Midway Car rental

Question

I am wondering if anyone has recent experience with Midway car rental. The posts I saw were old. My quote is by far the cheapest and I looked at Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo. Budget was also cheap but got horrible reviews. Also, wondering if I should rent from Santa Monica and not LAX although paying for uber to/from airport seems like a waste if I can return car to LAX.

Answer

Midway Car Rental is one of the smaller, independent rental companies in Los Angeles. It often comes up as a cheaper alternative to the major companies like Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo. Based on recent traveler reports, there are a few key points to consider if you’re thinking about renting from Midway.

Pros:

Generally much cheaper rates than major rental companies, especially if you book in advance or for longer periods.
Often more flexible with pick-up and drop-off times than some larger chains.
Some locations may have newer or well-maintained cars despite being smaller operators.

Cons / Things to Watch Out For:

Customer service can be inconsistent — some reports mention slow response times or miscommunication at the desk.
Insurance requirements may be stricter, or staff may attempt to upsell additional coverage.
Vehicle selection may be more limited compared to big brands.
Reviews mention that paperwork or billing errors can happen, so double-check all charges and agreements.

Regarding pick-up location:

LAX: Renting directly at the airport is convenient because you can pick up your car immediately after landing and return it just before your flight. However, airport locations sometimes include extra fees or surcharges.
Santa Monica: Renting from an off-airport location can be cheaper, but you would need to factor in the cost and time of an Uber or shuttle to get there and back. This can be worthwhile if the total savings outweigh the inconvenience, especially if you plan to keep the car for several days.

Tips for Using Midway Car Rental:

Book well in advance to secure the cheapest rates.
Read the fine print carefully about insurance, mileage limits, and fuel policies.
Inspect the car thoroughly before leaving the lot and take photos of any existing damage to avoid disputes on return.
Call ahead to confirm availability and model type, as small independent agencies can sometimes overbook or swap cars.
Consider overall convenience vs savings — sometimes paying a little more at LAX can save time and stress, especially with flights involved.

In summary, Midway Car Rental can be a good option if budget is your priority, but it’s important to be diligent about checking the car, insurance, and understanding any fees. Picking up at LAX is usually more convenient, while Santa Monica might save money but adds the Uber/shuttle factor.

Midway Car rental

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