Reserved months ago an 8 passenger van at CDG in Paris. When we picked it up in mid-April, thought we had rented from Rent a Wreck instead of Europcar. One headlight did not work, deep dents on both sides and front and back, car not cleaned inside or out, and one window held partially closed by a bungee cord. The car did run well though. When we sent a letter of complaint in early May upon return to the U.S. Europcar said they would respond within 5 days. We have sent a second e-mail and to date we have heard nothing from them. Would not recommend using this company.

I like it when the car is pre-dented. It takes a lot of pressure off driving.

"I like it when the car is pre-dented. It takes a lot of pressure off driving."

...and the odds are I was the previous driver.

The dents wouldn't bother me, but the broken headlight and malfunctioning window would. I realize you needed a specific (and over-sized) vehicle, but I wouldn't have driven away in the one presented.

FWIW, in France, I prefer to book directly with Avis. On our last trip, their quoted rate was better than the one through AutoEurope and, in the end, the bill was cheaper than the quote. We've had good service and nicely maintained cars. EuropCar, on the other hand, often receives bad reviews.

Autoeurope will beat any quote you send to them.

Every rental car company receives bad reviews. I read as many about Avis as I do any other company.

More seriously, one does not accept a car in such a condition unless it is a matter of life and death. It might take two more hours to get an acceptable vehicle delivered (or for you to be sent in a prepaid taxi to an agency that has what you need), but that is usually a small price to pay. Another solution is to take that vehicle and to ask at what agency you can exchange it for a proper one. Having worked for car rental company in Paris earlier in my life, I can assure you that such requests are considered to be completely reasonable.

Hmm, do any of you know if France has an age cut-off year for rental cars? We are in fine shape but my husband is just past 70. Am thinking American company would not entertain an age-discrimation suit, but its franchises abroad could play to another tune. Thinking of SW France, therefore, possibly rent from Paris if we do not fly into Bordeaux. We don't love tours and are saving such for our 'golden years' -- hah! Haven't rented in France for probably 15 years. Thanks.

aliced, I doubt it's the country that determines this. It's more likely the car rental companies and their lawyers that decide.

This article is a few years old, so you should check all info relevant to your trip.

http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-...tml?id=4577096

Usually big multinationals like Avis and Hertz don't impose upper age limit, but smaller independents and local outfits may. The rental station staff always have the discretion not to rent their car if the driver looks incapable of competent driving.

Thanks very much for the above; yes, these restrictions always change.