With the holiday season coming up, there will, no doubt, be a lot of people traveling to see family and friends. With that being said, there will also be a lot of people heading to the nearest rental car agency so that they can get the best deal for their money. After all, why put those extra miles on your own vehicle? So, here are five car rental myths to keep in mind:

1. Ditch the Collision Coverage: Regardless of what you think collision coverage benefits you more than it benefits the rental company. How? For a small, additional cost you’ll be protected against any type of accident versus paying the deductible on your insurance for the same repair which could actually end up costing you more especially if the car ends up in the shop.
2. Renting on the Weekend is Better: Not true! For instance, Triangle Rent A Car offers competitive, reasonable rental rates all the time and not just on the weekend. In addition we have other opportunities for savings depend on your particular needs or group rentals.
3. Taxes are the Fault of the Rental Car Company: State and local government agencies (like airports) basically have found a great way to generate revenue by mandating taxes on car rental bills. These taxes ultimately generate funds for airport improvements or to subsidize projects that the renters may never get to enjoy.
4. Flexibility in Returning Your Car: Rental clocks are 24 hour clocks so it’s best to return the car on time or early. You will actually get charged for time beyond the determined time that was established at the beginning of the rental period.
5. Anyone Can Drive: If you let someone who’s not included in the rental contract drive the vehicle and something happens then you’re in danger of voiding the rental contract.

For more information about how to rent a car during the Thanksgiving or Christmas seasons, contact Triangle Rent a Car today!

Tags: General Auto, auto rental by Janelle - No Comments »

Think back to your first job. For me, it was right after I turned 16. I didn’t want a job, but I needed a job in order to make the money I so desperately needed for my brand new, well almost new as it was a used electric blue car. I couldn’t wait to head back to school, and show all the people in town my sweet ride, whilst still adhering to the 9 p.m. rule of course. Well, that was then, and this is now.

We are now in a time where my 14-year-old niece is dying to get a job so that she can start saving up for a car. But why does she need to do that now? Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that according to a recent study, it’s been predicted that by the time she hits driving age at 16 gas prices may be well over $5 a gallon in most states? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just the excitement of being able to drive when she hits 16, that is, if our economy hasn’t eliminated the teenage driver all together by then. There have been rumors circulating the water coolers that in the coming years the legal driving age will be increased to 18 thus robbing younger teens of their thrill altogether.

Although there are both positives and negatives that can be seen from this overzealous move, with the state of the economy continuing it’s downward spiral, age soon won’t even be a factor. It’s sad really, because there’s truly no better feeling than the excitement of being able to drive for the first time. So kids, don’t rush to obtain your license, because it may take a small, personal loan for you to fill your tank en route to the DMV anyways.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: General Auto, auto rental by Ashley - No Comments »

The soaring price of crude oil has turned gas tanks into a cache of valuable booty…(ABC News)

With people becoming increasingly agitated as they attempt to find other transportation and fuel alternatives, some are becoming desperate and have begun stealing gas from other people’s vehicles. According to a recent article published by ABC News, there is a direct correlation with the rising gas prices and the increasing number of gas thefts that are beginning to pop up all around the United States.

In fact, mechanics are reporting that people are no longer just coming in for routine maintenance on their vehicles; but rather, they are bringing in their vehicles, which have fallen victim to gas theft. The way it works it that thieves will look for vehicles that have plastic gas tanks because there is less of a chance of creating a spark (which could lead to a deadly explosion of the highly flammable material). Plastic tanks are also ideal because they are easier to drill a hole into. Thieves will typically drill a hole into the tank and use some other type of container to catch the gas. But mechanics aren’t the only people who are direct witnesses to this rising epidemic. Police departments are also beginning to receive reports of gas tank punctures as well as reports from gas station owners who have drivers actually drive off before paying for their gas.

Mechanics are claiming that they only really began seeing this problem when the gas prices started going up. With the price of gas continuing to rise, it seems that this problem will only get worse. It is a problem on a much bigger level as well. The fact that people are siphoning gas creates various health as well as safety concerns. There is an increased chance that something can go wrong, causing the vehicle to explode, thereby causing significant damage. Police are becoming increasingly concerned about the overall safety issues as well.

