But I have to tell you, the Uber/Lyft experience makes the renting of cars completely superfluous and obsolete.
I recently travelled to San Diego on business and used nothing but Lyft. When I totaled up my expenses, the Lyft rides were cheaper than if I had rented a car at the airport.
Not only that but I got door to door service, almost instant pickups (never longer than 6 or 7 minutes) and friendly conversation from the drivers. It was such a pleasant experience compared to the hard sell from the rental agencies on insurance, upgrades and all that other nonsense on every transaction. I did not have to worry about getting charged for a full tank of gas because I did not return it completely filled. No worries on tolls. No demeaning inspections for dings and whatnot.
During my San Diego trip, I got rides from my hotel to Oceanside Beach, the Midway Carrier, Oldtown, and a highly rated steakhouse in Carlsbad. To the hotel from the airport and back for my return trip was a pleasure. Zero stress about being late to anywhere because even if the Lyft broke down, another one would be right behind it to take me where I needed to be. Hassle free payment through the app and I tipped whatever I wanted after leaving the car.
No stress whatsoever on finding parking, navigating unfamiliar roads or finding gas stations.
I sound like a commercial, I know, but the experience of Lyft or Uber is so superior to renting a car on trips that I just had to mention it. I will probably never rent a car again.
Thanks for the report. I’ve never used Uber/Lyft but will give them a try.