Silvercar Review: Luxury Car Rentals for the Tech Generation
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Lifestyle Editor Shayne Benowitz recently gave Silvercar a spin, an Audi-only, on-demand car rental service catering to the next generation of travelers, which is currently the TPG Thursday Giveaway, for a whole year's rental, a $9000 value! Here's her review of the new premium service.
For travelers in search of luxury rental cars and on-demand concierge service, Silvercar's Audi-only, app-centric service may be the solution. Akin to the Uber of rental cars, users input their contact and billing information into SilverCar website or app and make their reservation in a few simple steps. Available at nine major U.S. airports across the country, Silvercar promises an Audi every time, as well as curbside service where available, allowing customers to skip the lines at typical airport rental car desks.
I gave the service a spin at Miami International Airport (MIA) a couple of weeks ago to see how it stacked up. Overall, it was a seamless process and I enjoyed tooling around Miami in a 2015 Audi A4. It's definitely a service that will impress the next generation of travelers.
Other Silvercar locations include: Austin (AUS), Dallas (DFW and Love), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and San Francisco (SFO) with plans to expand.
Making the Reservation
The reservation process is simple and intuitive, and took me about five minutes in all to complete. I went to the website where the homepage asks you to select your location, pick-up date, pick-up time, return date and return time, along with your email address.
From there, if you're a first time user, you fill in your billing information and other specifications, such as insurance packages. If you've used the service before, your billing information is saved and you can simply make a reservation on the site or the app, which you're instructed to download.
For a 24-hour rental period in Miami, the cost was $89 per day ($103 total with taxes and surcharges).
The Pick-up
I arrived at MIA on an international flight from Anguilla and gave myself an hour's window with my pick-up time to get through customs. By the time I cleared, I had a welcome message on my phone from Silvercar with instructions to login to the app and notify them of my arrival.
Inside the app, there were clear instructions on how to take the MIA Mover on level 4 to the rental car center where I'd head straight to the exit and veer right to wait for my pick-up curbside. The only small bit of confusion here was that the instructions stated to take exit door #3—the problem is that the doors are not numbered, so I stood outside looking for a sign that indicated #3 that didn't exist.
My Silvercar concierge arrived promptly and walked me over to a poorly lit one-hour parking lot just off the curb. As a solo female traveler, I'll admit it was a little unnerving to be escorted by a stranger through a parking lot after dark, but whatever anxiety I felt was unfounded as my concierge was professional and polite. Still, it's a consideration the company could stand to review.
I was asked to inspect the car for any damage and then my concierge offered an orientation of the vehicle, which I accepted. He showed my how to work the MMI Control Panel, the navigation and the radio. The car's GPS has the drop-off location pre-programmed, making the return fool proof. The car is also equipped with a brief guide in order to use your souped-up Audi to its fullest potential.
We tried to connect my iPhone via Bluetooth, but it didn't take. And the SiriusXM Radio was not available, as advertised. Finally, he showed me how to start her up by holding my foot on the brake and sliding the key into the ignition, and I was off.
The Car
The car was a brand new 2015 Audi A4 and she drove like a dream. The new car smell was in full effect and the leather interior was soft and luxurious. The car is definitely high-tech with everything you need at the turn of the central control knob, as well as steering wheel controls for music, volume and navigation.
Clear instructions are provided to take advantage of navigation, Bluetooth, radio and connecting to the in-car WiFi hotspot.
The car was also equipped with a SunPass, making driving through tolls simple—the fare is added to your bill at the end of the rental period.
While I found the MMI Control Panel's knobs, buttons and dials a little overwhelming and distracting, I'm sure if I had the car for a little longer they'd become second-nature features that I wouldn't want to live without. For luxury enthusiasts and car geeks, this service is a no brainer.
The Drop-off
I returned the car the next evening, after a little trial and error searching for the address in the GPS. A Silvercar message checked in with me midday to make sure my plans hadn't changed, and I shot them a quick message to inform them that I was on my way.
The drop-off location is just off Le Jeune Rd. near the other rental car services at MIA, and it was easy to navigate to. The same concierge was there when I returned the car. He was friendly and genuinely interested in how I enjoyed my experience. He offered me a bottle of water or a soda, and then gave me a lift to the terminal in the same car that I rented. It took about five minutes in all to get back to the airport.
Overall
Silvercar's seamless service and luxury vehicle promise makes it an excellent choice for the traveler in search of a stylish rental car. While standard and economy car rentals can be found much cheaper (an Expedia search yielded prices ranging from $21 - $38 per day), the price is on par—if not slightly cheaper—for luxury rental cars. And with Silvercar, you know what you're getting every time—a sweet Audi A4—along with concierge service for the tech generation. There's a lot to like with Silvercar.
TPG Tip: Check with your car insurance, as well as your credit card's rental car insurance policy before paying for additional coverage from the rental car agency. American Express Platinum is an excellent choice.
For those interested in Silvercar, they are giving all TPG readers an exclusive $50 off their first drive, plus a $50 cash rewardwhen you complete your first drive of 2 days of more! Simply enter "thepointsguy" at sign-up in the Referral Code field and your coupon will be available in the Silvercar app's Message Center.
TPG is also giving away a year of free Silvercar rentals valued at $9,000. Enter now before it's too late!
Have you tried Silvercar? Tell us about your experience or other car rental services you'd recommend.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.