Additionally, it leaves the rest of us not only worrying about the price of gas rising, but also about how we can protect our cars from falling victim to gas theft. The cost of replacing a metal tank on passenger vehicles is between $300 and $400 while the price of replacing a plastic tank is at least $500. Some people who own SUVs such as Suburbans have went ahead and purchased gas tank locks for their vehicles, although there is no telling how effective this has been in terms of thwarting criminals from trying to steal gas.

If you have a story about your own issues with gas or gas theft, please comment about it; we’d love to hear about it!

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, auto rental by Janelle - 1 Comment »

Oh, how the price of gas has been affecting us! Will the issue of gas prices EVER get old? At the present, it doesn’t seem likely. However, people are certainly keeping themselves busy by looking for the best bargains when it comes to buying a quality vehicle. For instance, in March of 2008, CNN Money put out a list of the 8 most fuel efficient vehicles and here’s how it broke down:

1. Honda Civic GX: 28 mpg|$884 annual fuel cost|$24,590 base price
2. Toyota Prius: 46 mpg|$1,019 annual fuel cost|$21,100 base price
3. Honda Civic Hybrid: 42 mpg|$1,117 annual fuel cost|$24,350 base price
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 34 mpg|$1,380 annual fuel cost| $25,350 base price
5. Nissan Altima Hybrid: 34 mpg|$1,380 annual fuel cost|$25,170 base price
6. Smart for Two: 36 mpg (premium fuel)|$1,397 annual fuel cost|$11,590 base price
7. Ford Escape Hybrid: 32 mpg|$1,470|$26,265 base price
8. Toyota Yaris: 32 mpg|$1,470|$11,350 base price

So, now that you’ve seen CNN’s list, let’s compare it to Consumer Reports list, which was released a month later in April of 2008:

1. Toyota Prius Base: 35 mpg (city)|50 mpg (highway)
2. Toyota Prius Touring: 34 mpg (city)| 47 mpg (highway)
3. Honda Civic Hybrid: 26 mpg (city)|47 mpg (highway)
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 28 mpg (city)|41 mpg (highway)
5. Toyota Yaris Base (manual): 26 mpg (city)|42 mpg (highway)
6. Honda Fit Sport (manual): 26 mpg (city)|39 mpg (highway)
7. Toyota Yaris Base: 23 mpg (city)|44 mpg (highway)
8. Nissan Altima Hybrid: 27 mpg (city)|36 mpg (highway)

It seems that among these vehicles, Toyota models really seem to be popular, especially the Toyota Yaris. However, informed buyers will have to go to the dealerships themselves to test out the vehicles and see if it’s the right fit for them. One thing to always keep in mind is that while fuel efficiency is important, don’t neglect the fact that safety should always be of the utmost importance.

For more information on auto rental in Atlanta, visit Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, auto rental by Janelle - No Comments »

In Raleigh, NC, the price for unleaded gas is rapidly approaching the $4 mark while in other places like Long Island, NY, gas is already well over $4 a gallon. As the price of gas continues to skyrocket, increasing numbers of SUV owners are beginning to feel the pinch the most…in their wallets. Due to the high price of gas as well as the economic crisis that the United States seems to have found itself in, more people are opting to park their SUVs and find other alternatives in terms of transportation.

The reason that a lot of SUVs are simply getting parked is because SUV owners are having the most difficult time now trying to find someone- anyone- to purchase their vehicles including the very dealerships where they bought them from! The recent problems with SUVs goes far beyond the owner’s wallet, however. There are even some critics who feel that the problems with the gas crisis are spilling over (no pun intended) into other areas of the economy. For example, because gas prices are high, people don’t travel as much which leads to the tourism industry losing money. Also, in some extreme cases, the cost of gas is affecting employees where their paychecks are barely covering the cost of gas it takes to transport them to and from work each day (in addition to other household expenses).

