Spain car hire horror??!

floozie_2

Morning forumites,

Has anyone just seen the BBC report about car hire in spain? Specifically that people are turning up with pre-booked car hire where payment is taken on arrival, to find there is no car available.

This is exactly our scenario, we are flying to Malaga on 1st september, have booked with doyouspain and have been told to present voucher at Record desk at Malaga.

If we arrive (late night) and no car is available, we are stuffed, out rented villa is in a totally remote area, and our holiday will be impossible without a car. I've emailed doyouspain asking for reassurance, but I'm very, very worried.

Is anyone else here in the same boat? Or have any experience?

I can't find any 'small print' from doyouspain, so it may well say, 'subject to availability of car' or some such!!!

OMG!!!!! this is our first holiday for 4 years, first it was fire, then plague (swine flu) threatening us, now this.

many thanks, Dee

bestyman

I have arrived at the car hire place at Malaga countless times and always had a car. Sometimes the ques are really long so might be a good idea to send the driver downstairs to car hire while the others get luggage to save time.

If you was really unlucky and your booked car was not available then there are many other car hire places at the airport, they will charge a lot more but at least you will get to your villa.

Dont worry, have a great hol.

Horace

I saw the report on BBC news this morning. Have you looked at the local bus service - buses are easy to use in Spain and are relatively cheap still. Also if push comes to shove find out how much a taxi will be.

jn316

I booked end of June for mid August car hire in Spain (Malaga Airport). Is it likely the car won't be available or is it more to do around last-miniute bookings?

Is there any liability/obligation on the part of the car hire firm or just refund of my credit card (and no other compensation) if they don't provide the booked car?

floozie_2

Hi folks, thanks for replies,

I just have to hope it will be ok.

jn316; it sounded like people who have booked in advance are turning up and being told there is no car for them, particularly those who have booked, but not paid (which is what doyouspain do) I've emailed them this morning asking for reassurance, watch this space for their reply!

meantime, fingers crossed, and hope for best :-(

Spudkins

Hi Floozie,
I've hired through doyouspain about 6 times now and never had a problem. I prefer to pay when I get there than weeks early if possible, and we were there end March this year. We normally seem to get an auriga hire but this time it was Goldcar, and from what I have heard, auriga seem to be having the most problems, so I guess they just find whoever/whatever they can as they probably have contracts with all the major hirers.

I suppose it may be that the ones who pay up front get the cars if there is a shortage, but imagine trying to get that money back if no car appears! As others have said, if you have a problem the bus service, especially from Malaga, is apparently very good, or try one of the major hirers - there are plenty at Malaga airport. Yes, you will pay more, but at least you will get your hol!

BTW I have emailed them before, but sometimes not got a reply - don't think they always pick them up. If you're really worried, its better to ring to put your mind at rest.

Have a great time.

tanith

My brother is out in Spain for the month and managed to get his hire car but he said lots of people are having problems at Malaga airport with no car availablility

Mr_P_5

Hi Floozie,

I have just done the same, booked with them (i have booked with them about 4times previous and have been excellent), but have emailed them to.. awaiting a response!

let me know what they say... i emailed them yest... if they dont reply be tomorrow i will ring them.

thanks

Mark_Hewitt

I've hired a car through Record Spain before (at Palma) and they were excellent, very professional and the car was absolutely spotlessly clean. I'd definitely recommend them.

floozie_2

Hi Mr P!

I haven't heard back yet either, I may ring them Thursday, I have a day off.

Mark, that's very reassuring, thank you.

It's a minefield really, isn't it? - You do your homework, read reviews etc, and still something unexpected pops up to bite you on the ankle!!

OnceUponADream

Hi Floozie

I found this link

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/simon-calder-no-iberian-cheap-seats-on-the-road-this-summer-1768901.html

Carl Whitaker booked a "pay-on- arrival" car with DoYouSpain.com. This is a common arrangement, with a couple of key benefits: you need not supply credit-card details until you actually pick up the car; and you can cancel any time without penalty. Unfortunately, so can the agency. Two days before Mr Whitaker was due to arrive at Palma airport for a fortnight's holiday with his family, he was told, after all, no vehicle was available. He tracked down an alternative: a Renault Clio was available – but "the cost had risen from the £197 I had been quoted to £ 843".

I wouldn't wait for an email response I would call them asap. This quote mentions Plama but I think car hire availabilty is wide spread.

HTH