Even though it is now relatively easy to compare prices online - do be careful not to compare apples

If I want a car for the whole trip I usually pick up at or near the airport and then use it as my transfer. When travelling with the family, usually this works out as the best and most cost effective option.
As well as the usual larger global companies such as Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Europcar, you can consider Australian car hire companies such as East Coast Car Rentals and RedSpot Car Rentals, as well as the local rental cars Gold Coast Australia companies in the suburbs and near the airport.
Please thrifty rental cars check the fine print for yourself - do not rely on my tips for car hire Gold Coast and Brisbane. The purpose thrifty rental cars of this is to highlight some of the things I have found that have tripped me up on my travels. I am sure there are more and I will add any new ones I come across.
Even though it is now relatively easy to compare prices online - do be careful not to compare apples with oranges. Make sure you know what you are getting. The following are some of the areas to consider such as:
Many of the smaller cars either don't have airconditioning or when you put it on their little engines struggle especially when you also go with automatic transmission ! I am noticing that the smallest cars, economy or compact cars are now mostly manual.
When I hire a car I look for the newer cars, but obviously value. On the Gold Coast, I have hired cars from East Coast Car Rentals on a number of occassions and the cars are pretty thrifty rental cars good on the whole and the price has always been better than the brand new ones.
Beware of the insurance excesses , particularly if you are on a tight budget. Sometimes you book what seems like a cheap car but when you turn up to pick it up, the fear of god is put into you when you see the excess is $2,200 or more !
You can buy extra insurance on the spot to reduce the excess. Now how do I put this without creating a lawsuit.....You thrifty rental cars are captive and have to decide on the spot whether to risk a huge excess or pay what may end up as 40% or more of the car rental in extra insurance!
I used to always pay for the extra insurance and peace of mind when renting a car whilst thrifty rental cars on holiday. However, I discovered that my travel insurance covered the excesses on my car hire! This saved me so much money, I won't be travelling without travel insurance from now on - it is so worth it! So check your Travel Insurance Policy to see if you are covered and if there are any special terms and conditions around car hire (always check as they are different)..
If you don't already thrifty rental cars have your travel insurance, check out the one I use Travel Insurance Direct * - they even send you checklists and reminders and follow you up after your trip to find out if you need to claim! How good is that!
Always check the type of fuel required - in Europe I assumed that no hire car would be diesel and instructed my poor husband to fill up with unleaded. 120 Euros later we left the petrol station and made it about 3 miles before the car chugged to a stop!
Check for any unusual local driving rules! Most good hire companies have a guide for overseas or interstate drivers. You will need a current Australian Drivers Licence or an International Drivers Licence to hire a car.
Australia has strict drink driving and driving under the influence laws. If you are planning to party - why not enjoy a limo, taxi or use public transport - that way everyone is happy and safe. Also if you read the fine print on your rental agreement and insurance you will find that you will be liable and the insurance will be void - it's really not worth it.
Speed limits are enforced in Australia with devices such as radar and speed cameras. The hire company will charge your credit card if you are caught speeding when they receive the infringement notice - which may be a month or two delay. Oh, and they will also charge your for toll evasion or parking tickets and usually add on an administration fee.
Please check the fine print for yourself - do not rely on my tips for car hire Gold Coast and Brisbane thrifty rental cars . The purpose of this is to highlight some of the things thrifty rental cars I have found that have tripped me up on my travels. I am sure there are more and I will add any new ones I come across.
A great local company that I often end up using is East Coast Car Rentals , they have depots in Surfers Paradise, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane and close to both Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta. I have found they have great cars and are often better priced than the majors, but you should check for yourself.