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[QUOTE=Frozty;1794684]I am constantly disappointed by car hire in Germany. For the last three rentals I have had to contact the company to get them to remove charges. Last time I was charged the excess insurance even though I declined. I have also been charged a refueling fee when returning the car with a full tank.
I don't have these problems in France or Spain, where car hire is also cheaper anyway.[/QUOTE]Which company / companies?
[QUOTE=CitizenKane;1794716]Which company / companies?[/QUOTE]If you Google dollar and thrifty you'll read about this all the time. Try going to kemwel and booking from hertz.
[QUOTE=CitizenKane;1794716]Which company / companies?[/QUOTE]Each time was Avis. I have kept using them as it is the BA partner and usually results in a discount for my flight. I have signed up for their loyalty program to see if that helps to improve things.
On a recent visit, the women at the desk tried to charge me an extra €4 per day because I had a diesel car. Apparently because it was more efficient on fuel! She also said that my booking voucher was only a contribution towards the cost of the hire. I refused both charges.
The issue with Dollar Thrifty is that on their terms it say you are required to purchase their insurance unless they freeze a huge sum on your credit card. They will do this if you don't have proof from the card issuing bank that your credit card covers insurance. And then, they will offer much higher rental rate. After they check my car out, I make sure I get a receipt and check the charges. If there are any charges that is not kosher in the statement, one option would be take it up with the credit card company.
[QUOTE=Breadman;1794725]If you Google dollar and thrifty you'll read about this all the time. Try going to kemwel and booking from hertz.[/QUOTE]In the past I've only booked with Budget and Enterprise via Autoeurope. Budget I've never had a problem with. With Enterprise there was a misunderstanding (I asked and paid for a diesel and got a petrol). After getting home I phoned them and within 3 days was refunded the diesel surcharge.
In Germany I've used SixT, Enterprise, and Avis. Enterprise was a pain since you have to shuttle to the other terminal. If I remember correctly they threw on an 800 euro charge on my card like PL mentioned, even though I'm VIP with them in America. Was not pleased after 2 times so tried Avis. Got a shitbox Hyundai J30 (?) and never returned. Rented solely from SixT after that and will never look elsewhere. Best thing about SixT is they never have the car class you request so they start offering you cars like M3's for no additional charge. I always hope for my Dacia but sometimes I just have to putt around Germany without it.
AutoEurope used to be great. I could rely on whatever rate is contracted. That was until they switched up their business model like other sites. Sixt is great. I did rent from Dollar again, but from Schipol in NL instead of DE, and no issues like in DE with the freeze. Matter a fact, I don't think they even charged the Airpot fees. At Schipol, they were with Hertz.
[QUOTE=BananaBoi;1794742]Best thing about SixT is they never have the car class you request so they start offering you cars like M3's for no additional charge. I always hope for my Dacia but sometimes I just have to putt around Germany without it.[/QUOTE]M3? That would so fun. Best I got was bigger sedan with Diesel which is efficient fuel economy. I don't mind a Polo, more power than the dang Corza. I do cheap out with rentals though.
[QUOTE=Frozty;1794732]Each time was Avis. I have kept using them as it is the BA partner and usually results in a discount for my flight. I have signed up for their loyalty program to see if that helps to improve things.
On a recent visit, the women at the desk tried to charge me an extra 4 per day because I had a diesel car. Apparently because it was more efficient on fuel! She also said that my booking voucher was only a contribution towards the cost of the hire. I refused both charges.[/QUOTE]Which airport? Budget and Avis are the same company / desk (only a lot cheaper) so I'm quite surprised.
I fly BA all the time. How much of a discount are you getting on the flights by booking Avis? I know normally Avis are pretty expensive so unless you're getting really good deal on flights it could be a bit of a false economy. Try [URL]http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/[/URL] for a comparison.
Regarding diesel, if you ask for one I think most companies charge extra. If they give you one because that's all they have left there should be no charge and the line about your voucher only being part of your contribution is total BS. If you ask at the desk for something that it says on your voucher is extra, obviously you'll get charged extra. If it says it included, you're being ripped off.
[QUOTE=PussyLiccker;1794743]AutoEurope used to be great. I could rely on whatever rate is contracted. That was until they switched up their business model like other sites. Sixt is great. I did rent from Dollar again, but from Schipol in NL instead of DE, and no issues like in DE with the freeze. Matter a fact, I don't think they even charged the Airpot fees. At Schipol, they were with Hertz.[/QUOTE]I've just looked at Sixt for my next trip (pick up Stuttgart airport, drop off Frankfurt airport, 7 days). Sixt £204.87. Global Drive £92 plus 20 euro at the airport for the one way surcharge (roughly £106 total). Sixt is from their website. Do you have a cheaper alternative site for them?
[QUOTE=CitizenKane;1794760]I've just looked at Sixt for my next trip (pick up Stuttgart airport, drop off Frankfurt airport, 7 days). Sixt 204.87. Global Drive 92 plus 20 euro at the airport for the one way surcharge (roughly 106 total). Sixt is from their website. Do you have a cheaper alternative site for them?[/QUOTE]I think this depends on the dates, and really even time. You will notice a change in price on the time you put in. I just use sites like Kayak or Rentals, and look at the terms. Sixt can be higher, but if you have some sort of membership like a platinum card, you get a percentage off in rent. In order to get this, you'd have to rent so much in a year span I believe. For a low rate, it's not the best option as it could be high at times, but more reliable.
[QUOTE=CitizenKane;1794753]Which airport? Budget and Avis are the same company / desk (only a lot cheaper) so I'm quite surprised.
I fly BA all the time. How much of a discount are you getting on the flights by booking Avis? I know normally Avis are pretty expensive so unless you're getting really good deal on flights it could be a bit of a false economy. Try [URL]http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/[/URL] for a comparison.
Regarding diesel, if you ask for one I think most companies charge extra. If they give you one because that's all they have left there should be no charge and the line about your voucher only being part of your contribution is total BS. If you ask at the desk for something that it says on your voucher is extra, obviously you'll get charged extra. If it says it included, you're being ripped off.[/QUOTE]Frankfurt. Everywhere else in Germany I fly easyjet. When booking through BA, sometimes the cost of the flight plus car is less than flight only. I never specify fuel type so don't expect to pay extra. This was the only time that I've ever been charged.
I am using auto-europe for a trip to Spain this week. €31 for the week for a vw golf. It's that much for a day in Germany.
For Germany, I try for Easyjet + autoeurope + Ibis. Usually the cheapest options.
[QUOTE=CitizenKane;1794716]Which company / companies?[/QUOTE]I always rent and have had occasional problems, but it is only Dollar and Thrifty who seem to have various organised scams and with whom I have had serious problems.
I avoid the cheapest companies like Buchbinder, simply as I assume they make up for their low prices in other less desirable ways.
I landed in frankfurt, grab the car and away I go. Hop on the ramp to take me to the autobahn and this idiot tourist is trying to do a uturn. Bet the wife was screaming "it's one way " .
Which are the earliest opening clubs in NRW? My flight lands at 8 am and I doubt my hotel will have a room available at that time. I know there's GT at 11 am but was wondering if there are earlier options.