Economy Car hire

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Economy Car: what to expect
For fuel efficiency, easy parking and reliable performance, hire an Economy Car. They’re perfect for cheaper travel and city driving, so a great choice for discovering your next destination. Economy Cars can usually fit up to 7 passengers and 5 bags.

Economy Car options

Nissan Versa
Mitsubishi Mirage
Toyota Yaris
Hyundai Accent
Ford Fiesta
Buick Encore
Chevrolet Spark
Kia Rio
Hyundai Venue
Nissan Versa
Mitsubishi Mirage
Toyota Yaris
Hyundai Accent
Ford Fiesta
Buick Encore
Chevrolet Spark
Kia Rio
Hyundai Venue

Choose from trusted car hire brands

Budget
Dollar
Thrifty
Hertz
Alamo
Sixt

Explore pick-up points

Economy Car hire at a glance

Average priceR 2,628 per day
Cheapest price
Best time to book1 week before
Popular hire companyBudget

Things to know before hiring a car

Picking the right car is a good start. Here's everything else to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel — from what to bring to what's included in the price.

Minimum age to hire

Most drivers must be at least 21–25 to hire a car.

The exact car hire age limit depends on the car hire provider and the country's driving rules. Drivers under 25 might need to pay a young driver fee, and some larger or premium Economy cars might have stricter age restrictions.

What documents to bring

Your licence and credit card are essential.

Bring your driving licence and a credit card — you'll need both when you collect the car. Some companies accept debit cards, but it's not guaranteed. If you're hiring abroad, check whether you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and organise that before you travel.

Deposits explained

It's a temporary hold on your card, not a payment.

When you collect the car, the provider places a temporary hold on your card instead of taking a payment. The amount varies depending on the car, the rental company and the location. Once you return the car without damage, the hold is removed. Depending on your bank, this can take a few days.

Car hire insurance

Insurance is included, but there's an excess.

Most car hire includes a collision damage waiver (CDW) which covers you for theft and damage. If something happens to the car, you need to pay a set amount known as the excess. Excess insurance covers that amount if you'd rather not take the risk.

Fuel and mileage policies

Look out for full-to-full policies.

Full-to-full is usually the best value for money. You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use. Pre-paid or return-empty fuel policies can end up costing more. If you're planning a long drive in your Economy car, check whether unlimited mileage is included.

Extras to budget for

Anything over and above the vehicle and one driver.

Child seats, sat navs, roadside assistance and additional drivers are all charged on top, per day. Prices vary by location and the car hire company. If you want any of these for your Economy car rental, check the daily cost before you book.

Economy Car hire: FAQs

The average price for renting your Economy Car in United States is R 2,628 per day or R 21,604 for a week. The cheapest prices we could find are R 94 per day and R 658 for a week.
The average price for renting your Economy Car in New York is R 3,459 per day or R 7,060 for a week. The cheapest prices we could find are R 439 per day and R 3,068 for a week.
No, you won’t need any special type of driving licence to hire your Economy Car.
When you’re renting any type of car, the cost of the hire includes the specific insurance you’ll need. So no, you won’t be renting your Economy Car on your own existing insurance policy.
It depends on the rental company you go with, but you’ll probably have to provide a valid driving licence, ID and passport to rent your Economy Car in United States. After you’ve found the right deal and made your booking, you can easily get in touch with the rental company to check.
You’ll usually need to be at least 21 years old to hire any Economy Car. If you’re under 25 or over 75, rental companies may apply extra charges and restrictions.
You should be fine to pick your Economy Car up in one location and drop it off in another. Just enter your pick-up and drop-off points when you search to check availability.
Yes, you can rent your Economy Car one-way. Just enter your pick-up and drop-off points when you search to see what deals are available.
It will carry between 7 and 1 people.
Most car hire providers ask for a deposit to cover potential damages and to make sure your Economy Car is returned. However, some companies let you book without a deposit. It’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions before you book to understand what’s required upfront.
It usually costs more to rent an electric car but the price ultimately depends on the rental company, where you are and when you travel. Some companies offer discounts to encourage people to rent electric cars. Plus, electric cars typically cost less to run, and you might also save money on parking, tolls or congestion charges in some areas.