily charges called “Customer Facility Charges” or a percentage of your rental cost. A recent study found that renting downtown instead of at the airport can save you around $86 on a week-long rental — that’s nearly 20% cheaper! Just factor in the cost of a rideshare or taxi to get to the rental office, and you could still come out ahead.
2. Shop Around Online
Don’t settle for the first price you see. Use comparison sites like Kayak, Priceline, and CheapCarRental.com to check multiple offers at once. After you find a good deal, visit the rental company’s own website. Sometimes they offer better “Pay Now” discounts if you book directly. Just remember, prepaid rentals are usually nonrefundable, so keep an eye out for price drops even after booking.
3. Don’t Assume Discount Brands Are Cheapest
Names like Dollar or Budget sound cheap, but they aren’t always the best deal. According to a 2024 study, companies like Thrifty, Hertz, and Enterprise often offer lower prices. For example, National was the priciest brand with an average weekly rental of $601, while Thrifty averaged $414. So, compare a few big-name and discount brands before booking.
4. Use Membership Discounts
If you have memberships like Costco or AAA, use them! Costco often beats prices on travel sites and sometimes lets you add a second driver for free. AAA members can get discounts and avoid underage fees if they’re between 20-24 years old. Frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage also offer discounts with certain rental companies, especially at airports.
5. Choose Economy Cars
Economy cars are usually the cheapest and most available. Booking the smallest car can sometimes get you an upgrade if the rental lot is out of your reserved model. Just make sure the car fits your group and luggage comfortably.
6. Stick to One Driver
Adding extra drivers can cost $10 or more per day. Some companies waive this fee for spouses or family members if you show matching addresses or join their loyalty programs. Also, memberships like USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco can help you get a free additional driver.
7. Use Your Own Insurance
Your personal car insurance often covers rental cars, so you can skip buying extra coverage at the counter and save about $30 a day. Many credit cards also provide rental insurance if you pay with the card. Just be sure to check your policy or card benefits before declining coverage.
8. Say No to Extras
Avoid paying for GPS, roadside assistance, or toll transponders. Use your phone’s navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze instead. For tolls, consider buying your own transponder if you’re renting in places like Florida, where rental companies charge high daily fees.
9. Compare Prepaid Gas Prices
Rental companies offer prepaid gas plans, but they usually cost more than filling up yourself. Use apps like GasBuddy to find nearby gas stations and prices. On short trips, topping off the tank before returning the car can save you money.
10. Consider Alternatives to Renting
If your trip is mostly in a city with good public transit, skip the rental altogether. Use rideshares, taxis, or even rent a car by the hour through services like Turo or Kyte. Sometimes, a limo or shuttle can be cheaper if you won’t be driving much.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best rental car deals takes a little time and effort, but the savings are worth it. Avoid airport rentals, compare brands, leverage memberships, and watch out for extra fees. With these tips, you’ll enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Ready to start your search? Check out trusted platforms like Kayak or Expedia and grab the best deal today!
How to Score the Best Rental Car Deals: 10 Proven Tips to Save Big in 2025
If you’re planning a trip and want to find the best rental car deals, you’re not alone. Rental car prices have been high since 2021, and while they’re starting to drop, they’re still well above pre-pandemic levels. The good news? You don’t have to blow your budget on a rental car. With a few smart strategies, you can save a lot. Here are 10 practical tips to help you get the cheapest way to rent a car for a week or more.
1. Skip the Airport Rental
Renting a car at the airport is super convenient, but it often comes with hefty fees and surcharges. These can include fixed daily charges called “Customer Facility Charges” or a percentage of your rental cost. A recent study found that renting downtown instead of at the airport can save you around $86 on a week-long rental — that’s nearly 20% cheaper! Just factor in the cost of a rideshare or taxi to get to the rental office, and you could still come out ahead.
2. Shop Around Online
Don’t settle for the first price you see. Use comparison sites like Kayak, Priceline, and CheapCarRental.com to check multiple offers at once. After you find a good deal, visit the rental company’s own website. Sometimes they offer better “Pay Now” discounts if you book directly. Just remember, prepaid rentals are usually nonrefundable, so keep an eye out for price drops even after booking.
3. Don’t Assume Discount Brands Are Cheapest
Names like Dollar or Budget sound cheap, but they aren’t always the best deal. According to a 2024 study, companies like Thrifty, Hertz, and Enterprise often offer lower prices. For example, National was the priciest brand with an average weekly rental of $601, while Thrifty averaged $414. So, compare a few big-name and discount brands before booking.
