What "nice car" means and what it actually costs
A nice car for the weekend usually means something newer, cleaner, and more comfortable than your daily driver — often a sedan or SUV from the last three to five years, or a convertible if you want to feel the weekend. The rental cost depends on where you are, what week you're renting, and which company you use. A mid-size sedan might run $50 to $100 per day in a smaller city, or $80 to $150 in a major metro area. Luxury cars — think BMW, Mercedes, Audi — typically start at $150 per day and climb from there. Weekend rates are often lower per day than weekday rates because rental companies want to move inventory.
The real cost is not just the daily rate. You will also pay for insurance (if you don't decline it), fuel, and any tolls or parking. Some rental companies charge a fee to return the car with less than a full tank. Read the contract before you hand over your card, because these add-ons can easily double your bill.
Key Takeaways
- Book directly with the rental company's website or call their location, because third-party booking sites often show lower prices but charge hidden fees at pickup.
- Check your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage before buying the rental company's insurance, since you may already be covered and can save $15 to $30 per day.
- Pick up and drop off at an airport location only if you are already there, because airport branches charge facility fees that can add $20 to $40 to your total.
- Return the car with a full tank of fuel, because rental companies charge $6 to $8 per gallon if they refuel it for you.
- Reserve the specific car model you want, not just the category, because "mid-size sedan" might mean a five-year-old Nissan Altima or a brand-new Toyota Camry depending on what the lot has that day.
Where to book and how to avoid the lowest-price trap
The biggest rental companies are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Each has its own website where you can see actual cars available at your location and date. Third-party sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline show prices across multiple companies, but they often quote a base rate that does not include the rental company's own fees — airport facility charges, vehicle licensing recovery fees, or local taxes. When you click through to complete the booking, the final price jumps.
The safest route is to go directly to the rental company's website, enter your dates and location, and see what cars are actually available. You will see the full price before you commit. If you find a lower price on a third-party site, call the rental location directly and ask if they can match it — many will, and you avoid the surprise fees.
Book at least a week ahead for a weekend rental. Prices rise sharply if you book the day before or the day of, and the nice cars get reserved first. If you are flexible on dates, check Friday-to-Monday rates versus Saturday-to-Sunday rates; sometimes a longer rental costs less per day.
Insurance: what you actually need
Rental companies will offer you a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) — basically, their insurance. It costs $15 to $35 per day and covers damage to the rental car if you hit something or someone hits you. Do not buy it automatically. Check your own auto insurance policy first. Most personal policies cover rental cars the same way they cover your own car, which means you are already protected. If you have collision coverage at home, you have it on a rental.
Credit cards also matter. Many premium credit cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) include rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card. Read the card's benefits guide or call the card issuer before you rent. If your personal insurance and credit card both cover you, you do not need the rental company's insurance.
If you have no personal auto insurance and no credit card coverage, buy the rental company's CDW. The risk of paying out of pocket for damage is too high. If you are renting in a country outside the United States, check whether your coverage applies internationally — many policies do not.
Picking the right location and avoiding airport fees
Rental locations at airports charge facility recovery fees, concession fees, and sometimes local taxes that non-airport locations do not. These can add $20 to $40 to your total bill. If you are flying in and renting a car, check whether there is a rental location a few miles from the airport — often there is, and you can take a cheap rideshare or taxi to get there and save money.
If you are renting locally (not traveling), use a location near your home or workplace. Rental companies often have multiple branches in the same city, and some charge less than others. Call ahead and ask what time the location closes on Friday and opens on Monday, because weekend hours vary. Some locations close Saturday evening or do not open until Monday morning, which means you cannot return the car when you planned.
What to check before you drive away
Before you leave the lot, walk around the car with the rental agent and photograph or video any existing damage — scratches, dents, chips, stains. Point out everything you see. The agent will note it on the contract. This protects you because if you return the car with new damage, the company cannot charge you for damage that was already there. Take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge too, so there is no dispute about mileage or whether you returned it full.
Check that the car has a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in the trunk. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. Make sure you know where the fuel door release is and what type of fuel the car takes. If anything is broken or missing, tell the agent before you leave. Do not drive off the lot until you are confident the car is in the condition you expect.
Fuel, mileage, and return logistics
Most rental agreements include unlimited mileage, so you do not pay extra for driving. Read your contract to confirm. Some economy rentals or long-term rentals cap mileage at 100 or 150 miles per day, and you pay $0.25 to $0.50 per mile over that. If you plan to drive more than 300 miles over the weekend, ask about this before you book.
Fuel is your responsibility. You can buy a full tank of fuel from the rental company when you pick up the car — this costs $6 to $8 per gallon, which is more than a gas station. A better option is to fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car. Keep your receipt. If the rental company claims you did not return it full, you have proof.
Return the car to the same location where you picked it up, unless you booked a one-way rental (which costs more). Return it during business hours so an agent can inspect it and sign off on the condition. If you return it after hours, the company may not inspect it until the next day, and you could be charged for damage you did not cause if someone else rents it first.
Upgrades, loyalty programs, and negotiating at pickup
When you arrive at the rental counter, the agent may offer you an upgrade to a nicer car for an extra $10 to $20 per day. If you want a nicer car and the price is reasonable, take it. If you do not want to pay extra, decline. Do not feel pressured.
If you are a member of the rental company's loyalty program (Enterprise Plus, Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred), you earn points on every rental and can skip the counter line on future visits. These programs are free to join and worth signing up for if you rent more than once a year. You may also get a discount on your current rental just for being a member.
If you are a member of AAA, AARP, or a military service organization, ask about discounts. Many rental companies offer 10 to 20 percent off for members. Bring your membership card or number when you pick up the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a nice car if I am under 25?
Yes, but most rental companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 25. Call the rental location directly and ask, because policies vary by location and company. You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late fees vary by company, but most charge $40 to $75 per hour for the first few hours, then a full day's rental rate if you are more than a few hours late. If you think you will be late, call the rental location and ask if you can extend the reservation. Extending ahead of time is cheaper than paying a late fee.
Can I take the rental car across state lines or out of the country?
Most rental companies allow you to drive across state lines within the United States at no extra charge. Crossing into Canada or Mexico requires advance permission and may involve additional insurance or fees. Call the rental company before you book if you plan to leave the country. Some companies do not allow it at all.
What if the car breaks down while I am renting it?
Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it is on your rental agreement. They will send a tow truck or arrange a replacement car. You are not responsible for mechanical failures on a rental car. Do not try to repair it yourself or take it to your own mechanic.
Is it cheaper to rent for three days or to rent for a weekend?
Weekend rates (Friday to Monday) are often lower per day than three-day rates (Friday to Monday), but it depends on the company and the specific dates. Always check both options when you book. Sometimes a four-day rental costs less than a three-day rental because the company wants to move cars.