Hi,
I was looking to rent a mini-van in Italy next month (two families together) and went to Autoeurope.com -- the rates I got for an automatic minivan/bus using their US site were really high (around $4500 for 2 weeks). I then looked around more and using the autoeurope Ireland site I got a much lower quote (1400 Euro). As far as I can tell the details are exactly the same (unlimited miles, insurance, etc.). I then tried more of the autoeurope local websites and got various rates (most of the EU sites were the same lower price), while some of their other sites (e.g., if you say you reside in the Middle East) didn't even offer the automatic minivan/minibus for some reason.
Can someone explain why are the rates so different ? I ended up asking for the quote using the Ireland site but did say my country of residence is the US since I didn't want to provide false information, but I didn't finalize this yet.
Any ideas ? Why are the rates different ? Is it OK for me, a US resident, to reserve through the Irish site.

Thanks,
Dan

Hi D,

The different AE sites often have different rates.

It has to do with the particular contractual requirements in each country.

Instead of purchasing online, I suggest that you call AE, tell them that you have found the lower rate on the Ireland site and see what they can do for you.

Also try www.gemut.com - they are associated with AE, but can often find better rates.

Also try www.novacarhire.com. They sometimes have better prices that AE will try to meet, usually successfully.

I second the recommendation to try calling Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com, we have used them several times and will continue.

Thanks Ira and Suspaul.
I will give those 2 other places a call.
Back to my original question though -- will anyone give me any trouble if I reserve through a non-US site ? Are they expecting a EU country driver's license ? (I can't imagine that anyone will care, but I just want to be sure).
Dan

>will anyone give me any trouble if I reserve through a non-US site ?<

No, Dan

While you are at it could you explain to me why a Grand Jeep Cherokee is $35,000 in the states but $68,000? It seems that all trans national coporation try to milk as much as possible from each local market.

Hi, Dan,

there was a whole very long thread about this about 6 months ago. the poster had exactly the same experience, and was worried about what was going to happen whhen he turned up to pick up his vehicle.

My memory is a bit hazy, but I believe he ended up booking like you on the cheapest site he found, but making sure he declared his nationality.

so far as I know, this worked fine.

regards, ann