Although i've never used Priceline or Hotwire for a car rental, it's been suggested that Hotwire often beats Priceline in this area.

How far out was your rental? I just received an email from Hotwire in which in it implied that their car rental prices get even cheaper inside of 7 days of rental date.

I'd guess that Hotwire and Priceline are getting similar deals from the rental companies, so maybe the prices just aren't competitive until you're inside of 7 days (just a thought, like i said, i have no experience with either on the car rental side)

www.BetterBidding.com