June 23, 2004

By: James Potter
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Budget Survey Shows Many People Opt For a Rental Car

For leisure get-aways, consumers often look beyond their garages for vacation transportation, according to a new survey conducted by Budget Rent A Car. Survey results from over 500 respondents, qualified as leisure renters, showed that a surprising 39 percent said they rented their leisure get-away vehicles from a downtown or suburban rental location near their home.

Survey results showed the top three reasons consumers rent cars locally for their leisure get-aways were:

1. To save miles on their own personal vehicles

2. They needed a larger vehicle to accommodate their family members

3. They desired more reliable transportation

We have long recognized that consumers rent vehicles in the local market for a variety of reasons, particularly for leisure travel, but we really wanted to understand what motivated them to rent a car rather than drive their own, noted Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Cendant Car Rental Group, parent company of Budget. With more than 700 downtown and suburban locations, Budget has been serving the local rental needs of consumers for more than 45 years.

So just what are they doing and where are they going on these get-aways? We found that the reasons for a local get-away rental vary widely, said Deaver. Fifty-two percent of survey respondents took their rental vehicles on a trip out of town to visit friends or family members, while 41 percent took a sightseeing trip or a mini-vacation.

Rounding out the reasons for local leisure rentals were honeymoons and romantic getaways, sporting events, outdoor recreation activities, such as skiing, visiting a college or other special occasions. These special occasions included anniversaries and even out-of-town shopping sprees.

Nearly half of the trips taken by renters exceeded 500 miles round trip. One quarter said their adventures would take them between 250 and 500 miles round trip, followed by 18 percent who planned to drive 100 to 250 miles.

When it comes to eating on the road, 73 percent of renters chose to stop and have their meals at a restaurant. Another 16 percent admitted to rolling through the drive-thru and eating in their cars. The remaining 11 percent packed their own food to eat along the way.

The driver still rules in controlling the car stereo. Forty-six percent of respondents said the driver is in charge of the musical entertainment, while 24 percent turned the tunes over to another adult passenger. Thirteen percent take a majority vote on what to listen to, and only four percent of respondents let the kids turn the dial.

About The Author:

James Potter is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Making that car wish list come true with auto parts, stereos and accessories plus financing tips.