We'll be renting a car for 7 days in July, picking up and dropping off in Barcelona. Any thoughts you have on car rental companies to choose (or avoid) would be appreciated!

Thanks

I only rented a car once in Spain, about 5 years ago now, and I used Holiday Autos

www.holidayautos.co.uk

I booked with them because at the time they offered the best rates. You do need to book as far in advance as you can to get really good rates.

I had no problems with the company, and would probably use them again.

When we rent autos in Europe we go through AutoEurope, which is a broker who uses various rental companies. We book from here (US) which, for some reason, gives us better rates. They have a website, and you can also speak with them on the telephone, as I remember, to make sure you have the type of car you want.

Carjet specializes in Spain and Portugal. They have very good rates. We used them in Portugal.

We rented a small automatic and they can be expensive. Their price was hundreds cheaper than any of our well know brokers. A manual transmission price difference may not be so great.

Car came from Budget and we had very good service.

Good luck.

Thanks to all of you. I've checked out the website for the companies you recommended and will choose from one of those.

Espa

Pleae let us know what you turn up, Espa. I need to reserve a car soon for a week in Spain myself. I think that Autoeurope will match the prices from another agency so don't forget to mention that to them on the phone..in other words, perhaps plan to call them last.

I've gotten quotes from the three companies recommended above as well as Europecarr through the Easyjet.com website. Europecar is the cheapest rate by far. Has anyone had any experience renting with them? Unless I learn of a reason not to do so, I plan to book with them.

These guys were awesome in France:

http://www.fastcarhire.com

I have used Europcar in Spain and they were fine, although I cannot remember details. I guess that is a good thing, as we had no problems. I ended up booking with Autoeurope and will get an Avis car through them. Price seems very high, as I need an automatic...almost $700US for 8 days.

Crunchy, try the Fast Hire people. They guaranteed us an automatic and we got one from Alamo with no problems. Or, if they have a lower rate, have Autoeurope match it.

Try avis.com and enter AWD promo code d005927 and fill in "check corporate rate". Have a back-up reservation under your travel partner's name in case they ask for ID. A couple of people have used it in Germany and France with no questions asked.