It seems like everyone has their own tale of misery to tell, and with many people in the same economic boat, so to speak, it is sometimes difficult to find a sympathetic ear because so many of us are trying to figure out how we are going to make ends meet until we experience some sort of reprieve from all of the economic problems. Have a story about your own gas crisis? Share it here!

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, visit Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, auto rental by Janelle - No Comments »

One of the most popular, if not most popular, tourist attractions in Atlanta, GA is the NEW World of Coca-Cola museum located in downtown Atlanta. If you’re planning on taking a tour of this brand new facility, you had better get your tickets in advance and set aside some time because tours typically last around 90 minutes or so.

What’s Inside

This brand new facility is much bigger than the old on, boasting over 62,000 square feet of guest areas (twice the size of the previous facility). The city of Atlanta is, perhaps, most widely recognized for its production of the popular soft drink that is now sipped, gulped and swallowed all around the world. The museum provides visitors with an exhaustive overview of the history, manufacture and distribution of Coca-Cola. But why would anyone want to visit a soft drink factory? Well, that’s because this isn’t just any ordinary soft drink factory; it’s a unique museum experience where guests can sample different recipes for coke products that are sold worldwide. If you’re interested in buying tickets, simply visit the web site here. Most people find that the prices are very affordable.

The museum also features more than 1,200 artifacts from around the world that have never been publicly displayed before. There are interactive exhibits, such as a 4-D movie and a fully functioning bottling line. You can also plan special events at the museum such as parties. If you are interested in finding out more information about this unique and fun experience, simply visit their web site. Even the web site is fun and easy to navigate, which is probably a good indication of how your visit will be!

For more information on car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: auto rental, travel by Janelle - 1 Comment »

For years, the city of Atlanta, GA has been attracting tourists from all over the country. The last thing you want to have to worry about if you’re planning a trip is how you’re going to get around. That’s where Triangle Rent A Car comes in. With over 29 locations throughout the southeast United States, let Triangle Rent A Car show you why they’re driven to be number one with customers. Renting a vehicle allows you the freedom to go where you want, and trust me, in Atlanta; there are a lot of places to go. One of those places is the infamous APEX Museum.

The History Behind the History of The APEX Museum

Back in 1978, a noted filmmaker and visionary named Dan Moore was attending a banquet to honor a man by the name of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Dr. Mays was an African American minister, educator, scholar and was the president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. History books cite him as being among the most articulate critics of segregation before the modern civil rights movement in the USA. While Moor was attending the commemoration for Mays, he was inspired to build an American museum that would celebrate the achievements and untold history of African Americans. This museum was the African American Panoramic Experience (APEX) Museum.

The museum is one of the many tourist attractions in Atlanta and is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm, with limited hours on Sundays (depending on the month). You can contact the visitor’s center for more information on ticketing and pricing. The museum occasionally features guest speakers and offers interesting exhibits and tours.

For more information about renting a car in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, auto rental by Janelle - 2 Comments »

When I first purchased my brand new Jeep Liberty back in the summer of 2007, I had no idea that not even a year later, the United States would be in the middle of a gas crisis. I even tried to sell it back, but despite the fact that it was still brand-spanking new (well-gently used let’s say), no one would touch it with a ten foot pole! My vehicle had officially been branded a “gas guzzler” and no one was looking for a vehicle that sucked up as much gas as mine did while gas prices were continuing to rise.

Despite the fact that I made a poor decision when it came time to purchase my first vehicle, I am not alone. There are hundreds upon thousands of people out there who make poor vehicle choices either because they’re misinformed or because they didn’t do enough research prior to their purchase. Had I had the foresight to thoroughly research the vehicles out there to find out which ones got the best gas mileage as well as which vehicles had the best resale value, I would be in a better financial position now.

