YET ANOTHER BORING car rental question...Italy..September...
Aug 10th, 2023, 08:28 AM
#21
Hertz for 3 weeks in Italy isn't crazy at all.
Midsize - A - 1450 for 3 weeks (R) Opel Grandland or similar
Standard Premium - 2527 (J6) Audi Q3 GPS
Full size - 928 (G1) Polestar 2 or similar
Mini - 887 (A2) Fiat 500e or similar
Premium elite - 2626 - 41 mpg - (Q6) Audi A5 Sportback 4x4 GPS
Midsize - 2155 - 41 mpg (I3) Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid
All of the above are automatics
3 week rental out of Florence
I paid just under $1000 for 10 days in France in June.
Those are decent (to great) rates.
Last edited by starrs; Aug 10th, 2023 at 08:42 AM.
Aug 10th, 2023, 08:36 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've only rented through brokers in France, Autoeurope and I think Kemwell once. Always got Europcar. I did rent from Hertz once as they were noticeably cheaper as I said (I think AE used to be a lot cheaper than it is now for some reason, at least in France), but then I changed plans and cancelled it so can't speak to service. That was another advantage to booking directly with Hertz (same location as AE, Lyon rail station) -- with Hertz I had no prepayment and could cancel up to last minute, just as in US. You can't do that with Autoeurope, they make yo prepay if I recall (at least something) and then you only get a refund if you cancel maybe 3days in advance. So I would never use them if my plans were possibly flexible.
I checked Sixt prices in France once and they also had no prepayment and last minute cancel, no cost, and had locations Autoeurope did not (smaller towns, I just wanted it for one day which maybe AE doesn't do, I have no idea).
If you look at AE's website for Salerno/FCO in September, it does not list Sixt but only Hertz, Europcar and Avis. If you want an AT, it only lists Europcar. And the total price for the month is only about $800 to begin with for the manual. and only $1100 for the Europcar AT. Which is why finding a price $1000 cheaper on Sixt is curious, as that would be $100 for a month. Sure, could be slightly different dates but almost a month in Sept isn't a lot of leeway (I looked 9/1-9/29). AE does add a $73 one-way fee at the last minute when booking (I have no idea why they can't have it in the quote when you put in the locations to begin with),but that couldn't make it $1000 more. Adding the no deductible also adds on only about another $100.
I checked Sixt prices in France once and they also had no prepayment and last minute cancel, no cost, and had locations Autoeurope did not (smaller towns, I just wanted it for one day which maybe AE doesn't do, I have no idea).
If you look at AE's website for Salerno/FCO in September, it does not list Sixt but only Hertz, Europcar and Avis. If you want an AT, it only lists Europcar. And the total price for the month is only about $800 to begin with for the manual. and only $1100 for the Europcar AT. Which is why finding a price $1000 cheaper on Sixt is curious, as that would be $100 for a month. Sure, could be slightly different dates but almost a month in Sept isn't a lot of leeway (I looked 9/1-9/29). AE does add a $73 one-way fee at the last minute when booking (I have no idea why they can't have it in the quote when you put in the locations to begin with),but that couldn't make it $1000 more. Adding the no deductible also adds on only about another $100.
Aug 10th, 2023, 08:45 AM
#23
I've used Europcar and Avis in Italy a few times, as well as one local agency in Sicily I can't recall. Have booked both through AutoEurope and directly. In May, the AutoEurope price for six days, picking up in Matera and dropping off in Lecce, seemed much higher to me than in previous years, but I rent manual transmissions so it still wasn't as high as your quote.
FYI, if you know how to drive stick shift, today's manual transmissions are super, super easy. It's almost impossible to stall.
FYI, if you know how to drive stick shift, today's manual transmissions are super, super easy. It's almost impossible to stall.
Aug 10th, 2023, 10:50 AM
#24
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This thread prompted me to check prices at AutoEurope for an upcoming rental. I had a car reserved at Europcar via AE, picking up in Brindisi and dropping at Naples, for about $1,100 for 10 days. Prices have dropped. Now it's $586 - same car, same zero deductible. All I had to do was click through and modify my existing booking to get the new price. So thank you!
