I know there have been several threads on rental cars. I could not find a message related to my question.I would like to use Auto Europe based on recommendations of people on this board.I got a quote for 11 days pick up turin airport drop venice( small car) of a little under 500 euros.
Hertz was about 600-650 when you add extras. How far in advance is the cheapest time to get a car? Not a concern with hertz as you don't pay in advance.
We are traveling late september RR

[This message was edited by Robert Rainey on 13 February 2003 at 11:39 AM.]

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

I would go ahead and book now, Robert. I realize that you have to make a deposit with AutoEurope, but the rates can always go up, which they tend to do as the travel season swings into gear (this year could of course be different with the threat of war). I've always found that AutoEurope will let you rebook at the cheaper rate if rates actually come down --that won't change the amount of your deposit but will lower your final payment.

Ann, The deposit for Italy is 100% of the charge!
I just called to ask.I think I will wait a few more months.RR

Robert,

I recently booked a rental with AutoEurope for a trip to Italy in June. After reading almost every post I could find on this board and others, I decided to book the car despite having to pay up front. They appear to be reputable and a good deal.

I have been assured by Autoeurope (and it states it on their agreement) that if the price should go down (and you find out!) or you need to cancel, they will credit your card the difference or the total amount.

Hope this helps.

Greg W

It is not so much that I worry about not getting my money back, as it is spending a rather large sum over 7 months in advance of my trip.RR

Even a pro at fretting like myself (see threads on advance purchasing of tickets for Florence museums) would not contract the car more than a month or two in advance. No need; they have cars aplenty. The only issue is price (see below more on this). In today's climate, good offers should be on the table.

Autoeurope (me fan) will refund anytime prior to departure. Moreover, you can call them any number of times and ask if they have any better discounts, etc., they will mostly find something for you and improve the price. Your account will be debited/recredited promptly and correctly.

Sure, they will charge your credit card when you book, but it seems the amount is not that large and by the time the statement arrives, you'll be only a few weeks from departure anyway.

Robert, I understand the problem with paying so far in advance but we always do that with Auto Europe as we know that it is completely refundable and that they will give you a lower price in rates go down--we have exercised both options in the past. This way we know we won't get caught with higher rates and then, also, we already have that paid for so our budget isn't stretched when we do go as we took care of that cost long ahead of time. One word: you have to keep calling them to see if rates decrease as they, understandably, don't notify you of that. If the euro keeps climbing to the dollar, it is quite possible that just the exchange rate will cause prices to increase if you wait. Some agencies guarantee in euro which is not good for us right now and not in the foreseeable future. Auto Europe quotes and guarantees in US$.

Jane
http://www.janeandken.com

Robert -- there's no way to predict what will be 'the cheapest time to rent a car.' It all depends on what promotions a company is running at the time. For example, AutoEurope currently has a special for Italy in which you book a compact manual and are guaranteed an upgrade to a mid-size manual. You must pay the full rental amount by the end of March (if I'm remembering right) to get that deal...but I don't remember the date by which you have to use the car.The promotion itself ends the end of February as far as booking date, last I knew; sometimes the promos are extended. It's all just like the airlines: they do what they need to to kick up bookings.

For September travel, ordinarily I'd say book the car in August. Never, ever have I found AutoEurope to be 'out of cars.' There are locations where there are only manual cars held in stock, no automatics, but even for that, they will usually arrange for an automatic to be brought in if someone wants it.

And as others have said, the payment is entirely refundable up 'til the time of pickup of the vehicle.

SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor
sally@century-tvl.com
www.sallywatkins.com
My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!

No need for an automatic my wife and I both drive manual transmissions here.Not sure I want to pay the extra gas and insurance for larger car either.
Rental car companies make a good deal of their money my giving a "free" upgrade then sticking extra insurance with the rental.Almost pure profit for them.I have rented cars on perhaps 50 different occasions and never have scratched a car.In the US I don't even get the CDW.RR

For us, the price has always been cheaper the further in advance we booked. We had a great deal for a rental car prior to 9/11, then downsized because our travelling companions backed out. When another couple decided to go with us, we changed back to the original size car, with a considerable increase from the original price. Maybe just bad timing, but we still think it's better to book early, not because they might run out of cars (which I serioulsy doubt), but so you could get the best rate.
As for the deal Sally mentioned, it's good for all rentals thru the end of the year, but you must book (and pay) by the end of March. With AutoEurope, there is no advantage for them to upgrade you, as the insurance is included...so if you are paying for a compact size car and get upgraded, you don't pay additional for anything.

Pay additional for extra gas consumption,Even though I am close to 6feet 2in and over 200 lbs I rent a small car.Until recently I drove a honda Crx,about the size of a Punto.Looks like the lancia economy car and the punto are about the same size? RR