The very competitive rental car industry has developed marketing strategies to make it difficult for consumers to compare rates. The published rental rates on all major booking engines don't mean much: all these offerings are padded by a whole list of taxes and surcharges, many of which are just made up.
The only rates relevant to travelers are complete rates, including all surcharges.
So: if you are out there shopping for a rental car for your upcoming visit to St. Maarten - St. Martin, make sure you don't compare apples with oranges: Always look for the complete rate including all surcharges.
Define 'Best Rental Car Deal'
The lowest cost AFTER returning a car from a trouble free rental period. At arrival, a well-kept, clean car is waiting, the paper work is completed fast and returning the vehicle is equally efficient.
Define 'Worst Rental Car Deal'
Minimal rate initially, high follow-up cost at the end of a rental period, which had been riddled with problems from flat tires (and no spare) to failing battery, etc.
This will happen to all who fall for an operator who publishes rates below the actual cost. Such an operator intends to make his money on invented surcharges, inflated or non-existent taxes, through absurd repair cost for minor scratches... in short: this is a classic 'bait and switch' scheme.