Aug 10th, 2023, 12:45 PM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I must be losing it as I could have sworn ek's last post wasn't on here when I said I didn't understand this. I guess I never thought a month was only three weeks. I still don't understand it as I go to Autoeurope's website and the same rate is only about $1000 (not $4K). It's exactly $1057 with the drop fee and extended deductible for 9/1-9/22, 3 weeks. YOu can't see the bottom of this below the 983 but Total Rental price below that was about $1057. I thinkthey take off the $73 for the drop fee for the amt due now.
here is their quote for me:
here is their quote for me:
Last edited by Christina; Aug 10th, 2023 at 12:48 PM.
Aug 10th, 2023, 03:55 PM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now I am going crazy. But remember I requested automatic with GPS.
Pickup Salerno 9 September. Drop off 28 September at FCO. Will drop car and taxi to Fiumicino town which we like. Have dinner. Next day fly home to JFK.
Partner (driver) just about fell off steps when I relayed the.info. BTW. VERY big birthday for him.
Asked if we should just use drivers to get from place to place rather than rent car. But you cannot just have a driver on call all day. Oh dear. At least I have time to cancel. They took 500euro block on my card but still. Ok to cancel
Also, I took zero deductible.
Pickup Salerno 9 September. Drop off 28 September at FCO. Will drop car and taxi to Fiumicino town which we like. Have dinner. Next day fly home to JFK.
Partner (driver) just about fell off steps when I relayed the.info. BTW. VERY big birthday for him.
Asked if we should just use drivers to get from place to place rather than rent car. But you cannot just have a driver on call all day. Oh dear. At least I have time to cancel. They took 500euro block on my card but still. Ok to cancel
Also, I took zero deductible.
Aug 10th, 2023, 06:48 PM
#28
Yeah, you should try again. I just checked with your dates on Kemwel p/u Salerno, drop-off FCO: manual transmission, driver over 70 (not to be presumptuous), inclusive coverage with zero deductible, A/C, 4 doors. [When I checked with automatic, it was still nowhere near $4K, see below.]
FWIW, I paid for GPS locally, onsite. I had a Lancia and found it comfortable (I'm 5'8").
FWIW, I paid for GPS locally, onsite. I had a Lancia and found it comfortable (I'm 5'8").
Last edited by Leely2; Aug 10th, 2023 at 06:58 PM. Reason: Oops, got manual mixed up with automatic...
Aug 10th, 2023, 06:52 PM
#29
Several options for under $1000. Tesla for under $1100. Mid-size automatic for under $2000.
Those dates but picking up in Naples instead of Salerno.
$2000+ savings if you pick up in Naples and drive 48 minutes.
Those dates but picking up in Naples instead of Salerno.
$2000+ savings if you pick up in Naples and drive 48 minutes.
Aug 10th, 2023, 09:41 PM
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much. Did not want to pick up in Naples and drive after the 2 flights from USA...JFK-FCO-NAP. But for $2,000 savings, that idea is certainly tempting! Had planned to transfer from Naples to Vietri and then taxi next day to Salerno to pick up car. Could not find hotel with availability in Salerno that I liked....for my dates....looked at small B&Bs, no fancy hotels. Thus the Vietri choice.
I think the GPS included tipped the cost scales here....the car is small (C class) Mercedes, the only one on offer with GPS inside the car. And of course no guarantee that this will be the exact vehicle available. So much of this all if my own fault for looking for the upscale vehicle. But I've rented Audi, etc in the past and price was nowhere near this.
And the hunch is correct, Leely, my friend...driver is 70-plus! (plus, plus!)!! And refuses to drive manual, and I cannot drive anything except automatic...hopeless, I know..... But I did rent my own car on solo trip to Spain a few months ago, so I am making progress at this late date, albeit slowly!!!
