AutoEurope location question
Jan 11th, 2008, 05:41 AM
#22
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Interesting...
You indicate there is a lot in particular around Irish rentals. Is there a comparable "blip" for Bait and Switch complaints for the rental companies themselves?
And this might be of interest (or not
) - I looked up my options on the UK, US and Austrailian sites (Arras - Sete / June 13th pickup - June 28th return / Compact, Midsize or Standard / Manual or Automatic)
The lists of choices from each country were slightly different (there were no Peugouts listed on the UK site for example, but they had different VW options) The Canadian site had much more choice with that same criteria then the other sites; the US site was significantly slower to navigate around. For comparision, one car that was on all lists was a 4 door Renault Megane with ac Manual.
The Canadian site offered a "Basic" (i.e. no CDW) option for $620 CDN but none of the other sites offered a Basic, just an Inclusive. The UK and Australlian didn't offer a basic for any, so many it is just a north american credit card thing to cover CDW.
So the inclusive price for that Renault (with CAD conversion from XE.com) were...
Can = 818 CAD (or 620 CAD no CDW)
UK = 366 GBP = 732 CAD
Aus = 930 Aus$ = 849 CAD
US = 957 USD = 977 CAD
Now obviously, it is unlikely that anyone else is looking for a one way rental between these two cities but it looks like especially if you live in the US you would be able to get a better rate on different country site (it does look like you can change your country of residence after you have chosen your car from a specific international site)
FYI...
You indicate there is a lot in particular around Irish rentals. Is there a comparable "blip" for Bait and Switch complaints for the rental companies themselves?
And this might be of interest (or not
) - I looked up my options on the UK, US and Austrailian sites (Arras - Sete / June 13th pickup - June 28th return / Compact, Midsize or Standard / Manual or Automatic)The lists of choices from each country were slightly different (there were no Peugouts listed on the UK site for example, but they had different VW options) The Canadian site had much more choice with that same criteria then the other sites; the US site was significantly slower to navigate around. For comparision, one car that was on all lists was a 4 door Renault Megane with ac Manual.
The Canadian site offered a "Basic" (i.e. no CDW) option for $620 CDN but none of the other sites offered a Basic, just an Inclusive. The UK and Australlian didn't offer a basic for any, so many it is just a north american credit card thing to cover CDW.
So the inclusive price for that Renault (with CAD conversion from XE.com) were...
Can = 818 CAD (or 620 CAD no CDW)
UK = 366 GBP = 732 CAD
Aus = 930 Aus$ = 849 CAD
US = 957 USD = 977 CAD
Now obviously, it is unlikely that anyone else is looking for a one way rental between these two cities
but it looks like especially if you live in the US you would be able to get a better rate on different country site (it does look like you can change your country of residence after you have chosen your car from a specific international site)FYI...
Jan 11th, 2008, 05:41 AM
#23
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After using AutoEurope a couple dozen times and NEVER having even the least little "glitch", I don't even check with other companies any more. They are my first and generally ONLY choice.
But Canada_V, all this discussion of hours and locations listed brings up a very good point. Yes, sometimes there may only be one agency they use in a smaller town -- so that's it. But people often make the mistake of booking on line for bigger cities and either randomly pick one of the pick up locations or pick the one that appears to be the most convenient. What this does is then lock you into a quote based on that particular rental agency, which may be considerably more expensive than if you picked one of the other pickup locations in the same city which would be for a different rental agency. I NEVER book online with AutoEurope, but end up calling and discussing with them. Their phone agents are amazingly well versed. Often you can say "which location will give me the best price?" and in a matter of minutes they can tell you. What's more, once you choose your pickup location, that automatically sets your return location (or at least reduces the choices) since now it will only show the locations of the same agency where you are picking up. Sometimes the return location really might be more of an issue that the pickup location.
My best advice with using AutoEurope is to call them and discuss before booking. Those old fashioned telephones really do come in handy sometimes.
But Canada_V, all this discussion of hours and locations listed brings up a very good point. Yes, sometimes there may only be one agency they use in a smaller town -- so that's it. But people often make the mistake of booking on line for bigger cities and either randomly pick one of the pick up locations or pick the one that appears to be the most convenient. What this does is then lock you into a quote based on that particular rental agency, which may be considerably more expensive than if you picked one of the other pickup locations in the same city which would be for a different rental agency. I NEVER book online with AutoEurope, but end up calling and discussing with them. Their phone agents are amazingly well versed. Often you can say "which location will give me the best price?" and in a matter of minutes they can tell you. What's more, once you choose your pickup location, that automatically sets your return location (or at least reduces the choices) since now it will only show the locations of the same agency where you are picking up. Sometimes the return location really might be more of an issue that the pickup location.
My best advice with using AutoEurope is to call them and discuss before booking. Those old fashioned telephones really do come in handy sometimes.
Jan 11th, 2008, 06:10 AM
#25
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Yea NeoPatrick.....I too think is is much better to talk with a live peson when making a car reservation.
and as you said: those old fashioned telephones do come in handy sometimes!
I found this to be true with a lot of travel information and reservations. Often hotels can "dig" around and find a better price than the internet. (of course in some instances the internet "specials" will beat it!)
Try a VARIETY of methods!!
and as you said: those old fashioned telephones do come in handy sometimes!
I found this to be true with a lot of travel information and reservations. Often hotels can "dig" around and find a better price than the internet. (of course in some instances the internet "specials" will beat it!)
Try a VARIETY of methods!!
Jan 11th, 2008, 05:23 PM
#26
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Hmmmm, from reading this I would assume the Gare Montparnassee location in Paris would have a bit of variety of rental companies. ?? I've considered doing this but it does make me nervous as have always prepaid through Hertz to allegedly get exactly what we ordered. We never have gotten exactly what we ordered but it was always better -- without an additional charge.
