Car hire in the U.S.A.

I was lucky to have managed to hire cars at reasonable prices in the past but while looking (recently) I've found that the prices have gone through the roof!!

Amazingly; the last time I booked flights and care hire (seperatly ofcourse) was on 9/10!!

So, has anybody have suggestions or even inside nfo on how to obtain reasonable prices for cars?
Whats your experience(s) with obtaining some wheels for those visits?

Actually looking into purchasing a car over there (U.S.) to have on hand for future trips..

well I know, nobody seems to have good luck with them, but I think price line do rental cars as well as airline tickets.  At least the UK site does.

hmm...car rentals are always a problem for me (rate-wise, that is).

what i usually do is bug my sister to send me an entertainment coupon book, which has car rental coupons for all the major car companies, and i use that (ok, sometimes i just bug her to send me hers).  i think there is a UK version (or at least london).  the site is www.entertainment.com, i think.

the coupons are for 5-10% off standard rates, then they have coupons like 'rent for a 3-day weekend, get 1 day free' or '$15 off one week' or a 2-car class upgrade.  it's not too bad, and the bonus is you can check rates and book online.

again using www.fodors.com/forums, i look for any car rental specials, or check out some of the smaller, regional companies and see what people have to say about them.

hope this helps some!

Hi All,
      we have used Priceline Twice now for car hire and we got a cracking deal both times i would recomend it to all, we had alamo  both times too. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
[smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Keith