Cars With Poor Resale Value

Like so many new car buyers, researching which vehicles had the best resale value was NOT on my mind; however, it is something that any person who is a buying a new vehicle should know. According to car.com, the following vehicles were listed as having the worse resale value for 2008:

1. Mazda B2300
2. Ford Ranger
3. Suzuki Forenza
4. Chevrolet Colorado
5. Mitsubishi Endeavor
6. Suzuki Reno
7. Dodge Ram
8. Dodge Durango
9. GMC Canyon
10. Kia Rio

For more information on car rental, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, auto rental by Janelle - 16 Comments »

Ah, car rental insurance; some say it’s a waste of money- a gimmick, if you will; while others think it’s a great and safe way to protect yourself. Regardless of whatever the case may be, most people tend to shy away from buying car rental insurance because it can be confusing, time consuming, not to mention expensive. After all, what are the chances that you’re going wreck the rental car? You’re only renting it for a day or two! Then again, you could be wrong…

What You Should Know

Most, if not all, car rental agencies offer various sales pitches for collision damage waivers (CDW), which they will usually wait to throw at you once you get to the car rental counter to pay for your vehicle. Many renters know that they don’t need to pay for CDW; however, there are some for whom it makes sense for and others who simply fall into it because of that pitch out of left field that threw them off to begin with.

If you’re not sure whether or not you should get CDW, feel free to contact your own auto insurance agency. It is always a good idea to do this WELL IN ADVANCE before you even make your rental reservations (if possible). If you are the type that travels a lot and rents a car more often than you drive your own personal vehicle, or if you don’t own a vehicle at all, you should consider asking an auto insurance agent about purchasing non-owner liability insurance (which can sometimes save you money over a CDW).

If you do decide to get car rental insurance, there are a variety of options that can be thrown at you in the following four ways:

1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This type of coverage usually costs anywhere between $9-20/day and relieves you of financial responsibility if your rental car is damaged in an accident, vandalism or theft.
2. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): This type of coverage usually costs anywhere between $7-9/day and provides excess liability coverage.
3. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This type of coverage usually costs anywhere between $3-5/day and covers you and all of your passengers in your vehicle for any medical expenses. However, it should be noted that most renters already have personal health insurance, therefore, it’s not necessary to have PAI coverage.
4. Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): This type of coverage usually costs between $2-5/day and provides coverage for theft or damage to personal items inside the rental car. However, most renters already have this type of coverage through their own rental agencies.

The key to car rental insurance is understanding what your options are, what the polices of the car rental agency are and how those policies affect you. If you can do this in advance, it will save you a lot of grief at the car rental counter. If you have a horror story to tell about your car rental experience, leave a comment telling us all about it!

For more information on car, truck and van rental in the Southeast United States, visit Triangle Rent A Car today!

Also make sure that you visit the following new pages:

Van Rental

Truck Rental

Tags: auto rental by Janelle - 4 Comments »

Remember the days of physically going down to the car dealership to look at cars that you were maybe thinking about buying? Well, people still do that, but have you ever thought of buying your car from a car rental company? That’s right. Now Triangle Rent A Car offers its customers the option of purchasing gently used vehicles for affordable prices with the added incentive of receiving a complimentary one year AAA membership with each vehicle you purchase!

Why Would I Buy A Car From A Rental Car Office?

If you’ve just started a new job and are trying to save money, chances are that you’re going to be looking at getting a used car for your first vehicle. If you are looking for a used car, you usually have a couple of options: you can look through the classified ads for individual sellers who are selling cars, you can go to most dealerships who sometimes sell used cars OR you can go to a car rental agency like Triangle Rent A Car, where you can buy used cars that are sure to be in good condition. People are opting to purchase vehicles from Triangle Rent A Car because of the security that goes along with the sale.

If you are planning on buying a vehicle from Triangle Rent A Car, make sure you visit their web site. They have made it incredibly easy for you to look through all of the vehicles that they currently have for sale. Each vehicle is listed with a picture, price, mileage and year. If you click on the thumbnail of the vehicle, you can pull up the vehicle information on the car.

For more information on rental car truck and van sales, visit Triangle Rent A Car today!

Also make sure that you check out the following new pages:

The Truth About Rental Taxes

SUV Rentals

Tags: auto rental by Janelle - 2 Comments »