First of all, it is very difficult to rent a car without a credit card. Last time I tried, I was turned down by four companies; the fifth - and last one at the airport - accepted my debit card.
Second, I made a reservation on Avis's website, and shortly after, received a confirmation e-mail giving me a breakdown of the cost. Here it is:
$53.02 - Base Rate - 1 day, 20 hours
$0.67 per day - Energy Recovery fee
2% - Pennsylvania Passenger Car Rental Tax
2% - Philadelphia Car Rental Tax
$2 per day - if rental less than 30 days OR 3% if rental is 30 days or more
11.11% - Concession Recovery Fee
7% - Tax
$18.03 - Taxes and Surcharges Subtotal
$71.05 - Total
I'm being taxed over 35% to rent a car?
Am I stating the extremely obvious when I say that maybe it's time for the car rental industry to find some new lobbyists?
