Rental Car for 24 Year Old

Lelliolk on 31/03/2015 - 09:25

Hi OZB,

I am looking to book a hire car for a trip to the Gold Coast with my partner in April. I've checked various comparison sites and checked directly with rental companies and found some decent prices for my dates available. When I go to put through the payment I always get hit with the "you're under 25 surcharge". It doubles the price of the rental from $300 for the week to well over $600.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm 6 months away from being 25 and have a full Australian driver's license. Is there any chance of me negotiating with the rental companies? Possibly putting down a large deposit for a lower charge?

Thank you,
Luke

Travel

Comments

  • Ughhh on 31/03/2015 - 09:36
    +1

    From memory, nope. Are you driving to GC or driving in GC? If the latter, stay at a hotel near GC Highway and catch the bus.

    • elliolk on 31/03/2015 - 09:42

      Think bus will be our option in the end. We are staying in the GC but would like to explore a little and would like the freedom of having a car but not willing to pay $600 for it. Thanks for your post.

      • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2015 - 14:15
        +2

        The Gold Coast also has a new, albeit limited, light-rail service.

        It's not quite as exciting as the Springfield Monorail.

        (Less singing.)

        (Less terror also, but it's early days.)

  • Paul Atreides on 31/03/2015 - 09:43
    +1

    try thrifty if you're nrma member. rented a car when i was 23 and it wasnt too bad from memory

    • elliolk on 31/03/2015 - 10:16

      Thanks for the suggestion. I am a member on NRMA, thrifty quoted me a $30 discount but added on $220.00 for being an "underage" driver. Came up to $580+.

  • Master Bates on 31/03/2015 - 10:23
    +2

    Don't know how they compare to the big rental companies in terms of price, but a quick Google search has turned up:

    • sweefu on 31/03/2015 - 10:57

      I recently rented a car with Apex in Cairns. I'm not under 25, but it was an easy experience.

  • Gotchas on 31/03/2015 - 22:06

    http://www.drivemycarrentals.com.au/gold-coast

    http://www.drivemycarrentals.com.au/cars/holden-viva-jf-clev…

    There's a nice Beamer for around $450 and 21 minimum age
    Private car rental

  • Schumi5 on 02/04/2015 - 22:29

    give hertz a go as they dont charge a surcharge for under 25's. Brother used him when we went upto the brisbane and they were fine

    https://www.hertz.com.au/rentacar/p-16588346/no-surcharge-fo…

  • Hansi on 04/04/2015 - 20:05

    All the work and travel car rentals / camper rentals are usually cheap if you are younger ( since most work and travellers are still very young themselves). Other than that check smaller car rental places instead of the major ones.

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