So I'm driving through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Nevada this August and I'm not sure which rental company to go with.
Using Expedia to show me different rates from different companies, I see that for 7 days a company like "Thrifty" (which I'm unfamiliar with) will offer me a rate of $705 but then a company that I've heard of like Budget or Hertz will offer $993 and $1,044 respectively. Initially I thought the latter companies may be able to ask for such prices because more people have heard of them, but then I got to thinking... I will be driving through the desert on many occasions where I will have little to no cell phone service. What I'm worried about is going with one of these cheaper companies that I'm unfamiliar with to save some money but perhaps they don't take care of their cars as much as the well-knowns do. I worry about breaking down in the middle of the desert in August with no reception and being stranded. I'm wondering what you guys think. Is a company like Thrifty, Dollar or Alamo trustworthy enough for such a low price? Or is spending the extra money on a car from Avis, Budget or Hertz worth the price because they will be more dependable? I appreciate any and all help.