4. Use Membership Discounts
If you have memberships like Costco or AAA, use them! Costco often beats prices on travel sites and sometimes lets you add a second driver for free. AAA members can get discounts and avoid underage fees if they’re between 20-24 years old. Frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage also offer discounts with certain rental companies, especially at airports.
5. Choose Economy Cars
Economy cars are usually the cheapest and most available. Booking the smallest car can sometimes get you an upgrade if the rental lot is out of your reserved model. Just make sure the car fits your group and luggage comfortably.
6. Stick to One Driver
Adding extra drivers can cost $10 or more per day. Some companies waive this fee for spouses or family members if you show matching addresses or join their loyalty programs. Also, memberships like USAA, AARP, AAA, or Costco can help you get a free additional driver.
7. Use Your Own Insurance
Your personal car insurance often covers rental cars, so you can skip buying extra coverage at the counter and save about $30 a day. Many credit cards also provide rental insurance if you pay with the card. Just be sure to check your policy or card benefits before declining coverage.
8. Say No to Extras
Avoid paying for GPS, roadside assistance, or toll transponders. Use your phone’s navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze instead. For tolls, consider buying your own transponder if you’re renting in places like Florida, where rental companies charge high daily fees.
9. Compare Prepaid Gas Prices
Rental companies offer prepaid gas plans, but they usually cost more than filling up yourself. Use apps like GasBuddy to find nearby gas stations and prices. On short trips, topping off the tank before returning the car can save you money.
10. Consider Alternatives to Renting
If your trip is mostly in a city with good public transit, skip the rental altogether. Use rideshares, taxis, or even rent a car by the hour through services like Turo or Kyte. Sometimes, a limo or shuttle can be cheaper if you won’t be driving much.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best rental car deals takes a little time and effort, but the savings are worth it. Avoid airport rentals, compare brands, leverage memberships, and watch out for extra fees. With these tips, you’ll enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Ready to start your search? Check out trusted platforms like Kayak or Expedia and grab the best deal today!
2025-06-17 · 9 days ago0 053Shocking Truth About Car Loan Rates: Are You Overpaying
Picture this: you’re at the dealership, keys to your dream car in hand, grinning ear to ear. But then the finance guy slides a stack of papers your way, and suddenly, you’re drowning in terms like APR, interest rates, and loan terms. That was me last year, signing a deal without fully understanding car loan rates. Spoiler alert: I overpaid. Big time. If you’re wondering, “What’s a good APR for a car?” or “Am I getting ripped off?”—this post is for you. Let’s dive into the world of car loan rates and save you from the same mistake.
What Are Car Loan Rates and Why Do They Matter?
Car loan rates are the interest rates lenders charge you to borrow money to buy a car. These rates can vary widely depending on factors like your credit score, the type of car (new or used), and the lender’s terms. The two main ways you’ll see these rates expressed are as the interest rate and the APR. The APR includes the interest rate plus any fees, giving you a clearer picture of the total cost.
If you’re asking, “What is a good APR for a car loan?” or “What is a good interest rate for a car?”, you’re not alone. These are common questions because the answer can directly affect your monthly payments and total loan cost.
Average Used Car Loan Interest Rate and What to Expect
On average, used car loan interest rates tend to be higher than new car loans. As of recent data, the average used car loan interest rate hovers around 8% to 10%, but this can fluctuate based on your credit score and market conditions. For example, if you have excellent credit, you might qualify for rates as low as 3% to 5%, while those with lower credit scores might see rates above 12% or more.
The average APR for a car loan, which factors in fees and interest, usually sits a bit higher than the interest rate alone. So, if you see a loan offer with a 6% interest rate but a 7% APR, that extra 1% accounts for lender fees and other costs.
What Is a Good APR for a Car Loan?
A good APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for a car loan depends mostly on your credit score. Here’s a rough breakdown based on recent U.S. averages:
- Excellent Credit (750+): 3.5% – 5.0%
- Good Credit (700–749): 5.1% – 7.0%
- Fair Credit (650–699): 7.1% – 10.5%
- Poor Credit (<649): 10.6% and up
If your rate is higher than average, lenders are probably treating you as a high-risk borrower. And that’s not always fair — especially if you haven’t missed a payment in years. You can shop around and often get a better offer by comparing banks, credit unions, or online lenders instead of just taking the dealership’s offer
Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score: What to Know Before You Apply
Here’s the deal: your auto loan rate by credit score can make or break your budget. If your score is under 650, you're looking at rates over 10%. That could mean paying $3,000+ in interest on a $20,000 loan.