I will do more research......look at booking directly with Sixt, and other options....again, you guys are fabulous, and thank you for not rolling your eyes at me!!! (Or at least not that I can see!!)
I think the GPS included tipped the cost scales here....the car is small (C class) Mercedes, the only one on offer with GPS inside the car. And of course no guarantee that this will be the exact vehicle available. So much of this all if my own fault for looking for the upscale vehicle. But I've rented Audi, etc in the past and price was nowhere near this.
And the hunch is correct, Leely, my friend...driver is 70-plus! (plus, plus!)!! And refuses to drive manual, and I cannot drive anything except automatic...hopeless, I know..... But I did rent my own car on solo trip to Spain a few months ago, so I am making progress at this late date, albeit slowly!!!
I will do more research......look at booking directly with Sixt, and other options....again, you guys are fabulous, and thank you for not rolling your eyes at me!!! (Or at least not that I can see!!)
Last edited by ekscrunchy; Aug 10th, 2023 at 09:48 PM.
Aug 11th, 2023, 03:24 AM
#31
Thanks so much.
1) Did not want to pick up in Naples and drive after the 2 flights from USA...JFK-FCO-NAP. But for $2,000 savings, that idea is certainly tempting! Had planned to transfer from Naples to Vietri and then taxi next day to Salerno to pick up car.
2) I think the GPS included tipped the cost scales here....the car is small (C class) Mercedes, the only one on offer with GPS inside the car. And of course no guarantee that this will be the exact vehicle available. So much of this all if my own fault for looking for the upscale vehicle. But I've rented Audi, etc in the past and price was nowhere near this.
3) And the hunch is correct, Leely, my friend...driver is 70-plus! (plus, plus!)!!
1) Did not want to pick up in Naples and drive after the 2 flights from USA...JFK-FCO-NAP. But for $2,000 savings, that idea is certainly tempting! Had planned to transfer from Naples to Vietri and then taxi next day to Salerno to pick up car.
2) I think the GPS included tipped the cost scales here....the car is small (C class) Mercedes, the only one on offer with GPS inside the car. And of course no guarantee that this will be the exact vehicle available. So much of this all if my own fault for looking for the upscale vehicle. But I've rented Audi, etc in the past and price was nowhere near this.
3) And the hunch is correct, Leely, my friend...driver is 70-plus! (plus, plus!)!!
2. That makes sense. It's the class of the car that is so expensive. Rental cars aren't normally 4K but it's the type of car you want. Keep in mind that if you pick up in Salerno, it's less likely they will have the particular car you want.
3. Not to open a new can of worms, but check to see if he will be allowed to rent the car. He may not be able to pick up a rental car in Italy. I checked the Sixt's website to see what they say and it's vague.
"CAR RENTAL ABROAD OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE
In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old. In parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia there are restrictions or surcharges for senior drivers. It is worth checking in advance the rental information."
Google "age limit for rental cars in Italy"
If it's allowed, there may be additional surcharges.
Not to be morbid, but this may be your last independent driving trip to Italy. If it were me, I'd do exactly what I wanted to do and not worry about the "extortionate" price of the car I wanted and would spend the $4K. My plan is to take the trips I want to take in the next three years "just in case". Too many friends have died. I retired because of it. I'm traveling how I want to travel because of it.
Last edited by starrs; Aug 11th, 2023 at 03:30 AM.
Aug 11th, 2023, 08:40 AM
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. I would not want to either. But rates would be less expensive if you spend the first night in Naples, get a good night's sleep, then pick up the rental car. Most of the time, the size of the rental location and fleet matters.
2. That makes sense. It's the class of the car that is so expensive. Rental cars aren't normally 4K but it's the type of car you want. Keep in mind that if you pick up in Salerno, it's less likely they will have the particular car you want.
3. Not to open a new can of worms, but check to see if he will be allowed to rent the car. He may not be able to pick up a rental car in Italy. I checked the Sixt's website to see what they say and it's vague.
