Hi all,
I will be honeymooning in Italy this May and was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on affordable car rentals. I'm looking to rent in Florence (picking up and dropping off) and drive around the countryside for around 6 days. I've been to the major rental companies and some of the wholesalers, however, the cheapest I've seen is close to $700usd for a mid-sized car. I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,
Jim

Hi

www.autoeurope.com has had a lot of good references here.

You won't find any cheaper. With the high gas and tolls, figure $125-140/day to drive in Italy.

Autoeuope won't be any cheaper, but it is a very good company to deal with.

CBR, we found a compact to be a sufficient size in Italy. The streets in many of the towns are narrow, so a bigger car can be a distinct liability (but that's another story). Also if one of you drives a stick shift, the rental will be much less expensive--maybe by as much as half. I'd even consider learning to drive a stick just for that purpose. Autoeurope will meet or beat any other company's offer. We've used them several times with no problems. They give you a toll-free US phone number you can use 24/7 for assistance

I just got my quote from AutoEurope for a 9 day rental -- picking up in Venice and dropping off in San Remo. We're looking at a four door with air conditioning, like a Fiat Punta or Opel Agila. The total cost is $370.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I did find multiple messages on other threads, should have searched more before posting. I did find this link useful also:http://www.rentacar-worldwide.com/

Jim

You might also try www.webcarhire.com.
I was wondering of anyone can give specific tips as to what we may encounter from the car rental agency (Maggiore)when we pick up our rental car at FCO? Any war stories for first timers? Thanks.

Check europcar.com put in May 10 -16 and got quote for 30 euros for a intermediate car. Get a diesel car and you will find it really isn't that expensive, you don't put on that many miles and your daily cost in Tuscany even with weak dollar is maybe $80 for rental and fuel.

I just received my quote for 2 day rental picking up my car in downtown Florence and dropping off at the Airport. Autoeurope.com was high..$243 for 2 days, compact car. Does this seem right?

Susan, renting for less than a full week is often much more expensive on a per day basis, as you've found out. Is this for an automatic? If so you may want to ask for a quote on a stick shift. Also, if you can find a less expensive rental for the same location/duration, AuroEurope will meet or beat it.

TTT for Susan

What do you mean??

"TTT" means "to the top" - - a shorthand (meaningless) message that brings this message "thread" back up "to the top" (in the left hand forum). Adding ANY message - - short, meaningless or otherwise - - brings a message back up to the top, and thus, easier for you to find.

And for what it's worth, on the actual subject of your original question, I also recommend www.its-cars-hotels.com

Best wishes,

Rex

Last year I got a very good rate from Avis (better than autoeurope),but I had an extremely good discount code (hint:go to FlyerTalk.com and look at their Avis forum).
This year I've booked with italybycar.
They easily beat all other rates.
Last year and this I rented in Florence.