The best way to answer that question is: it depends on the kind of transportation you are inquiring about. For a regular transfer from the airport, shopping for a good price is probably the right thing to do. However, like most things in life, the old saying holds true.. you get what you pay for. Contrary to an airport transfer however, a limousine rental is a luxury experience that might not happen very often and is usually reserved for a very special occassion. If you are only shopping on price, you run the risk of being taken advantage of, usually resulting in serious disappointments on that special day. We will now try to discuss this topic in more detail.
A very low price may be a warning flag, for things such as:

1) Older Model Vehicle
2) Inadequate maintance, unfortunately common in 'low budget' limo services include:
    - Dirty or no glassware
    - Dirty vehicle
    - Stereo/Intercom not working
    - Lights not working properly
    - Poor shocks resulting in unpleasant ride
    - A/C malfunctioning
3) Inadequate or no insurance
4) Failure to obtain all necessory licences and permits (on state and government level)
5) Underpaid chauffers - an unhappy employee is more likely to provide you with poor service.
6) Company does not show up on time, does not show up in the promised vehicle, or does not even show up at all (after your 'great-deal' low-price reservation was made they found another client who was willing to pay more and they never bothered to call and let you know)

Maintaining and Operating a fleet of limousines properly is almost impossible to do at lowball rates. Is it worth saving $30-$50 on a special occassion for this type of risk?  
 
 

How much does it cost to rent a limousine?

Average limousine rental costs vary based on a variety of factors. Your exact costs will depend on the factors listed below:
    - Time of year (spring, summer, etc.)
    - Type of vehicle (larger vehicles cost more)
    - Day of week (weekends cost more, weekdays less)
    - Distance traveled (Longer travel times may be more expensive)

Here are national hourly rate averages of the most commonly rented limousines and ground transportation. These figures are examples only and these rates do not construe an offer to solicit for ground transportation.

Vehicle Type National Rate Averages: (based on a 3 hour rental)
Luxury sedan (1-4 passengers) $50-55/hr + gratuity
Stretch limousine (1-8 passengers) $65-$125/hr + gratuity
Stretch SUV (1-14 passengers - Excursions, Hummers, etc.) $130-$175/hr + gratuity
Mini-buses / Limo Coaches / Party Buses (22 passengers and up) $125-$200/hr + gratuity
 
 
 

Can I book a limo for 1 hour? What is a gratuity?

It is estimated that 95% of the limousine industry does not offer limousine service for 1 hour, and there are good business reasons for this. To maintain a high quality of service for the consumer there is usually 1-2 hours of total prep (before the job) and cleanup time (after the job) for any booking regardless of length, and it simply is not cost effective for most companies to send a stretch limo out for only one hour.