"CAR RENTAL ABROAD OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE
In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old. In parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia there are restrictions or surcharges for senior drivers. It is worth checking in advance the rental information."
Google "age limit for rental cars in Italy"
If it's allowed, there may be additional surcharges.
Not to be morbid, but this may be your last independent driving trip to Italy. If it were me, I'd do exactly what I wanted to do and not worry about the "extortionate" price of the car I wanted and would spend the $4K. My plan is to take the trips I want to take in the next three years "just in case". Too many friends have died. I retired because of it. I'm traveling how I want to travel because of it.
2. That makes sense. It's the class of the car that is so expensive. Rental cars aren't normally 4K but it's the type of car you want. Keep in mind that if you pick up in Salerno, it's less likely they will have the particular car you want.
3. Not to open a new can of worms, but check to see if he will be allowed to rent the car. He may not be able to pick up a rental car in Italy. I checked the Sixt's website to see what they say and it's vague.
"CAR RENTAL ABROAD OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE
In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old. In parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia there are restrictions or surcharges for senior drivers. It is worth checking in advance the rental information."
Google "age limit for rental cars in Italy"
If it's allowed, there may be additional surcharges.
Not to be morbid, but this may be your last independent driving trip to Italy. If it were me, I'd do exactly what I wanted to do and not worry about the "extortionate" price of the car I wanted and would spend the $4K. My plan is to take the trips I want to take in the next three years "just in case". Too many friends have died. I retired because of it. I'm traveling how I want to travel because of it.
Thanks..will check into Naples. AutoEurope told me there is no maximum age as they know it..only a minimum age. He will be fine getting the car, not so fine paying that price. But I do understand that this is my choice to rent an upscale car with GPS, automatic. I was offered an Audi for less $$$ but it was a Q-class. more like an suv which we certainly do not want....
And truly, the bottom line is: How many more times will be able to rent a car in Europe and drive ourselves. I will be practicing on this trip, and as I say, I did very well in March solo with a rental car in Spain. But at the base of my thinking is exactly, Starrs, what you brought up..how many more times? We never know for anyone, but at partner's age, chances are that there will not be too many more rentals in his future. Easier to write this than to contemplate what I am actually writing. I know you understand.
I did try with Avis, Hertz and Sixt this morning and could not even get to the part about pick up and drop off in different locations...so often I think, what is the difference....just make it "easy on myself.." (Walker Brothers??)
There is one more trip with partner planned for 2024 September--Sicily and further north, and I hope to go to Spain alone in March..but after that, and even before that, who really knows...planning trips takes up so much of my time I wonder if I would become really sad and down if I had no reason to do it anymore...
Sorry for all the digression, it does weigh on me, a lot. My parents were great travelers (what other Long Island middle class folks spend weeks in Mali in the 70s????) My Dad and took several trips to India in the early 70s, when I had to drop out of college for health reasons (resolved now....cancer). At some point, in his early 70s, he decided that they would try those planned trips..I forgot the name of the company but maybe now it is Roads Scholar...maybe ElderHostel. Then they even gave that up..airports got confusing, flights were crammed,, who knows the real reason. But he did live about 10 years more, as did my mom, with only local travel. Oh well, more digression.......want to think about NOW...
Aug 11th, 2023, 09:38 AM
#33
But I do understand that this is my choice to rent an upscale car with GPS, automatic. I was offered an Audi for less $$$ but it was a Q-class. more like an suv which we certainly do not want....
I did try with Avis, Hertz and Sixt this morning and could not even get to the part about pick up and drop off in different locations...so often I think, what is the difference....just make it "easy on myself.." (Walker Brothers??)
.
I did try with Avis, Hertz and Sixt this morning and could not even get to the part about pick up and drop off in different locations...so often I think, what is the difference....just make it "easy on myself.." (Walker Brothers??)
.
The default is same location. Just use the drop down menu to choose different location.
My first choice would be an SUV. Here's the Alfa Romeo I had last time in Italy (picked up at the Florence train station). My last car was an SUV in France, picked up at the Marseilles airport. I prefer them over anything else.
