Renting a car in Tahoe.

[coolcheech]

I'm planning on flying into Reno the last few days in February and renting a car. I'm going to just tool around Lake Tahoe/Truckee/Sacramento/Reno for those days.

As I have no idea how the roads are maintained around there, I want to know if it's a risky idea to rent an economy car. Should I stick with a 4WD car to play it safe?

[RXPXSkier]

the times ive been in the area with a storm, the main roads are well taken care of. Why not go with 4 wheel drive? better safe then sorry.

[da sponge]

the times ive been in the area with a storm, the main roads are well taken care of. Why not go with 4 wheel drive? better safe then sorry.

it's usually a $200-$300 difference for a week.

[highway12south]

Newby contribution .. Go to Bjs warehouse website.Click travel /car rental.Use codes and coupon .I found a 9 day suv for $330 in reno for my upcoming visit. Its gone up a few bucks now but still reasonable. Car was about $80-100 less. Cheaper than anything in denver or SLC

[coolcheech]

Thanks, I checked out BJ's they're also in the $250 range for a 4wd.
I'll have to keep checking the small local guys.


And yes, the cost of playing it safe is another plane ticket, when an economy car will cost me like $60.

[tom111869]

Book the economy and watch the weather report. Have a back up plan like a shuttle to Truckee from Reno. If the weather looks stormy just cancel the car and take the shuttle. The local buses can get you to and from Alpine, Squaw, Tahoe City, etc..

[coolcheech]

Book the economy and watch the weather report. Have a back up plan like a shuttle to Truckee from Reno. If the weather looks stormy just cancel the car and take the shuttle. The local buses can get you to and from Alpine, Squaw, Tahoe City, etc..

I didn't mention it but this is really sort of a business/life trip. I'm not going to have time to ride. I'll be there less then 36 hours, then back on a plane.

[Hugh Conway]

If there's snow you'll need chains. Chains will run you $30 (or more)

[cramer]

I'm planning on flying into Reno the last few days in February and renting a car. I'm going to just tool around Lake Tahoe/Truckee/Sacramento/Reno for those days.

As I have no idea how the roads are maintained around there, I want to know if it's a risky idea to rent an economy car. Should I stick with a 4WD car to play it safe?

theres a shuttle that runs from reno to tahoe. Its like 20 bucks i think. My buddy took it over when he flew in last summer. As long as its not getting smacked like it is right now up there, the roads should be fine.

[cloud cult]

The roads are well plowed but during storms Cal Trans does enforce chain and four wheel drive laws -- not just with a blinking sign like in a lot of places but with checkpoints, and not just on major roads but on all roads. In some of the more heavily traveled roads there are people who will put chains on for you and people who will take them off on the other side of the mountain, but I don't know that you can actually rent them.

[bosrocker51]

I'd go with the 4WD car - anytime in those mountains. Best...