In Cebu, there is no shortage of bargains where you get good quality food and travel experiences for a very affordable price.
However, does the same apply to car rentals? Well, as with anything to do with travel, it all depends on who covers most of the basics and at a price that beats all the competition.
But of course, it helps to review what those basics are. Here’s a list you can start with.
1. Age
If you were buying a car, then it is understandable that you would opt for used car dealers and go for models that may be a little older.
Unfortunately, you cannot have the same attitude when it comes to rentals. Please remember that a used car is something you can work on and repair in the worst-case scenario. It is still yours! On the other hand, you obviously would not want that spoiling your Cebu trip.
Therefore, go for rental services whose models are at most two, maybe three years old. The rates need not be as exorbitant as you may expect. Even something like a Hyundai can be rented for about 1,399 PHP per day.
2. Fuel
Most rental services in Cebu are upfront about fueling arrangements and tell you if it is covered or not. Of course, there is no harm in asking (especially if it looks a bit evident on the price tag compared to others).
That aside, perhaps the more pressing matter is the kind of fuel you want to use. If you are hoping that there is a service with a Tesla, then you will be disappointed. The infrastructure for electric vehicles is sadly non-existent in Cebu (or the rest of the Philippines). On the bright side, there are services who offer affordable models that are non-diesel.
3. Cleanliness
If there is one thing that differentiates an affordable rental versus one that is just cheap, it is cleanliness. The internet already has one too many horror stories about cheap rental cars with strange smells, or worse, even have pests living inside!
That is just one of over a dozen problems you will get if you go for a rental that seems affordable, but does not take promises of cleanliness very seriously. Cars that are not regularly disinfected and maintained also pose a serious health risk.
This does not mean you should be obsessive with the smallest speck of dust you see on a car seat. It simply means that cleanliness is something you cannot afford to sacrifice, and not all service providers in Cebu are equal in that regard.
4. Area
Cebu has a very unique position as a growing urban center that also still has plenty of beautiful, nature resorts outside of the city proper. On the other hand, this does have an impact on the kind of rental cars you will need for your trip.
Some services have different rates for any trip taken outside the city. Others can be very specific on where you can go.
The best, affordable deals are car rentals that allow you almost unlimited mileage and allow you to drive in more than just one city. For instance, you may find a good service provider based in Talisay, but they will allow you to go as far as both Cebu City and Mandaue.
At this point, there may still be a few more things to consider (such as the number of people with you and the kind of luggage you have). But overall, one should not consider a car affordable if it overlooks areas that are important for the enjoyment, safety and comfort for your stay in Cebu.
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