Affordable automatic rental car?

Looking for an affordable automatic rental car:
My partner and I are heading to England on holiday next month, and we’re planning to explore the Cotswolds for about six days. However, we’ve just checked the rental prices, and they turned out to be higher than we expected.
The least expensive automatic car we found, including basic insurance (because trust me, the excess is daunting without it), costs around £467.00 from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which is roughly £78 per day. We would be picking up and dropping off at Southampton Airport.
Are there any budget-friendly car rental options in that area? Or are we going to have to spend more than we planned? Any advice for a couple of Aussies would be greatly appreciated!
Finding an affordable automatic rental car in England, especially in popular areas like the Cotswolds, can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some suggestions to help you possibly find a better deal:
Comparison Websites: Use rental car comparison sites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or Skyscanner to compare prices across different rental companies. This can help you find better rates.
Local Rental Companies: Sometimes, smaller local companies might offer better prices than larger chains. It may be worth checking out some local firms in Southampton or the surrounding areas.
Flexible Dates: If your travel dates allow for flexibility, try adjusting your pickup and drop-off dates. Sometimes renting for an extra day can actually reduce the daily rate.
Discount Codes: Look for any available discount codes or promotions. Websites like RetailMeNot or Groupon may have deals for car rentals.
Membership Discounts: If you are a member of any organizations (like AAA) or frequent flyer programs, check to see if they have partnerships with rental companies that could offer you discounts.
Train Options: As an alternative, consider taking the train to the Cotswolds and then renting a car from a location within the area. This could save on airport fees.
Insurance Options: Check if you can reduce the cost of insurance by using a credit card that offers rental car coverage.
Package Deals: Sometimes booking your flight and car rental together can yield discounts.
Hopefully, these tips will lead you to a more affordable rental! Enjoy your trip to the Cotswolds!