Need an SUV over the holidays? Avis cuts weekly rental rates

Maybe you have more visitors coming for the holidays than you can fit in your car. Or maybe you need a bigger vehicle for that road trip to Aunt Martha’s house. Here’s a thought: Avis has a sale on SUV rentals through the end of the year that starts at $159 a week.

The deal: Avis is offering weekly rentals at participating airport locations for intermediate SUVs starting at $159 and standard SUVs starting at $169; prices don’t include taxes or surcharges. Use the code S728000 when making a reservation for this deal.

When: The offer is good through Dec. 31, though blackout dates apply at some locations.

Tested: I checked and found availability for a seven-day rental (picking up and dropping off at LAX) starting Dec. 12. An intermediate SUV that seats five, described as a Ford Escape or similar vehicle, would cost $179 before taxes and surcharges. I also found a standard SUV that seats five, described as a Chevy Equinox or similar vehicle, for $199 before taxes and surcharges.

The savings on this car-rental deal are good -- about $100 or more for my test. Here’s what Avis would usually charge for the same rentals on the same dates: $278 to $327 (depending on whether you chose the “pay now” option) for the intermediate SUV and $361 to $424 for a standard SUV (prices exclude taxes and surcharges).

Contact: Avis, (800) 230-4898