Buy back lease program?
 

We will be needing a passenger van for about 10-14 days this October. Pickup would be in Barcelona and drop-off in Rome/Naples. Reason for needing a van is we need room to store a power wheelchair.

The costs for renting are somewhat outrageous. It seems the buy back lease program might be a better idea. Even though we don't need it for the minimum 21 days, it's still quite a bit cheaper than renting. I was checking out a Renault Grand Scenic and total cost would be about $1900 (including the one way drop-off fees).

Does anyone have any experience with this program? Any issues when picking up your vehicle? Do you always get the vehicle you request (very important for us since we need a specific vehicle that will fit a wheelchair)?

I used this program through Peugeot many years ago when "buying" was a much better value than renting. But the advantages are that you get the exact car you want and (please verify this for yourself) full insurance coverage included in the price. It seems that buying starts to make economic sense when you are staying 20 days or longer, or at least, that is what I remember. Having a larger vehicle like a van guaranteed makes the lease/buyback program made to order for you. I don't know of any rental companies that will guarantee a specific vehicle, they always say "or comparable."

The buy back programs work, but there my be a problem with trying to do it for less then the full lease period.

If you call Auto Europe to discuss the issue, they can arrange a specific vehicle for your needs. We do this often when a client wants a specific rental car.

We have leased cars from Renault quite a few times, including this past March, and the pickup and return have always been fine. This year picked up in Frankfurt and dropped off in Orly. We lease through Renault EuroDrive (http://www.renaultusa.com/). You will get the car you order. We have not tried the Renault Grand Scenic but have leased the smaller Scenic and love it. Drop off would have to be in Rome. In Italy it's either Rome or Milan.
Hope this helps.

I don't think a Grand Scenic is suitable for you in any case. It has 7 seats, and very little luggage room, even with the 3rd row of seats folded.

If there are only two of you consider something like a Renault Kangoo or Peugeot Partner or Tepee. Both Kangoo and the Partner are often used by wheelchair users, for ease of carrying their chair, powered or otherwise.

Good luck with fining something that sits you.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. There are 4 of us, so the back row can definitely be folded down. Does the Kangoo or Peugot Partner/Tepee have more boot space than the Grand Scenic (with the back seats down)? I thought I read that the Grand Scenic had the largest boot space of the Renaults.

Please do some search on the vehicles talked about here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Kangoo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_Berlingo
The above are based upon delivery vans. Yes they can carry 4 or more and have a large luggage area, but they can be basic and have harder suspension because of what they are designed for in everyday use.
The ones below are people carriers. They are more adapt at doing the job then the first two as people and luggage movers with comfort/creature comforts included.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Sc%C3%A9nic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Kadjar
this one could be ideal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Espace
this one might be too small.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Koleos
You say you have a motorised wheel chair to carry around. Is this man handleable as none of the above have lifts and the height to pick up the 'chair could be too much. Best check with the rental company.

I believe that Autoeurope handles Peugeot leases, not Renault. However one can call them and ask the theoretical question of what would happen if the car is returned before the lease is up.

and if they do rent Pugs then the OP can search themselves the details.

Thank you for all the suggestions. The issue I am having is that we need to store a power wheelchair in the back. Going by the measurements, it looks like it will fit but not being able to test it beforehand scares me. I wish I could trial one at a dealer around me but no such luck.

Does anyone have any experience with renting a wheelchair accessible 7 seater in Europe? Any resources out there I can contact to help with this?

We use Autofrance.net every year to rent a car for 3-6 months. One thing I love about them is that they have a US office so you can get in touch with them fairly easily. Here is their contact page:

http://www.autofrance.net/contact-us/

They represent Peugeot so the 5008, the Expert or the Partner might work for you.

We have had great experience with this company and have used them 5-6 times at least now

This site may also be helpful.. They do rent vehicles that are adapted for wheel chairs. I am guessing they cannot have you drop off except where you rent, but I thought the pictures might be handy for you to see before you talk to one of the auto lease folks-it might give you a better idea of truck capacity.

http://www.handynamic.fr/voitures-pour-particuliers/