UK Car Hire

[Colonial]

Heading over the UK for Christmas. Going to be based in Manchester. It's been 8 years since I was last in the UK.

Looking at hiring a car 2-18 Jan. Any preferred companies or ones to avoid?

Looking at something Focus like, nothing amazing.

Alternatively, is it even worth considering given potential for widespread snow and ice and facing being trapped in a bad Council estate in Salford?

[//j17]

Not sure there's much to pick between the known names so unless you're going with "Bob's Car and Van Hire" you should be fine.

Don't worry about snow. There probably won't be any and if there is 2 flakes will bring road/rail/air transport to a standstill anyway.

[Chucklehead]

you've actually probably got a little bit of time that you can hold off on this one. My advice would be to book through a broker with free cancellation now, so that if you see a further drop around the 22nd/23rd/24th then you can cancel and re-book. Expedia have free cancellation on their bookings.

Major UK Airports are crazy on the run up to Christmas and then start dumping their fleet relatively quickly thereafter. First drop will be 27th and the next will be around the 2nd. That's a fairly sweeping statement, but pretty much holds true - especially in London and Central Scotland.

Right now everybody is concentrating on their pricing running up to Christmas and won't be putting too much effort in to the aftermath. Alamo have had pretty good rates post-Christmas and are owned and operated entirely by Enterprise, but whatever you choose, stick to the majors.

[Colonial]

Just an FYI

I booked through Thrifty in Trafford Park.

BMW 320i for 18 days for 224 quid. Half the price as the same car from the Airport branch.

Cheaper than an Astra/Focus etc from Avis etc by about 50 quid as well.

[GreatGranny]

Bargain OP

What time are you getting in?
Its a 20-30 min taxi ride.

[Rick101]

Well done avoiding Avis.

[Colonial]

GreatGranny said:

Bargain OP

What time are you getting in?
Its a 20-30 min taxi ride.

Landing at 6.30 on the 23rd. Spending a couple of days with my partners family in Salford so don't need the car over Christmas. Picking it up on the 30th and her family will be giving me a lift.

Job done.

That Thrifty is stupid cheap for all cars - could have got a Fiat 500 for 130, VW Passat for 190. I'm guessing maybe more business rentals so quiet time of year?

I booked direct through Thrifty as it was a lot cheaper than the scam comparison websites.

[Silver993tt]

Rick101 said:

Well done avoiding Avis.

I always get superb service from Avis, particularly at the airports. Always get a an upgrade every time I rent from them. In Malta I recently rented a small car for 3 days - 14.85 EUR for the whole 3 day period

[Rick101]

My hire was also from an Airport but I was unimpressed.

From removing the tyre valve caps 'in case they might be stolen', to the scam of trying to charge additionally for a full tank of fuel to save me topping it up.

I'd wouldn't go back.

[Silver993tt]

Rick101 said:

My hire was also from an Airport but I was unimpressed.

From removing the tyre valve caps 'in case they might be stolen', to the scam of trying to charge additionally for a full tank of fuel to save me topping it up.

I'd wouldn't go back.

Avis always ask me if I want to bring back the car full of fuel. Never ever been 'scammed' into buying a full tank. I've been asked if I want to buy a full tank but never assumed I would.

[rehab71]

One of my best mate runs Thirfty Heathrow. His tip is always book a small auto as they're unlikely to have a Fiesta/Corsa etc. so you're more likely to upgraded to 3 series etc.

[Colonial]

rehab71 said:

One of my best mate runs Thirfty Heathrow. His tip is always book a small auto as they're unlikely to have a Fiesta/Corsa etc. so you're more likely to upgraded to 3 series etc.

Risky game. If they do have one you're stuck with an auto corsa.

[rehab71]

Colonial said:

rehab71 said:

One of my best mate runs Thirfty Heathrow. His tip is always book a small auto as they're unlikely to have a Fiesta/Corsa etc. so you're more likely to upgraded to 3 series etc.

Risky game. If they do have one you're stuck with an auto corsa.

Very!

[rehab71]

Colonial said:

rehab71 said:

One of my best mate runs Thirfty Heathrow. His tip is always book a small auto as they're unlikely to have a Fiesta/Corsa etc. so you're more likely to upgraded to 3 series etc.

Risky game. If they do have one you're stuck with an auto corsa.

Very!

[Colonial]

Won the upgrade game. Cruising around in a black bmw 535i. Lovely car.

Works out around 12 quid a day which is stupid cheap.