Car Hire Advice

[kilty2]

I am looking for some local experience with regards to car hire. I am an ExPat Scot coming home for Christmas.

In the past, I have always flown (either direct, or connected through London) to Glasgow where I grew up. Over the last couple of years my remaining family (brother and mother) have migrated “darn sawf” and now all live in, or near Ascot.

I want to spend Hogmanay with old friends in Scotland. I have my CHI/LHR flights sorted but I am looking for advice with regards to travel up to “God’s Country”
I have looked at air, rail, and car hire to head north and I think that car hire is probably the best option – simply because I will have transport for the duration of my visit.

www.carhire3000.com appear to have a stupid deal on a Clio for my visit (pickup Dec 28th return Jan 2nd) (5 days for £103 for the total hire – not confirmed yet) which makes me wonder if I can hire something a little better to waft northwards in. Web pricing is sketchy (internet and location based) together with ‘promised vehicles’, visiting care hire websites from a US based IP brings promises of Mercedes C classes etc.

The price above (£103) seems too cheap to me – however if that is the going rate, what could I get for £200 - £300.

I haven’t been back to the UK in a while so I want to make my visit more of a ‘holiday’. Spending more on a fancier car would make the drive north fun.

Can anyone recommend any particular company either for an “econobox” or something a little more comfortable?

Thanks in advance....

[nobrakes]

You won't get much fun at the bottoom of the range, not much different for 100-300 total for 5 days - (though most hire cars are about the fasted you can get - 6000revs everywhere!)

If you're on an expat deal, why not treat youself:

http://www.prestigecarsforhire.co.uk/car-hire/rang...


They, or anyone simliar, will arrange pick-up at Heathrow for you.

[Tallbut Buxomly]

New mini 5 days 133 pounds

Merc c class £277

Merc E class £355

Fiat 500 1.2cc £107


All the above unlimited mileage.

Etc etc etc.

[kilty2]

Tallbut Buxomly said:

New mini 5 days 133 pounds

Merc c class £277

Merc E class £355

Fiat 500 1.2cc £107


All the above unlimited mileage.

Etc etc etc.

What company is that - some Tutonic wafty-ness might be nice?

The reason I ask is that most of the "big" hire companies modify their website content based on my US ip address - so I can never be sure what vehicles are actually available.

Edited by kilty2 on Tuesday 22 November 22:39

[Tallbut Buxomly]

These guys are really good.

http://www.kendallcars.com/

[kilty2]

Thanks for that... Car hire seems a lot cheaper than I remember (or maybe I have reached a point in life where the cost is less significant).

One other question (still living in the land of cheap petrol) Would the E class be a diesel? Not really fussed about performance, just wanting something to make a long journey comfy.

[e8_pack]

Just be careful that the cars have all the add-ons listed. Enterprise are the worst, they give a cheap rate then when you pick up they add damage waivers, personal accident, personal belongings, tank of fuel, etc, etc. it becomes ridiculous. best off getting the on-line price with damage waiver included so there are no surprises.

I hired a full size in the states with enterpise for $692 for a month (i thought), when i paid on the day it was $1800 when i got back and noticed receipt! (just handed card over like an idiot), so i took it back next day and hired a 2012 mustang convertible with all the waivers for about $1000 on-line from thrifty.

[Tallbut Buxomly]

Ok they have changed the rules a bit and sadly i think the guildford and Heathrow branches stick to them rigidly.

Between 200 and 500 deposit depending on car and 100-150 miles per day excess after that.

Whether the merc is diesel or not i have no idea. Why not ring them and ask. Very friendly bunch.