AP6380

For my upcoming trip I have reserved an automatic car in 2 locations. In Sardinia I used rent.it who required that I pay up front, and in Naples I reserved with Thrifty that did not. Is it unusual when requesting an automatic that they DO NOT ask for payment up front? I have sent Thrifty another e-mail to confirm that my reservation is confirmed.

nytraveler

We always rent automatics - sometimes luxury cars when there are 4 of us. And we have never paid in advance - only upon return of the car.

m_kingdom2

A smaller company will always ask for the money up front, Thrifty is a large company and can afford to suffer losses incurred due to cancellation, simple. If they say they've confirmed it, accept it - don't be so neurotic.

bettyk

m_kingdom2, I don't think that was called for at all. You really do think you can just say whatever nasty thing you please to people, don't you?

I do wish you'd find another website to denigrate.

StCirq

I've been using AutoEurope for many years. Their policy, at least with me, is to charge one-third of the rentalprice upon booking and the other two-thirds after return of the car.

Budman

I rented with autoeurope for Ireland. I had to put 25% down at the time of the reservation and the remainder when I picked up the car.

I reserved my car with autoeurope for Italy this September and they required me to pay the entire amount up front.

Both cars were for standard shift.

I guess it differs from country to country.

BeachBoi

I too rent from AutoEurope who represent all the rental car companies.Sometimes I get Avis sometimes National.I prefer paying 1/3 up front to guarantee the rate.The policy of prepayment is up to AutoEurope, not who I rent the car from.And payment policies have nothing to do with size of the company.

mikemo

I always use Auto Europe and pay ahead to guarantee, but I like 5 or 6 speed man trans which saves about 40% over auto.
i.e. I have a VW Passat with A/C p/u in London/Kensington for 3 days rt to LGW for $193.28 US
and, a VW Polo in Oporto for 8 days for $298. US.
I had a great MB 180K 6 sp in Germany, etc. in Sept '02 16 days for less than $550.

AP6380

I didn't book w/Autoeurope because their prices were significantly higher. Thanks for the useful feedback.

Budman

I remember someone saying that autoeurope will match any other price. Why not give them a call on their 800 number here in the States. I believe they are HQ'ed in Maine. 1-800-223-5555

AP6380

I thought of that, but Autoeurope doesn't offer low-end automatics. Any car that I could get from rent.it and Thrifty at a decent rate is not equivalent to the cars that Autoeurope has.

mikemo

I rather think no one offers low end automatics 'cuz only US folks cannot drive standard transmission cars - good theft prevention here at home, and more income for them from us!!
M