Scotland car rental advice
 

We start and begin our 10 day trip in Edinburgh but do not want to drive in Edinburgh. So where would be a good place outside of city center if we are heading north to pickup and return the rental car? Thanks!

At the airport.

Ditto. EDI is te only PAC I'd pick up a car.

Thought I'd share our rental experience from last September. We also picked up our rental when leaving Edinburgh, to avoid any in-city driving stress. We chose Arnold Clark, a truly exceptional service provider in my opinion. Their depot is slightly further away from the airport vs. the location where other agencies (like Europcar, Sixt, Hertz etc.) operate, but easily reached by tram from the city (Stop : Ingliston Park & Ride, short walk from there). It was very easy navigating out to the motorway, as we headed north to Pitlochry.

JEEZE LOUISE - just saw my post. Was in Zion NP and had a slow (really slooooow . . . :) ) connection so didn't bother to check the typos. Obviously should have been >>Ditto. EDI is the only place I'd pick up a car.<<

Arnold Clark is as good, essentially the same concept -- well out of the city center. (Though I have not seen Arnold Clark almost ever offer rates as low as several others that are available using Autoeurope)

The earlier you book with Autoeurope, the better the rate!

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Just like airfares, there can be specials/sales closer to the date and sometimes advance booking can net a deal.

I have never seen a deal later on, but I have to confess I don't really follow the prices carefully after I book. Since I am usually renting for a month at a time, I am too chicken to wait!! I know I can rent in Scotland for a month for what I would pay in the US or Canada for a week! I know length of the rental makes a difference too

I most often rent when in Europe from Auto Europe. But for my Scotland trip I am using Celtic Legends (a broker for Arnold Clark)
so that you can compare apples to apples: both rental details.
A compact car
An automatic
Two drivers
Basic insurance . I have great coverage with Chase.
Both rentals are picking up and returning at EDI.
Auto Europe is $706
Arnold Clark is $506.

Also, while I do have a GPS with preloaded, up to date, maps of Europe I elected to get one from Arnold Clark for £20 for the 11 days. Saves lugging mine.


Also, I do not have to prepay with Celtic Legens
ds

Just an FYI - do not rely 100% on a GPS. Really. You also need a proper road atlas- absolutely.

Thanks. I always take a map. I would rather buy it when we arrive in Edinburgh.We are spending three days there before we begin our road trip.

Good plan -, it is better to get a road atlas when you are there.

I’m frequently finding that AutoEurope are not what they used to be.

I’ve taken out an annual policy to cover any exposure to the excess on claims then I’m simply comparing offers direct with operators to the same operator’s deals offered through AE.

Direct deals are coming out 20% cheaper than AE.

This is ototally dependent on your country of residence, destination and insurance needs.