Any tips, tricks (or alternatives) for last minute car hire

[PaulC83]

Hi All,

Turns out my last minute decision to return to Adelaide for Christmas has one slight snag, I cannot find a rental car (all sold out it appears).

Any tips on how I might be able to get myself a set of wheels?

regards,

Paul C

 

[AdMEL]

When, where and how long are you looking at?

A quick check from ASP for 3 days from tomorrow morning shows availability for most car classes at Avis, Budget, Europcar and Thrifty, but not Hertz.

 

[smatho10]

This may sound silly... Get a hotel Concierge in one of the higher hotels to ring around... It's all about contacts... Even if you are not staying (just ask for some guidance and possibly offer something for the help)..

coming from a hotel concierge in Hobart

 

[markis10]

When, where and how long are you looking at?

A quick check from ASP for 3 days from tomorrow morning shows availability for most car classes at Avis, Budget, Europcar and Thrifty, but not Hertz.

ASP is a bit of a drive from ADL though.

 

[Buzzard]

Hi All,

Turns out my last minute decision to return to Adelaide for Christmas has one slight snag, I cannot find a rental car (all sold out it appears).

Any tips on how I might be able to get myself a set of wheels?

regards,

Paul C

If you are only driving around the city you could try somewhere like Smile Rent A Car. Cheap old cars that do the job.
When we lived in Sydney and had to travel to ADL we used them a few times without hassle.

 

[GladstoneTim]

In similar circumstances I have...
1. Been able to book via the QF website but not on the rental company's website
2. Approached the rental companies' desks upon arrival ( And used the boarding pass/in-flight magazine promo code).
On some occasions I have had success and other ones, not.

 

[albatross710]

The htoel concierge idea triggered me to think about you using one of the Credit Card concierges that come with the Platinum of Gold cards. Use them to hunt around.

 

[PaulC83]

Thank you all for your feedback.

If you are only driving around the city you could try somewhere like Smile Rent A Car. Cheap old cars that do the job.
When we lived in Sydney and had to travel to ADL we used them a few times without hassle.

Cheers Buzzard, Smile Rent A Car worked a treat, as I need the car just for A-B their cars will be fine

Another problem solved by AFF