You can also use the GPS on your smart phone. If that saves you significant money.
You can get a rental car, automatic, for your dates for under $1000.
It just depends on what you want to drive.
Aug 12th, 2023, 04:24 AM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok..New GLITCH!
The car we want is not available in Salerno. We can get it in Sorrento (no help) or have it delivered to hotel in Vietri. Long, complicated conversation with AutoEurope (lovely person).
I am going to try Naples airport.
Thank you, Starrs! Slick car!
The car we want is not available in Salerno. We can get it in Sorrento (no help) or have it delivered to hotel in Vietri. Long, complicated conversation with AutoEurope (lovely person).
I am going to try Naples airport.
Thank you, Starrs! Slick car!
Aug 12th, 2023, 06:15 AM
#35
"Ok..New GLITCH!
The car we want is not available..."
This is feeling like a bit of a set up. I can't speak for others, but I started looking out of curiosity. $4K was WAY more than I paid a couple of months ago and I was wondering why. But you have options that are under $1K and now the car is so special they would have to BRING it to you?! What are you renting? What is the "upscale" car you want? We still don't know.
Audis aren't "good enough"? I'd love to know the car you are trying to find.
There were two of the same* nice rental car I was driving for our group of 5. One couple took an Uber from Nice. The other car was a BMW 4 series. To be honest, I had no idea what it was but took a photo of the cat.
A friend's rental
*I only know this because I had a problem with the gas door and the other person went out to check hers too before she needed a fill up. Otherwise, I would have no clue what others had rented.
I googled "france rental car company with a bmw 4 series".
Results =
Sixt = Premium and Luxury rentals
Elite rentals
Lurento
AutoEurope - Luxury car rentals
Hertz - Dream collection
"Dream collection"?! I've never even wondered what was in the Hertz fleet of Dream cars. Their normal cars are perfectly fine for me.
This whole thread feels like a bait and switch to me. Is this a new way to humble brag?
What you asked in the OP is nothing close to what you are really looking for. There are LOTS of options for you to rent a car for 3 weeks in Italy at WELL less than $4K.
You later added that you wanted a Mercedes and an Audi wouldn't do. That was the first hint you gave that your search was "special". But a car they will deliver to your hotel in Vietri?!
34 posts in, do you think you can clue us in on the actual rental car you are looking for?
The car we want is not available..."
This is feeling like a bit of a set up. I can't speak for others, but I started looking out of curiosity. $4K was WAY more than I paid a couple of months ago and I was wondering why. But you have options that are under $1K and now the car is so special they would have to BRING it to you?! What are you renting? What is the "upscale" car you want? We still don't know.
Audis aren't "good enough"? I'd love to know the car you are trying to find.
There were two of the same* nice rental car I was driving for our group of 5. One couple took an Uber from Nice. The other car was a BMW 4 series. To be honest, I had no idea what it was but took a photo of the cat.
A friend's rental
*I only know this because I had a problem with the gas door and the other person went out to check hers too before she needed a fill up. Otherwise, I would have no clue what others had rented.
I googled "france rental car company with a bmw 4 series".
Results =
Sixt = Premium and Luxury rentals
Elite rentals
Lurento
AutoEurope - Luxury car rentals
Hertz - Dream collection
"Dream collection"?! I've never even wondered what was in the Hertz fleet of Dream cars. Their normal cars are perfectly fine for me.
This whole thread feels like a bait and switch to me. Is this a new way to humble brag?
What you asked in the OP is nothing close to what you are really looking for. There are LOTS of options for you to rent a car for 3 weeks in Italy at WELL less than $4K.
You later added that you wanted a Mercedes and an Audi wouldn't do. That was the first hint you gave that your search was "special". But a car they will deliver to your hotel in Vietri?!
34 posts in, do you think you can clue us in on the actual rental car you are looking for?
Last edited by starrs; Aug 12th, 2023 at 06:29 AM.
