Amy

Does anyone have a company they would recommend for a rental car? 8 days, <BR>picking up at airport in San Jose, <BR>return to same location. We'd want 4WD.<BR>Headed to Arenal, Monte Verde, and <BR>Manuel Antonio. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ally

I've always used Adobe Rent-a-Car, but lately have heard Dollar is good and has good rates.

leslie

I used Thrifty for the same trip. Everything was fine except I had a problem when I returned the 4WD. They go over the car very, very carefully and want to charge you for every nick and bump. I highly recommend that you check the car before leaving the rental ageny -- especially the side walls of the tires (including the spare). MAKE SURE THERE IS A JACK and that you know how to use it.

Dave

We used Dollar for our two week excursion. We did not have any problem with our Pathfinder. Definately check over the vehicle carefully before you drive off. Also, sometimes if you book the vehicle through an office at home (in our case Dollar in Ottawa, Ontario) you can get a better rate.

David Cook

I have had good luck with Dollar and Budget; it is always a good idea to check the car carefully and note any damage BEFORE you drive off - check for forced locks on trunk or doors. Do a Google search for &quot;Costa Rica rental cars&quot; and you should get several hits to compare prices and offers. FWD is not totally necessary in most places and really adds to the expense.

ALF

Have had bad experiences with Dollar in San Jose - they wanted to charge huge amounts for the tiniest nicks that were there when we rented the car. <BR><BR>Have had great experience with Toyota Rental Car (http://www.carrental-toyota-costarica.com/). They brought a really nice RAV4 to our hotel, and picked it back up from the hotel two weeks later with no hassles. To be sure, they checked the vehicle out carefully going out and coming back in, but their prices were fair, and they were very professional.<BR><BR>If you are going to Arenal and Monte Verde, I would suggest getting a 4WD - you might not need the extra traction, but you will probably need the extra ground clearance!<BR><BR>Here is a Web site for most rental companies in CR: <BR>http://www.eyeone2.co.uk/trans1.asp

marilynn

Hola Amy,<BR>We have used Payless through Orbitz and have never had a problem - they do charge for the extra insurance at every rental - if you don't have Am Ex. or a platinum card then you have to pay their ins. The 4wd Dhaitsus are not as comfy as the Pathinders.<BR>Marilynn

terri

Hi,<BR>We just got back from CR and used Economy Car Rental and were very pleased with the service. We got an economy-sized car for $250.00/week which included insurance and taxes, unlimited mileage. (I think the 4-wheel drive was around $350-$400 for a week.)<BR><BR>They did not charge our credit card with $1500 deposit that some rental companies do in CR; however, as is standard, there is a $1500 deductible should you get in to an accident.<BR><BR>They did check the car for damage when we returned, but did not seem to go over it with a fine tooth comb. It was a brand new car when we got it, we put close to 900km on the odometer (going through some pretty rough roads, I might add) and they found no damage.<BR><BR>Also, one other thing, we got sort of stranded in the Caribbean (the main road from Limon to Puerto Viejo got completely washed out due to rain), called the company, and the next day they sent out two people to pick us up with a 4-wheel drive vehicle and returned us (and the car) to the Central Valley via some back roads thru banana plantations, etc. (which we would have never been able to navigate on our own!). That was a real plus!<BR><BR>They have an airport location (about 1/4 mile from the airport by the Hampton Inn). They provide shuttle service to the airport when you return the car.)<BR><BR>Hope that helps some.

maureen

Am putting the finishing touches on our first trip to CR 12/19 thru 27th. I now need a car rental. Looks like most cars are rented...can anyone helop me find a small 4x4?<BR><BR>Plan to drive to Monteverde then Fortuna, before either returning the car and flying to Quepos or driving on to Quepos til the 27th.<BR>Ciao,<BR>Maureen<BR><BR>

btowle

just beware that most companies will want a $1000 deposit, and most will look<BR>for any small dent. just do your home-work.