Best Costco Rental Car Companies

Question

Hi! Based on advice here on TA, we are booking our rental car through Costco. We are picking up at the airport, and the available companies are Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.

I believe I have seen good reviews on Alamo, and bad reviews on Budget. Is that correct? Does anyone have experience with Avis or Enterprise (or more on Alamo & Budget) ?

Thanks!

Answer

When booking a rental car through Costco, you’re generally getting a good deal, as they often offer competitive prices and discounts. However, each car rental company has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s helpful to know what to expect from the options available at the airport. Based on reviews and experiences from past customers, here’s a breakdown of the main car rental companies available through Costco at the Honolulu Airport:

Alamo: Alamo generally has a good reputation, especially for their customer service and efficient pick-up/drop-off process. Many customers report a smooth experience with a relatively quick rental process and good vehicle condition. They also tend to offer reasonable pricing for the quality of the car you receive. Alamo is often a popular choice for families and tourists. There have been occasional complaints about wait times at pick-up, but they seem to be less common than with other companies.

Avis: Avis is another reputable company with a mixed bag of reviews. Many customers praise Avis for having a good fleet of cars, with clean and well-maintained vehicles. The downside tends to be their customer service, with some renters noting that it can be a bit slower or less personal than they’d like. Some people also mention that Avis has higher fees than other companies, though this can vary depending on the location and time of year. Overall, if you don’t mind a slightly slower pick-up experience, Avis can be a solid option.

Budget: As you mentioned, Budget often receives mixed to negative reviews, with some customers reporting issues with the cars themselves (such as cleanliness or mechanical issues) and long wait times at pick-up. That said, there are also plenty of people who have had fine experiences with Budget. In general, if you are on a tighter budget and can be a little more flexible with your expectations, Budget may still be an option. However, it’s worth being aware of some of the potential frustrations others have experienced.

Enterprise: Enterprise tends to be one of the more highly recommended rental car companies in terms of service and reliability. Their customer service is often highlighted as excellent, with friendly staff and a reputation for going above and beyond for their customers. Enterprise typically offers well-maintained vehicles and efficient pick-up and drop-off processes. However, like Avis, they can sometimes have higher prices, though the value for service is usually seen as worth it. Enterprise is a good option if you're looking for a higher level of customer service and don't mind paying a bit more.

Summary: Here’s a quick summary of the four companies to help with your decision:

Alamo: Good reputation for service and vehicle condition. Generally solid choice for most renters.
Avis: Reliable cars, but slower service and potential higher costs. A solid option if you're okay with this tradeoff.
Budget: Lower prices, but more mixed reviews, especially regarding vehicle quality and pick-up times.
Enterprise: Great customer service and vehicle quality, but typically at a higher price point.

Overall, if you prioritize good service and a hassle-free experience, Alamo or Enterprise would be the safest bet. Avis could also be a good choice, but just be prepared for a slightly slower experience. Budget might be worth considering if you are really focused on saving money, but just be aware of the potential trade-offs in service. Whichever company you choose, it’s a good idea to book early and confirm all details (such as insurance, extra fees, and pick-up times) to avoid any surprises.