Holiday hire cars - Which company is best

[A993LAD]

Just realised I need to book a few hire cars for holidays planned this year.

Next week we head for Sicily and a couple of months later we will be in Corsica followed by Crete in September.

When I do a search all the firms seem to be pretty close in terms of pricing so I guess if I'm not worried about the cost it comes down to the quality of the service.

Just wondered if any of you regular travellers out there favour a particular hirer car firm? Any thoughts or recommendations much appreciated.

Edited by A993LAD on Sunday 23 February 15:03

[The Leaper]

A993LAD said:

Just realised I need to book a few higher cars for holidays planned this year.

"Higher cars"..do you have a family of tall people then?

I have used Avis in the past. If you opt for them, join Avis Preferred and you get several advantages eg service at a special desk so you get to jump the queues.

R.

[Busa mav]

Whatever you do avoid this company .

It’s in their very small print that you need an international driving permit for Italy, just about everyone hadn’t noticed this and there was a line of arguments going on .
Nobody got a car, all had to go to their adjacent sister company , who didn’t need the permit ! Really expensive rates .

[RammyMP]

If you’ve got a Costco card I’ve found them the cheapest for the last couple of times I’ve needed a holiday hire car. Mainly due to the free additional driver which used to be £15 but now seems to cost a fortune.

[Quattr04.]

I like Sixt or hertz personally, I avoid enterprise especially in the UK as you always end up with something crap.

[RammyMP]

Quattr04. said:

I like Sixt or hertz personally, I avoid enterprise especially in the UK as you always end up with something crap.

You’re not wrong, I used Enterprise at Malaga airport last summer and got a Citroen

[JSP440]

ive rented cars for 10 years in Italy visiting family. Hertz are my go to.

made the mistake last year going with noleggiare.

and because I booked it under the name Dan, and my credit card was Daniel. They refused me the car.
never had this issue before.

[JulianHJ]

Usually Hertz; I'd echo the comments about avoiding Enterprise.

[chip*]

When I used to hire cars, I generally stick with either Hertz or Avis.
In the past, I use the corporate codes from Avios or Virgin flying club which can get you discounts (10%) or offers (free 2nd driver).

[E63eeeeee...]

I've used Sixt the last three times, always been good service, got the cars I was expecting, one time they kept the office open for two hours when my flight was delayed and I've had no issues with them at all.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Avoid Klass Wagen, the hardest of hard sells on insurance you didn't need and wasn't worth the paper it wasn't written on

[A993LAD]

Thanks for the tips. Hertz seems to get most votes so I've booked a car with them.

[Matt..]

I almost always use Hertz. Occasionally Sixt or Budget.

I use Questor for excess insurance.

[gtidriver]

Ive used Autoeurope a few times, always been fab rates.

[hellorent]

Avoid Goldcar like the plague, just google their reviews

[rix]

I always stick with one of the international brands but last year came unstuck with Avis at Dubrovnik. Utter scamming bstards who added insurance 200% more than the hire cost after telling them I already had excess cover. Didn't spot it until I received an invoice through the post. UK head office basically blamed me, pointing towards a composite aggregation of an invoice that I apparently signed (I didn't) and then ignoring my complaint completely. I had become quite compliant after years of no issues at all but was seriously aggrieved with this!

[RayPike]

RammyMP said:

If you’ve got a Costco card I’ve found them the cheapest for the last couple of times I’ve needed a holiday hire car. Mainly due to the free additional driver which used to be £15 but now seems to cost a fortune.

They don't cover Italy at present.

[AndrewIC]

Always used Hertz with Gold Plus linked to Amex - worth it to jump/avoid the queue. Never had any issues and had the odd upgrade too.

[Matt..]

For everyone that uses Hertz, do you book on the UK site or use the website for the country you're renting in? The UK site often doesn't offer all the extras (eg. additional driver) at time of booking.