Car Rentals

Interesting write-up in the Wall Street Journal today regarding car rental costs.  Apparantly, due to the high cost of fuel, consumers are obviously leaning toward compact cars at the rental desk.  As a result, car rental companies have increased the cost of compact cars to almost match the rate of the large SUVs.  At one particular rental location, a compact car ( i.e. Chevrolet Cobalt ) costs $82.90, while a midsize SUV like the Chevrolet Equinox is going for $71.90.  According to the article, one rental company is renting 40% fewer SUVs.  The car rental companies have increased their rates on the smaller cars that are now in more demand in order to offset their losses in the SUV market.  If you’re not going to drive a lot of miles during your rental period, it might make sense to rent the more roomy SUV.