I'm planning a trip to California. What is the best car rental company?

Question

I'm french. My girlfriend and I would like to go from SF to LA.
1° Have you heard about "Alamo"
2° What about insurances
3° Can we rental a mechanical gear (don't know how to drive an automatic
4° We're planning to rent it for a full week : will $ 200 - $250 be enough for a compact car with insurances (e.g. : chevy aveo)

Answer 1

Alamo is a large company and completely reputable. Hertz is the largest and possibly the best. Alamo should not be a problem if that is who you want to use.

Since you are from France I am not sure how the insurance would work. You should ask your insurance company, and the car rental company as well.

You will probably have to rent an automatic but they are VERY easy to drive. (Easier than standard/mechanical shift.) On the automatic shift gear indicator you will see P, N, R, D, and then numbers such as 3, 2, 1. P is for park. Only shift into this when the car is at a full stop! N is neutral. D is for Drive. When you want to move forward put the transmission into D (drive) and hit the gas. That's all there is to it. R is for reverse. Same as drive, but in reverse. The numbers allow you to select a specific gear. It is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that you will need to use this feature. NOTE: When shifting into our out of park or reverse the car should NOT be moving. In fact many cars require that your foot be on the brake when you shift.

$200-250 sounds reasonable for a week long rental, but it all depends on the city you are renting from. Also, when renting in one city and dropping in another you may have to pay extra.

I hope this helped. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 2

Good companies are Enterprise, National, Hertz, Avis, Alamo. For lower rates, you might try renting a used car from Rent-a-Wreck or Ugly Duckling Rent-a-car.
Buy the insurance. Auto liability insurance follows the vehicle, but you only get the minimum coverage. Buy the collision insurance to cover the deductible. You are liable if the vehicle gets damaged while in your possession, regardless of the reason. Some deductibles are as much as $3,000.00.
Renting a mechanical gear (called standard shift in the US) is not likely. Most people in the US cannot drive anything but automatics.
Driving an automatic is simple. Make sure the shift lever is in park "P". Start the car. With one foot on the brake, move the shift lever to drive "D". Then step on the gas and go. If you have to back up, stop completely, with foot on the brake, shift to reverse "R" on the shift column.
Plan on spending more for the rental, maybe $350.00

Answer 3

In California there are several rental car agencies. Alamo, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Enterprise, Avis, National, etc. I would suggest that you look into Orbitz, Travelocity, or Hotwire.com for fly and drive packages for a better rate. I would recommend that you purchase the insurance even though it costs a bit more only because your own vehicle's insurance does not cover rental car use. You should be able to get a "stick shift" but ask around what's available. Be sure to allow for plenty of time to get to your destinations while in So. California. Traffic is usually bumper to bumper no matter what time of day you travel. Don't be dismayed if you run into some impatient drivers. Folks in the L.A. area definately drive a bit different than you may be used to. Have your maps handy and if your staying at a hotel, download directions from MapQuest on a computer before you leave to make it easier to get around.

Answer 4

in California I rent Enterprise

Answer 5

http://www.rentawreck.com/LANSAIMG/RAP/FRANCHISE/thirdst/thirdst.htm