leonberger

Any quick advice?

I booked a rental car in April for my September UK trip, and was just notified that the car has a major mechanical problem and will not be available. The rental group doesn't have an alternate vehicle available at this time.

I need a 7 passenger mini-van/people mover, for 18 days, and was going to spend less than GBP800 (although I realize my costs may well go up now!), including 2 drivers, Heathrow pickup/dropoff, and a mobile phone.

Any suggestions for others to check with? I've googled for "car hire london" and am feeling overwhelmed.

Would really appreciate your best recommendations.

Thanks!

Gayle

tuscanlifeedit

You don't mention which company you were dealing with. I would try autoeurope.com and Nova. Opodo.co.uk also has car rentals at discounted prices.

Then I guess I would try all the major companies, and any places recommended in guide books.

janis

I'm sure this was suggested way back -- but do consider renting two smaller cars. it will give you more flexibility, cost less, and make for more comfort for all concerned . . . . . . .

Kayb95

You mentioned London in your subject line. I'm assuming you mean you are picking up the car at London Heathrow for driving around the countryside and not that you will need the car for driving in London. A car is not needed or even beneficial in London.

We've gotten good rated thru AutoEurope, but we recently got a very good price renting through the British Airways website (they rent through Hertz.) We actually rented a small car, but they gave us a free upgrade to a Ford Galaxy minivan (auto/7 passenger.) It was more car than we needed, but it was very comfortable.

leonberger

Thanks all. After some research, we were able to get a Ford Galaxy from Baldocks for approximately the same price we originally had. Whew. (Hertz, Alamo, etc., were all almost twice as much - ouch! Of course, this is booking with almost no notice, and taking whatever is available.)

There are only four of us (all adults), but we love the flexibility of the 7-passenger people mover. Room for one to take a nap, if desired; lots of luggage room; and space to "spread out" with maps, purchases, snacks, etc. We also love the height of it and the big windows so we can see out easily.

I guess we don't travel light enough, either,because we just find sedans (especially their trunks) too small!

Anyway, I appreciate the suggestions, ideas, and encouragement.

Gayle

P.S., Original car hire place was Peter Waugh - a small operation and one that we have *loved* in the past. Unfortunately they don't have a lot of "fleet depth" when something major like this occurs. They have been very kind, and have kept us informed every step of the way. (And, Baldocks only has one 7-passenger vehicle, too, so keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't decide to self-destruct as well!)

leonberger

Oh, and I forgot to reassure you, Kayb95, that we're only spending one day in London, then we're heading north and the rest of our trip will be in Scotland. We agree that driving in London is not a good thing!

GT

rex

I have had good experience with woods.co.uk

Best wishes,

Rex

Kayb95

When we got our Ford Galaxy from Hertz, the third row of seats was not in the car (a comment was on the rental agreement that it was not included in our rental.) You may need to ask them for it if you want the third row seats.

janis

I'm sorta surprised Baldock's has a 7-passenger van. They are a very small indy agency. I've used them a couple of times and gotten really good rates and wonderful service - good work finding them.

One time I was returning the car on a Sat afternoon when they are closed. Normally you'd just drop the car and put the keys through the letter slot. But we had to get to Windsor Riverside station which was a bit far to walk even as light as I pack. So they arranged for one of their mechanics to come in on his day off to meet us at the office/garage and he drove over to the station.

leonberger

Yep. Baldock's only has one 7-passsenger van, and it was - amazingly! - available for the time period we need.

Interesting comment about the Saturday return...we're returning ours on Sunday and no mention was made about them being closed. I'll have to check on that situation and make sure we've got it covered for our return date. (No way my parents could walk any distance at all with luggage, and we'll need to get to Heathrow somehow.)

I'll also check on the third row of seats, since we're counting on having that.

GT