Understood, but getting the cheapest rental at any car place – especially ones named Thrifty, Budget, Pennypincher, Cheapskate, etc… – I would not expect automatic anything on their basest models. (Which is fine with me, because I almost never use cruise control and the savings are passed along to me.) If Budget does happen to have cruise control and automatic windows/doors on their lowest line, bonus. But I sure as hell wouldn’t expect it. About the only thing you can expect is automatic transmission, because none of the rental places I know have manual here in the US (and I have asked, only to be laughed at.)
Next time get the Mercury Messenger.
Also I’d like to say that I’ve finally seen the light and become a Zip Car member.
Avis’ cheapest subcompact is $37.99 which jumps up to $86 after I add insurance options. Then you have to gas it up when you return it, there’s another $30. Wait in line to pick up, wait in line again to return… never again.