Aug 12th, 2023, 06:32 AM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Starrs, Audi is the car I want. I thought I had mentioned that, above. Then the Mercedes C class came into play... Either of those is fine..I do not care about the make of car if it has automatic and a GPS. But we want the smaller models..many times have rented Audi (I think, A4) and Mercedes A class which I do not think is available in the US. I just want a GPS included, so I do not have to use the phone when driving (partner cannot do this..just no way)
So it stands now that I am waiting for price on having the car delivered from Sorrento, and if they cannot do this for a normal price, we will just get the cat at Naples airport upon arrival and drive to Vietri. But even with the Naples option, what I saw on the site was not what the person on the phone saw...I am about to burst from annoyance here..
Just FYi for others, AutoEurope told me that EuropCar is the most strict about needing an IDP. My partner has one but mine has expired a couple of months ago....I will do my best to get a new one but we are not at home in NYC now and there is no place near to get one..I will work that out....
I never had such issues before....although we always rent this type of car or similar. NOT in the luxury class...just need automatic with GPS.
Sorry I am cranky right now..will wait to see what they come up with about delivery to hotel, otherwise will do my best to get a car in NAP.
I did try the Hertz website and it was balky...I use Safari,,will try with Chrome and see if it works better, or I can just call Avis or Hertz directly.
Thank you so much for taking all this time with me.......if you have an inordinate amount of time, you know my dates..
Arrival in NAP 8 September.
Return car FCO 28 September.
BTW, the helpfulness of the AE agents varies immensely. I had one t his morning, based in Portugal, who was such a dream..just before that, one in Illinois that could not be bothered with me...
So it stands now that I am waiting for price on having the car delivered from Sorrento, and if they cannot do this for a normal price, we will just get the cat at Naples airport upon arrival and drive to Vietri. But even with the Naples option, what I saw on the site was not what the person on the phone saw...I am about to burst from annoyance here..
Just FYi for others, AutoEurope told me that EuropCar is the most strict about needing an IDP. My partner has one but mine has expired a couple of months ago....I will do my best to get a new one but we are not at home in NYC now and there is no place near to get one..I will work that out....
I never had such issues before....although we always rent this type of car or similar. NOT in the luxury class...just need automatic with GPS.
Sorry I am cranky right now..will wait to see what they come up with about delivery to hotel, otherwise will do my best to get a car in NAP.
I did try the Hertz website and it was balky...I use Safari,,will try with Chrome and see if it works better, or I can just call Avis or Hertz directly.
Thank you so much for taking all this time with me.......if you have an inordinate amount of time, you know my dates..
Arrival in NAP 8 September.
Return car FCO 28 September.
BTW, the helpfulness of the AE agents varies immensely. I had one t his morning, based in Portugal, who was such a dream..just before that, one in Illinois that could not be bothered with me...
Aug 12th, 2023, 06:46 AM
#37
Just FYi for others, AutoEurope told me that EuropCar is the most strict about needing an IDP. My partner has one but mine has expired a couple of months ago....I will do my best to get a new one but we are not at home in NYC now and there is no place near to get one..I will work that out....
Aug 12th, 2023, 07:20 AM
#38
Okay, I vowed to myself that I was going to just walk away - and did. But your search just makes absolutely no sense. None at all.
There's absolutely no way your rental should be costing $1K to $3K more. Not unless you are wanting to rent a luxury rental.
"I never had such issues before....although we always rent this type of car or similar. NOT in the luxury class...just need automatic with GPS."
What do you mean when you say "with GPS"?
You aren't going to find a rental car WITHOUT GPS - unless maybe if you rent the super cheap rental car class.
I've not been in a rental car in the last few years that did not have GPS navigation built in.
Do you mean one of these little guys?
Are you looking for one of the GPS add-ons? If so, that may be the problem with your search.
I checked my Italy dummy search and GPS wasn't an add-on option. Just child seats and super coverage.
Those aren't offered anymore because they are basically obsolete. Here's a 4 year old article than mentions them, but cars have built-in GPS navigation now.
https://www.lifewire.com/before-rent...0before%20then.
