I go a rude awakening when I saw a deal for a rental car, for $44.00 at Enterprise Rental down town Portland, where Washington counties locations the summer rate was $70.00 a day for full size car. This is the high demand summer rates, which fluctuate due to demand. I booked a car downtown for $42.00 but got a surprise when the actual rate was $50.50. This was due to City of Portland adding a 17% rental tax, where Washington County does not. I bet this is also why it is hard for me find a weekend rental in Beaverton; the lot is often empty around 2:00pm. What I theorize is people staying in downtown Portland are driving up to Beaverton to pick up a rental to avoid the 17% tax. I will be canceling my reservation and use zip car instead and a long bus ride to church on Sunday. I rather deal with the inconvenience than be soaked by the Peoples Republic of Portland.
My rental booking experience shows how unnecessary taxes hurt consumers and business.
