Originally we were going to take the train and only rent cars in certain areas, but it ended up that we needed a car in almost every city, with the exception of the big ones. So I decided, based on some of your recommendations, that we would get a car for the whole time, and bag the trains except for day trips. I booked a car from Kemwel for $3500 for brand new Peugeot mini van for 10 weeks in europe. Does anyone know if there are other companies that offer this buy back program? I'd like to compare prices. Does this sound like a reasonable rate? Thank you truly! Breathe

Kemwell is the only company I know who does this but you can still check other car rental companies for their rates on leases. I'd start with Auto Europe 888.223.5555.

All the programs are for a minimum of 17 days. I've always used AutoFrance (www.auto-france.com) which is totally tied in with Peugeot and been very satisfied. From looking at the brochure they sent me, a new Peugeot 807 diesel mini van is $2887 for 70 days. Of course, you may have some add ons for where you pick up or drop off if not in France, but I'd check it out, from the website you can get a phone number which will probably serve you better than the website.

I have leased from both Peugeot and Renault. I just reserved a Renault Clio 4 door (small car)--pick up at London Heathrow ($225 extra charge)--for 87 days. Total cost including insurance is $2,499. An agent named Rob Liddiard in California books for Renault and saves me $75. His phone number is (800)272-3299.

I did basically the same lease last summer and it worked out great.

Regards,

Jinx Hoover

If you have not closed the deal yet, <b>STOP</b>. Check around. I got a Peugeot through Autoeurope with a significant reduction by pointing out that an equivalent Renault Clio (www.renaultusa.com) was cheaper. So unless you are set on a Peugeot, look at the Renault equivalent (which gives you total prices on their web page) and then start comparing.

I forgot one more thing. If you plan to drive more than 3000 miles, consider a diesel instead of a gasoline engine, although you may then have to be willing to use a standard shift.

I haven't done that leasing thing, but that sounds expensive to me. You'd be paying $50 a day for that, in addition to some other fees you are expecting. What's the point of that leasing, I thought it was supposed to be cheaper than renting.

I agree with Michael. Check around first.

I used europebycar last year because it gave better rates than autoeurope, but autoeurope is OK too.

I believe they all end up with the same Peugeot company that does the leases (forgot its name).

I'd first be checking with Sodexa on their prices for the same vehicle on a lease.
We were most happy with the deal we had last year which worked out at 20 Euros a day for 38 days, with pickup in Strasbourg and drop-off in Frankfurt.
But we only had a little 206 manual - so a diesel van will be 30% - 40% more I imagine.

i did price checks, and AutoEurope, Sodexa, and Kemwell are all exactly the same price, because it is set by Peugeut. Leasing is soooo much better than renting because of the insurance policy incuded: no deductible, and covers against everything from scratches to bashed in roof (yes, it happened at a parking lot), theft of car, and flat tire (reimbursed us when a rock fell on the road just in front of us). One caveat: the auro europe site only shows a few cars, but many more are available if you ask. Both Kemwell and Auro Europe have been good to us, Renault no so much but not bad.

Last year's prices are no longer valid. I am leasing for 54 days and paying $32 per day for a Peugeot 204 diesel, but a 2 liter engine. That's after Autoeurope matched Renault's price. But that includes everything--100% insurance coverage, pickup in Munich.