A friend of mine who is a pro at finding bargains but has the street smarts of a parakeet says he found an incredible rent a car deal from a "private person", $100 deposit and $50 a day. Being the cynical s.o.b. that I am, I find it highly suspicious, and I hate to say it, but extra suspicious in Costa Rica. He wasn't too clear about the details but said "she" is going to meet him at the airport.

When I discussed my reservations about this situation with him he said he has their e-mail and "a picture" of the people he found on the internet. Being the hard ass m effer that I am, I immediately thought what a great scam, advertise on the internet, pick up a naive American at the airport, drive them to some unknown location and rob them, you know most guys are bringing cash, credit cards, often valuables like laptops, etc.

I'm asking if any of you guys ever heard about private citizens renting cars cheap or if anyone heard of a rip off robbery scam like this. He's coming down the same time as me and wants me to go with him, I said if they come to the airport and drop off the car and he signs whatever forms exist, I would do it but if they want to drive off to another location to do "the paperwork", no way in hell am I going along, I'm taking a cab.
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Netgems, while your hypothetical isnt completely implausible, I would be much more concerned with insurance and legal liability. I dont really know the laws in costa rica, but I can tell you that it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that your personal auto policy in the states will transfer to a rental car in costa rica. The last thing you wanna do is get in an accident in someone elses uninsured vehicle and be on the hook for thousands of dollars in damages.

At Thrifty in San Jose, you can get a Yaris for $50 per day, includes everything but gas.

My harassing finally got through to him, he started checking up with these people and asking questions, did not like the answers (or lack of answers) he got and cancelled, choosing a normal rent a car agency. Looks like occasionally a newbie WILL LISTEN to an old pro, who knows, maybe some of our advice saves lives or at the very least, saves their money, credit cards, passports, possessions and clothes.

I don't know if it's "Urban Legend" but I have heard of Americans getting mugged and if they're wearing $100 hiking boots and designer jeans, they later find themselves literally wearing just their underwear flagging down local cops with a bump on their noggin. You guys wearing the fishing shirts, baggy shorts and sandals need not worry....

And don't forget the stringy hair, and disgusting, horny toenails

Seriously , As Orange says, there have been those willing to rent a car at prices below what rental agencies charge; in fact when I read the "Tico Times" - when it was printed - not so much anymore now that its on line - you would see ad's from time to time offering rental cars. - but if you are down for a week - on vacation - and new to Costa Rica - I'd caution as you posted, to forget it.

Rental cars are expensive in CR, and what is super annoying is they tend to be advertised with out even the <mandatory> insurance required.

As to being mugged, while its possible, this would not be my major concern.

When in San Jose, I use the Thrifty Rental Car office at Calle 3 and Avenida 13. I've used them for almost 10 years, and they have always treated me right. The last time I rented from them (November 2013), I rented a new Renault Linea, an intermediate-sized car, for $35/day (all in). I booked through the Thrifty website.

When I checked with Thrifty, I didn't think they were expensive at all. they have a location 4 blks. from Havana Humidor Room. And, it beats taking a taxi for fu..kin forever to get to Donde Carlos. and you can leave quickly if you despise the food. just kidding about Donde Carlos, Scubas all time favorite in the whole word.