Car Hire In Uk

[doctormann]

Hi Everyone

Have any TV members hired a car in the UK lately? I'm going there with the missus in October, for a couple of weeks, and we shall need a vehicle for the duration.

I've had a good look on the www and there seem to be large differences in hire costs between companies. As we know, cheapest is not always best so I'm wondering if anyone has any recent experiences when hiring in the UK. Booking direct with Hertz or Avis, etc. seems pretty expensive although it does seem that discounts are to be had by booking through an agency (maybe have to pay up-front though).

About the best deal I have found, so far, is with Bluewheels.com, who offer cars through Alamo or Europcar for quite a bit less than booking direct. Anyone used this company? Anyone have any other recommendations?

I'm looking for a Compact Auto (something like a Ford Focus 1.6 - Bluewheels quote £350) - my left foot has atrophied after driving an auto here for several years and I don't think that I can handle a manual box any more! Only joking - just a lazy git!

DM

[sohn]

Try, Thrifty car hire uk

Use them every time i fly into Heathrow or gatwick.

http://www.thrifty.co.uk/

Edited July 31, 2007 by sohn

[taxexile]

http://www.1car1.com/

try this company , i use them every year and have found them to be the best priced and most reliable.

they will pick you up on arrival at heathrow , take you to their office 10 minutes away , and after doing the paperwork , off you go.

when returning the car , they take you back to the airport. offices in some cities as well.

brand new air conditioned vauxhall corsa , 109 ukp a week , the only optional add-ons are a minimal charge for a second driver and a fee if you want to reduce the excess.

they do other models and autos as well , but for higher rental fees.

you can book and arrange the airport pick up by phone or through their website.

Edited July 31, 2007 by taxexile

[pete_r]

When I lived in the UK I was a repeat customer of Europcar. At my local airport they were the cheapest with a better service.

One time I had booked a Corsa or something of similar size, they didn't have one available on the day of pick-up, so they gave me an Octavia for the same price. A nice start to a nice weekend.

[samran]

When I lived in the UK I was a repeat customer of Europcar. At my local airport they were the cheapest with a better service.

One time I had booked a Corsa or something of similar size, they didn't have one available on the day of pick-up, so they gave me an Octavia for the same price. A nice start to a nice weekend.

same experience here out of heathrow and gatwick.

[stament]

I've used Easycar before and recommend all my relatives as normally one of the cheapest if you book ahead.

http://www.easycar.com/

[doctormann]

Thanks for the info everyone.

I've decided to go with Europcar, booked through bluewheels.com, as I didn't find anything cheaper. Have paid a small, refundable, booking deposit and everything else seems to be the same as the standard Eurocars booking - except quite a bit cheaper!

DM

[citizen33]

Thanks for the info everyone.

I've decided to go with Europcar, booked through bluewheels.com, as I didn't find anything cheaper. Have paid a small, refundable, booking deposit and everything else seems to be the same as the standard Eurocars booking - except quite a bit cheaper!

DM

Have just made two one-way airport trips with a broker called Car Rental Solutions (CRS) using Europcar. Europcar were okay,as they have been when used before. I had booked a 1600cc car and my only slight quibble was that the VW Golf supplied for the return journey had a very small boot for luggage. However, we are still in dispute with CRS about two £40 charges for fuel added on to the two journeys. The car was hired through my employer and as always we expected to go out full and drop off full. This is what happened, but the charge was still applied. I suppose the moral of my story is to make sure you are absolutely clear what fuel rules will apply and keep any fuel receipts if you top-up on drop off.