Auto-Europe Car Hire Confusing Pricing!

sarahkmv

Hiya,
Just wondered if anyone has had the same experience:


Briefly we are booking car hire from Chicago to LA for next August. First time we tried with them the car was not available for one way (although it was listed as available). Fair enough we thought, we'll go for the next car up (it was only around £15-20 more). Submitted the reservation, got an e-mail saying there was an issue, please call. When we got through found that the price advertised online was no longer available and it would be £50 more which we declined (the agent got a bit stroppy saying we can't get cheaper). Tried a different vehicle with a different company and went through the same again. I suggested (very politely) to the agent that the prices on screen were perhaps sweeteners to get you hooked and she got rather annoyed saying we couldn't beat them!


It seems odd to me that if those rates had genuinely gone that they would still be online 4 days later, or am I just being a bit naïve? Their rates were cheaper than elsewhere, but by the time you added on the extra costs they were suggesting they were barely cheaper.

mgdavid

which other American car hire companies have you tried for quotes?

NiftyDigits

Auto Europe is a Broker. Try booking direct.

sarahkmv

I've an A4 sheet with lots of car hire companies and brokers that I've tried, AutoEuropes advertised non existent rates were cheaper but as they don't exist then they're much the same as the others.

Brokers are coming out cheaper than direct with Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Budget etc to be honest.

NiftyDigits

If you just go by the price, you may do yourself a diservice. You have to compare like for like, including taxes and insurance coverage.

sarahkmv

Thanks nifty digits, although all the hire companies vary I am trying to compare price by price as the cheapest isn't always the cheapest by the time you've added the one way fee (anything from $500 to $750 and additional drivers, types of insurance etc.


We usually buy separate insurance zero excess type which gives more peace of mind.


I'm more peeved that Auto Europe claim to have the best prices, which they do when you look at the screen but amazingly that offer is no longer available every time you try to book, but you can have the same for £50 upwards more. It's irritating that they still advertise the price that isn't available long after they have told you it doesn't exist.


Lesson learnt I guess!

StuieUK34

try usrentacar.co.uk


There a broker, and employ people with brains.
Auto-Europe = i'll take the bus (past experience from euro bookings)

sarahkmv

Thanks Stuie, I'll give the a try. Just less of the B/S would do me!