You might also want to play around w/ pick-up and drop-off locations. My vague recollection (I don’t rent often) is that different locations that are somewhat close to each other can have very diff prices.
On our last significant road trip, I reserved something in the Nissan Rogue class and got a Navigator b/c they had NO other SUV or minivan! Bwahahahahahaha.
Probably need to be flex with dates as the “moving to nyc for my first job” demand gets met.
Yeah you are correct…I played around with different pick-up and drop off, including airports/regular rental offices, and the price varies significantly. I think Alamo is the cheapest from Costco Rental cars. Enterprise is not far behind depending on location.
For similar price should I get a sports car (Dodge Challenger), OR luxury sedan (Cadillac XTS), OR stand SUV (Ford Edge) to travel cross country? Which would be most ideal on the 3000 mile road trip?
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee as daily driver so wanted something different and fun/comfortable for the trek.
XTS for sure.
I’ve had good experience with Budget rentals. Typically, as a first time renter you can score 30% off. I searched every rental company and Budget was the cheapest on multiple occasions. I rented from them and got an upgrade to a Grand Cherokee and drove a scenic route from San Fran to Denver in 7 days for less than $450 (rental fee) and averaged over 26 mpg. Link your account to Amazon Prime and you get some upgrades & other benefits.
I’m not personally familiar w/ any of the 3 cars, but I would also vote for something super comfy like an XTS. The Challenger is so huge that I don’t really think of it as a sports car, and you already know what a larger mid-size SUV Is like, so…
Costco Discount Codes:
Avis : ACW A108329
Alamo : 7014627
Budget :BCD W852802
Enterprise " CSTUCPG
They might ask your Costco membership during pick-up but I have never been asked.
Just a quick reference I compared the Costco rental price vs. https://www.autoslash.com/ and it seems like Autoslash is chepaer (via Priceline) for a Hertz rental. Difference is about $50 if there are no hidden costs. So the one-way drop off 7 days is about $485, unlimited mileage, standard SUV…not too bad.
Regarding enterprise I’ve been asked to input Costco member number when making the Res.
And I could’ve sworn that I was actually asked to show my Costco card once (also Enterprise), but don’t quote me on that…
What about sixt… they always have cheap Benz, bmws etc. dunno their one way pricing though
I actually looked them up from LAX to EWR out of curiosity, because of their cars. They did not give me that option 
Interesting option but aren’t they largely off-site regarding airports (this matters for flying in and out)
Seriously though I wish they’d come to Kona and shake up the rental market. Hertz, Enterprise, and the rest are just a little bit too comfortable and lofty here. No matter the time of year I consistently pay more for cars here than anywhere else including Ski season out of DEN.