Does anyone know of a discount or wholesaler for car rentals? The problem is that I really do need an automatic. The lowest rate I have gotten so far is $400 euros (including VAT), and that is still too much for me. Any ideas? Thanks.

You didn't say where you were renting from. Maybe AutoEurope? http://www.autoeurope.com

As a rule, automatics will run about double a standard shift. I need one too!

Unfortunately if you must have an automatic, you will pay a large premium. Can't really get around that.

But you don't say what country, what size car or what agency you are looking for. If the $400 is for a large car/automatic that would seem to be reasonable most places in Europe.

Try autoeurope & try getting a compact. They do have compacts with auto transmission in some locations. Otherwise you're forced to get a midsize. If it (compact/auto) doesn't come up, try another location.

Nova rentacar is another reliable company to check. But automatics are a lot more expensive in Europe.

http://rentacar-europe.com/

Sorry to leave the important information out. AutoEurope quoted me 444 for a Peugot 206 (that is the car that came up online). Hertz quoted me 393 for a week on the phone. I will be renting and returning in Madrid.

Have you tried using travelocity or Alamo rental car?

Alamo yes, travelocity no. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go try travelocity.

Try Kemwel also. You just have to try every car rental there is.
Then if Auto Europe is not the least expensive, they will beat your lowest price.
I always rent automatics. You are going to pay more (not twice as much, but a significant amount more). There is just no way around it.
Good luck.

As someone else said above, at 400 euros for 7 days in June time period, you should get at least a mid-size "executive sedan" like a Citroen Xantia or an Opel Vectra. Also as mentioned, it might be tough to find a smaller car with auto tran to lower the price significantly.