When you’re planning a trip and want freedom on four wheels, the biggest question is almost always this: Which car rental company is the cheapest? You’ll find big names like Avis, Budget, Enterprise—and then there’s a trusted local option: Mr. Rent A Car. Let’s break down the real cost and value of each, with honest info and friendly advice for your next trip.
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The Big Names: What You’re Really Paying
Major rental companies—Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz—are everywhere. They’ve got familiar fleets, loyalty programs, airport locations, and promo deals aimed at travelers who book packages or business trips.
Sites like Kayak show that basic economy cars in Canada average around CAD $51/day, with the lowest deals near CAD $38/day. If you’re hunting the absolute cheapest broker deal, you might find Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty for even less—sometimes in the teens per day—but there’s usually a catch kayak.com.
The big companies lean heavily on upsells, add-ons, and protection packages. That means a low sticker rate can quickly balloon once you add insurance, mileage fees, fuel, and airport taxes. Hidden charges are common—so while “$35/day” might sound amazing, the end price is often much higher.
Mr. Rent A Car: Big ambitions, Bigger Clarity
Then there’s Mr. Rent A Car, a local Canadian chain that stands out for openly stating the facts:
- They offer affordable options and transparent pricing with no hidden charges .
- You can compare vehicle options and book online 24/7.
- Multiple metro locations mean flexibility, and their Richmond/YVR airport branch even allows after‑hours returns with a key‑drop box.
- Their pricing typically starts in the low‑$30s per day, especially in Vancouver, plus you don’t get surprised mrrentacar.com.
What really makes them shine is the honesty behind the quote: you see the full price with any fees upfront. No sugar coating, no mystery rates, no coffee‑shop upsells.
Real‑World Rate Comparison
- Major Brands: Average base rate sits at CAD $38–51/day, but with tax, airport fees, and insurance, your true cost often lands near CAD $60–80/day.
- Mr Rent A Car: Offers economy rides from the low‑$30s per day, with clean cars and no hidden expenses—final price is usually close to the original quote.
What Other Renters Say
On Reddit’s r/Canada travel, renters warn that ultra‑cheap brokers (e.g., Dollar or Thrifty) may lure you in with low rates—and then hit you with fees later. That’s less common with Mr. Rent A Car, where customer reviews note the clarity of pricing—even if there’s one unhappy review about an unexpected airport drop fee.
Why Mr. Rent A Car May Still Be the Smart Choice
- Honest Pricing: Final quote includes taxes and fees.
- Local Knowledge: They understand Canadian travel and don’t upsell you unnecessarily.
- Convenience: Metro‑Vancouver locations (Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam) plus Calgary make picking up easy; airport location offers 24/7 flexibility mrrentacar.com.
- Friendly Service: Word from several users on TripAdvisor and Facebook is that staff are personable and helpful .
- Clear Policies: No hidden extras, flexible booking, and wide vehicle selection—exactly what budget‑savvy travelers need .
Budget Tips Beyond Cheap Rates
- Book early: Lock in rates before holiday markups.
- Compare locations: Airport branches usually cost more—local pickups from Mr Rent A Car are cheaper.
- Skip unnecessary add-ons: If your credit card offers rental insurance, you might not need theirs.
- Bring your own GPS or phone mount: Rental gear adds daily charges.
- Check mileage policy: Mr. Rent A Car often includes reasonable allowances or even unlimited mileage.
Final Verdict
If you’re chasing the absolute lowest headline price and don’t mind rolling the dice on surprise fees or trips to broker desks, big brands might offer cheap sticker deals—but the final cost might shock you.
If you want straightforward, honest pricing under CAD $40/day and service you can trust, Mr. Rent A Car offers solid value without the guesswork. Transparent quotes, thoughtful coverage options, metro access, and reliable vehicles make it an excellent choice for savvy Canadians.
Want help comparing plans or grabbing a great deal? Let me know—I’ve got the inside track on budget‑friendly, trustworthy rentals.
