Melbourne’s Best Value Car Hire Companies
Which One Are You?
I Want to Rent from the Global Big Boys
Best Site to Compare Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and Europcar
I’m Willing to Rent from Australia’s Smaller Independent Companies
Best Independent Car Hire Companies for Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
Best Independent Car Hire Companies for Melbourne City
Cheapest 3-day Car Hire: Our Price Comparison Results
| Melbourne Tullamarine Airport – 3-day Car Hire | |||
| Big Boy | Independent | Price Difference | |
| Economy hatch (man) | $252 | $109 1 | $143 |
| Standard sedan | $262 2 | $162 3 | $100 |
| 1 Via East Coast Car Rentals 2 Full/Family sedan (one class size larger than Standard) 3 Only 250km/day – via Discount Car Rental; Unlimited km’s for $181 – via East Coast Car Rentals |
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| Melbourne City – 3-day Car Hire | |||
| Big Boy | Independent | Price Difference | |
| Economy hatch (man) | $208 1 | $99 2 | $109 |
| Standard sedan | $225 3 | $162 4 | $63 |
| 1 Compact hatch (auto) (one class size larger than Economy) 2 Only 200km/day – booking with A1 Car Rental via Bargain Wheels; Unlimited km’s for $109 – via East Coast Car Rentals 3 Full/Family sedan (one class size larger than Standard) 4 Booking with East Coast Car Rentals via Bargain Wheels |
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Updated 16 Sept 2009. Prices checked 1 month in advance for 16 – 19 October (off-peak period). New cars, drivers aged 25+, no add-ons, no discount coupons used. Unlimited km’s unless specified. All prices in AUD.
More Points To Ponder
The Big Boys …
- have on-site airport counters but as a result, will be more expensive than the off-site independents
- cost more to rent from the airport than the city by about 10-15% due to airport taxes
- offer unlimited km’s in general
- tend to charge higher daily rates for “excess reduction” (reducing your liability in event of damages)
- carry mostly new cars under 1 year old
The Independents …
- who service airports mostly have their offices located 5 minutes off-site
- can often offer better value, particularly for airport rentals as a result for being off-site
- are more likely to impose limits on km’s e.g. 200km/day
- can offer both new and older cars for those who want maximum savings
The above are general points to bear in mind. Take a few extra minutes and check both types of car hire companies and you’ll be fully confident you’ve found the best deal for yourself!