Tip: Always get pre-approved before stepping into a dealership. It gives you a clear picture of your options and keeps you from being upsold on bad financing.
How to Find a Good Car Loan Rate: Tips and Tricks
1. Check Your Credit Score First: Knowing your credit score helps you set realistic expectations.
2. Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
3. Consider Loan Terms: Shorter loan terms usually have lower APRs but higher monthly payments.
4. Negotiate: Sometimes lenders are willing to negotiate rates, especially if you have a strong credit profile.
5. Look for Special Offers: Some dealers offer promotional rates on new cars, sometimes as low as 0% APR.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a good interest rate for a car loan? One that doesn’t punish you just for not knowing better. Use the average APR benchmarks above as your guide. Don’t settle for the first offer. Always compare at least three lenders. Ask questions. And if the rate seems off — it probably is.
Shocking Truth About Car Loan Rates: Are You Overpaying
Picture this: you’re at the dealership, keys to your dream car in hand, grinning ear to ear. But then the finance guy slides a stack of papers your way, and suddenly, you’re drowning in terms like APR, interest rates, and loan terms. That was me last year, signing a deal without fully understanding car loan rates. Spoiler alert: I overpaid. Big time. If you’re wondering, “What’s a good APR for a car?” or “Am I getting ripped off?”—this post is for you. Let’s dive into the world of car loan rates and save you from the same mistake.
What Are Car Loan Rates and Why Do They Matter?
Car loan rates are the interest rates lenders charge you to borrow money to buy a car. These rates can vary widely depending on factors like your credit score, the type of car (new or used), and the lender’s terms. The two main ways you’ll see these rates expressed are as the interest rate and the APR. The APR includes the interest rate plus any fees, giving you a clearer picture of the total cost.
If you’re asking, “What is a good APR for a car loan?” or “What is a good interest rate for a car?”, you’re not alone. These are common questions because the answer can directly affect your monthly payments and total loan cost.
Average Used Car Loan Interest Rate and What to Expect
On average, used car loan interest rates tend to be higher than new car loans. As of recent data, the average used car loan interest rate hovers around 8% to 10%, but this can fluctuate based on your credit score and market conditions. For example, if you have excellent credit, you might qualify for rates as low as 3% to 5%, while those with lower credit scores might see rates above 12% or more.
The average APR for a car loan, which factors in fees and interest, usually sits a bit higher than the interest rate alone. So, if you see a loan offer with a 6% interest rate but a 7% APR, that extra 1% accounts for lender fees and other costs.
What Is a Good APR for a Car Loan?
A good APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for a car loan depends mostly on your credit score. Here’s a rough breakdown based on recent U.S. averages:
- Excellent Credit (750+): 3.5% – 5.0%
- Good Credit (700–749): 5.1% – 7.0%
- Fair Credit (650–699): 7.1% – 10.5%
- Poor Credit (<649): 10.6% and up
If your rate is higher than average, lenders are probably treating you as a high-risk borrower. And that’s not always fair — especially if you haven’t missed a payment in years. You can shop around and often get a better offer by comparing banks, credit unions, or online lenders instead of just taking the dealership’s offer
Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score: What to Know Before You Apply
Here’s the deal: your auto loan rate by credit score can make or break your budget. If your score is under 650, you're looking at rates over 10%. That could mean paying $3,000+ in interest on a $20,000 loan.
Tip: Always get pre-approved before stepping into a dealership. It gives you a clear picture of your options and keeps you from being upsold on bad financing.
How to Find a Good Car Loan Rate: Tips and Tricks
1. Check Your Credit Score First: Knowing your credit score helps you set realistic expectations.
2. Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
3. Consider Loan Terms: Shorter loan terms usually have lower APRs but higher monthly payments.
4. Negotiate: Sometimes lenders are willing to negotiate rates, especially if you have a strong credit profile.
5. Look for Special Offers: Some dealers offer promotional rates on new cars, sometimes as low as 0% APR.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a good interest rate for a car loan? One that doesn’t punish you just for not knowing better. Use the average APR benchmarks above as your guide. Don’t settle for the first offer. Always compare at least three lenders. Ask questions. And if the rate seems off — it probably is.
2025-06-19 · 7 days ago0 016