Thread: Car Hire

I am flying over in July to have a look around at some properties to rent.

Car hire seems to be hit and miss so far, ranging from 110 to 280 for small class cars.

Any suggestions that I may have overlooked? any companies to avoid?

Thanks in advance

depends on where you are flying to. whatever comapny you use check their "fuel policy" you can get stung for paying for a full tank of fuel, without refund even if you only use a few litres.

if they give you the car with a fulltank, ask if the fuel is prepaid and if so return it as near to empty as possible! it is no longer return with what was in the tank

also hire the smallest car you can(you can upgrade if YOU need to) but small cars are popular rentals and most times you get an upgrade for the same price as booked (we booked a nissan micra and got a renault laguna for the same price)

Ask the Audience: Goldcar: They don't as far as I know do south of Almeria but around here the hire cars have mostly got goldcar stickers in the window. Presumably these hire cars are driven by people who have done their research or have used them before. As good as a recommendation as one is going to get. There's no question as to their popularity. I used to use them. No problems.

PS Don't get upset like I did: no point as you can't buck their system. You do forfeit a hefty deposit with them all. The problem is, it will take up to a fortnight before it is automatically refunded. Goodness knows how much interest they get on accumulated deposits held for a fortnight.

We always use this one carhire3000.com I've always found them to be excellent and they operate everywhere.

I normally use Avis both in UK and here. They may not be the cheapest but I've never had any problems. The full tank 'scam' is operating in the UK as well - I tried Europcar last time back in UK and realised that, altho' they boasted I would save money as their price per litre was cheaper, I wasn't likely to use the whole tank and therefore they ended up screwing more money out of me.

I came acoss argus hire, seemed pretty reasonable but the small issue that I do not use credit cards (debit cards yes) (if I dont have it I dont spend it). A few places are the same, wanting primary driver to pay with their card.

Thanks for the suggestions I will have more of a search.

Originally Posted by Virago

I came acoss argus hire, seemed pretty reasonable but the small issue that I do not use credit cards (debit cards yes) (if I dont have it I dont spend it). A few places are the same, wanting primary driver to pay with their card.

Thanks for the suggestions I will have more of a search.

You'll probably have a problem finding a car hire place that will take a debit card. They might let you pay with one but will almost certainly want a credit card for a deposit. And if you do find one their rates will probably be higher.

I'm with you, I don't like credit cards either but I have one just for car hire, hotel and airline reservations. Other than those things I only use a debuit card. or at least, I try!

I agree - these days you need a credit card but just pay it off in full every month, pref. by direct debit so that you never forget! I've had one all my life, use it all the time to buy things on-line, book air tickets etc. and have never had any problems.

Well I cheated and ordered a prepay mastercard. So technically I still haven't used a credit card

Thanks chaps.