The interesting thing is that MOST people who get new cars don't even use the built in GPS navigation that comes with their car. They use their smartphone.
https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/10/aut...ion/index.html
"Many new cars today come with built-in navigation systems, but a lot of frustrated new car owners just use their phones for directions, according to a new survey."
I know I did a couple of months ago. I tried to type in my destination but got frustrated and just plugged in my phone. The directions from my phone showed up on the dash - instead of the car's GPS system.
Later on I set up the bluetooth connection so didn't have to plug in my phone but it needed to be charged anyway.
Are you spending thousands more on the rental than you need to because of your GPS requirement?
If that's the problem, I'd suggest renting a car for the day near wherever you are right now and give it a test. Sit in the rental car and either connect the bluetooth or plug in your phone and use your phone's mapping app to display the GPS instructions on the dash. Spend $50 now to see if that solves your problem. Then you can book an automatic in Italy and save thousands of dollars/ euros.
If you don't have a smartphone with a mapping app you use regularly, then that may be the problem. If so, buying a smartphone and getting used to it now will save you thousands this fall. I missed my company phone so bought a second phone (crazy I know) for $250ish for the entire year = phone and service using Mint and they use T-Mobile. That means your service is free in Europe too.
Is the real "glitch" in this whole search your need for GPS?
There's absolutely no way your rental should be costing $1K to $3K more. Not unless you are wanting to rent a luxury rental.
"I never had such issues before....although we always rent this type of car or similar. NOT in the luxury class...just need automatic with GPS."
What do you mean when you say "with GPS"?
You aren't going to find a rental car WITHOUT GPS - unless maybe if you rent the super cheap rental car class.
I've not been in a rental car in the last few years that did not have GPS navigation built in.
Do you mean one of these little guys?
Are you looking for one of the GPS add-ons? If so, that may be the problem with your search.
I checked my Italy dummy search and GPS wasn't an add-on option. Just child seats and super coverage.
Those aren't offered anymore because they are basically obsolete. Here's a 4 year old article than mentions them, but cars have built-in GPS navigation now.
https://www.lifewire.com/before-rent...0before%20then.
The interesting thing is that MOST people who get new cars don't even use the built in GPS navigation that comes with their car. They use their smartphone.
https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/10/aut...ion/index.html
"Many new cars today come with built-in navigation systems, but a lot of frustrated new car owners just use their phones for directions, according to a new survey."
I know I did a couple of months ago. I tried to type in my destination but got frustrated and just plugged in my phone. The directions from my phone showed up on the dash - instead of the car's GPS system.
Later on I set up the bluetooth connection so didn't have to plug in my phone but it needed to be charged anyway.
Are you spending thousands more on the rental than you need to because of your GPS requirement?
If that's the problem, I'd suggest renting a car for the day near wherever you are right now and give it a test. Sit in the rental car and either connect the bluetooth or plug in your phone and use your phone's mapping app to display the GPS instructions on the dash. Spend $50 now to see if that solves your problem. Then you can book an automatic in Italy and save thousands of dollars/ euros.
If you don't have a smartphone with a mapping app you use regularly, then that may be the problem. If so, buying a smartphone and getting used to it now will save you thousands this fall. I missed my company phone so bought a second phone (crazy I know) for $250ish for the entire year = phone and service using Mint and they use T-Mobile. That means your service is free in Europe too.
Is the real "glitch" in this whole search your need for GPS?
Last edited by starrs; Aug 12th, 2023 at 07:35 AM.
Aug 12th, 2023, 08:54 AM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The nearest AAA office to me is about 90 minutes away and I suppose I have to make the trip. Partner's is still valid. I am on he far northeastern tip of Long Island right now. I can use the AAA in NYC but that would be 3 days before I depart when I will return to NYC to pack and depart.....can I be sure to get the IDP on the spot????
