OGG Maui Minivan

[mhatashi]

I am looking for advice for bidding on a minivan from 5/17-5/27. I started at $18 a day bidding and have increased it every day and still have not been successful at $31 a day. I also tried bidding on a full size car for up to $13 a day but it would be much better for us to have a minivan since we have 3 kids in carseats and I'm not sure if all full size cars would be able to fit 3 carseats.

My main question is, should I continue bidding past $31 a day for a trip that is months from now or should I stop and try again when it is closer to the time?

Hotwire did not even list a minivan for these dates until today and it is now listed for $50 a day.

[thereuare]

Please use the requested PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board each time you access the respective site(s) of your bidding, searches and travel purchases.

Please click each of the links above and we'll then have a look at your post.

Thanks.

[mhatashi]

Okay, using the links you provided I got this information.

Hotwire says a minivan is 49.95 per day before fees. $752 total.

Priceline has Advantage as the cheapest option for about $46 per day and $570 total.

I tried Priceline name your own price for $32 a day and failed.

Is it likely too far in advance or should I keep raising the price?

[thereuare]

If the Advantage Car Rental thru PRICELINE is refundable (double check to make sure that it is) why not book that as a back-up... then continue to try PRICELINE bidding at current prices (or slightly higher... or however high you're willing to bid to make locking in a deal worthwhile at this point in time)... then gradually increase your bid in the weeks ahead?

One of the bigger issues you're likely facing is that you're looking for a minivan which is a 'specialty' vehicle, and there just aren't that many of them on rental lots.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[mhatashi]

Thanks for your help, I'll definitely look into reserving the advantage car rental just in case.

If I do try to get a good deal more towards the trip dates, how far before the trip do you think more "last minute" deals might show up?

[thereuare]

There is no telling if/when rates may drop, and it's even more difficult since you're looking for a 'specialty' car and not a standard compact/economy. At this point i would try bidding once per week and searching HOTWIRE whenever you have a moment (but at least once per week).

Come March you can search 2-3 times per week, then mid-April/May every 1-2 days.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Good luck and keep us updated.