To be clear, I want a car with automatic transmission and built-in GPS and although I agree that most new cars save the smallest, cheapest models, the AE website will not guarantee them until you reach certain categories. Also, I take non-deductible insurance, which ups the price a significant amount.
If you have tons of extra time ( you can punch in my dates and see if you come up with anything else (I do not expect you to do that, as this is my issue and I need to do it).
I looked at Naples airport and their prices there a bit better, but not by all that much.
The Hertz site was very clear but I was not able to follow through on Safari..will try again in Chrome later today. The Herta drop down you mentioned did not work.
I can also phone them, as well as Avis.
I am as shocked as you are, believe me. As I mentioned, any rental car automatic transmission with GPS inside is fine.....the ones you and others have mentioned do not guarantee a GPS inside the car. Yes, I know that all new cars.Suburu, etc etc, have them, but who knows, maybe the rental agencies buy the least expensive models without GPS. Non-deductible.
Starrs, I thank you so much for taking the time to jump in on all this..I know you must think I am totally clueless, which is not far from possible! So I will not be insulted if you drop out of this....at the same time, will relish any and all help.
As it stands,, I have the form in to AE to see about having the car delivered to the Vietri hotel (which I booked only because it was close to the Salerno car rental agencies and I could not find a B&b for my night in the City of Salerno itself). i've not even checked about cancellation of that hotel in Vietri (southernmost town of Amalfi Coast, not far from Salerno city).
Partner says he can drive from NAP to Vietri after the flights... You know me, I already have a restaurant booked for Cetara for that first night, a few miles from Vietri! (I do everything the opposite way..book restaurants first, then hotels, then car rentals......well, I've never towed the line, so here it is....)
Ok..trying to calm down and get ready to begin delving into rentals from NAP to FCO. Pickup in NAP would be 8 September; delivery to Vietri would be 9 September....
Also, people should know that one usually needs 2 valid credit cards to rent a car...according to AE. If one of those cards is Amex gold or Platinum, then one card is ok.......
To be clear, I want a car with automatic transmission and built-in GPS and although I agree that most new cars save the smallest, cheapest models, the AE website will not guarantee them until you reach certain categories. Also, I take non-deductible insurance, which ups the price a significant amount.
If you have tons of extra time ( you can punch in my dates and see if you come up with anything else (I do not expect you to do that, as this is my issue and I need to do it).
I looked at Naples airport and their prices there a bit better, but not by all that much.
The Hertz site was very clear but I was not able to follow through on Safari..will try again in Chrome later today. The Herta drop down you mentioned did not work.
I can also phone them, as well as Avis.
I am as shocked as you are, believe me. As I mentioned, any rental car automatic transmission with GPS inside is fine.....the ones you and others have mentioned do not guarantee a GPS inside the car. Yes, I know that all new cars.Suburu, etc etc, have them, but who knows, maybe the rental agencies buy the least expensive models without GPS. Non-deductible.
Starrs, I thank you so much for taking the time to jump in on all this..I know you must think I am totally clueless, which is not far from possible! So I will not be insulted if you drop out of this....at the same time, will relish any and all help.
As it stands,, I have the form in to AE to see about having the car delivered to the Vietri hotel (which I booked only because it was close to the Salerno car rental agencies and I could not find a B&b for my night in the City of Salerno itself). i've not even checked about cancellation of that hotel in Vietri (southernmost town of Amalfi Coast, not far from Salerno city).
Partner says he can drive from NAP to Vietri after the flights... You know me, I already have a restaurant booked for Cetara for that first night, a few miles from Vietri! (I do everything the opposite way..book restaurants first, then hotels, then car rentals......well, I've never towed the line, so here it is....)
Ok..trying to calm down and get ready to begin delving into rentals from NAP to FCO. Pickup in NAP would be 8 September; delivery to Vietri would be 9 September....
Also, people should know that one usually needs 2 valid credit cards to rent a car...according to AE. If one of those cards is Amex gold or Platinum, then one card is ok.......
Last edited by ekscrunchy; Aug 12th, 2023 at 09:11 AM.
