Car Rental -- Any advice?

[NBlue]

So after much deliberation, I have elected to rent a car for the last 5 days of my stay in Germany -- the opportunity to drive on the Autobahn was too great to pass up plus this seemed to be the best way to see the many castles I'd like to get to. In looking for a car rental, the site that seems to be the most prominant (and the cheapest) is auto europe. Anyone had any dealings with these folks -- it seems they are a middle-man and not an actual rental agency -- I'm a bit concerned that I'm not really going to get the deal that I agree to if they put me with some two bit rental agency trying to rip me off -- thanks for any insight!

[MikeLastort2]

So after much deliberation, I have elected to rent a car for the last 5 days of my stay in Germany -- the opportunity to drive on the Autobahn was too great to pass up plus this seemed to be the best way to see the many castles I'd like to get to. In looking for a car rental, the site that seems to be the most prominant (and the cheapest) is auto europe. Anyone had any dealings with these folks -- it seems they are a middle-man and not an actual rental agency -- I'm a bit concerned that I'm not really going to get the deal that I agree to if they put me with some two bit rental agency trying to rip me off -- thanks for any insight!

I've used them before with no problems whatsoever.

[rickinva]

So after much deliberation, I have elected to rent a car for the last 5 days of my stay in Germany -- the opportunity to drive on the Autobahn was too great to pass up plus this seemed to be the best way to see the many castles I'd like to get to. In looking for a car rental, the site that seems to be the most prominant (and the cheapest) is auto europe. Anyone had any dealings with these folks -- it seems they are a middle-man and not an actual rental agency -- I'm a bit concerned that I'm not really going to get the deal that I agree to if they put me with some two bit rental agency trying to rip me off -- thanks for any insight!

I rented an Audi a6 for one day through Budget. Price was much cheaper than all other options I had found. Not sure why that is, but it was.

One thing I did find is your price is much better if you pick up in town, and not at an airport/train station.

rick

[IASocFan]

I rented a car in 2000 in Germany. I found it and contract for it in the US (on the internet, if I remember correctly) - it was cheaper than waiting to get to Germany to arrange.

[Jabo]

I got a rental for my whole upcoming stay through Expedia on a weekly rate of 152 euros (midsize/AC and most important for me....automatic transmission). Whatver you do, if you can't drive stick, don't get stuck with one. Make sure you're getting automatic.

[SUNDROP]

We reserved online with Sixt - better prices than Hertz or Avis (in Heidelberg) for 41.81 E per day (Ford Focus) - they had a two-seater VW for less

[JohnR]

I rented a car this summer in Bavaria, just searched the Internet for best prices. Think I ended up with EuroCar or something. No problems at all. I'd say that you're likelier to end up with a fly-by-night experience in the U.S. than in Germany. They're pretty buttoned down.

The nice thing was, the "midsized" rate referred to a Mercedes, Audi, or BMW. Gotta like that! Plus, we got a free upgrade, so I was tooling around on the Autobahn in a Mercedes "S" class at $70 per day, something like that. Unlimited miles. Try to get a Mercedes S for $70 in the U.S. ...

[Sagz]

Some of the agencies require you to have one of the international drivers permits to rent a car. Im renting one for the 2 weeks midsize/compact auto for about 400bucks

[jumunius]

I'm a bit concerned that I'm not really going to get the deal that I agree to if they put me with some two bit rental agency trying to rip me off -- thanks for any insight!

I just got my reservation details from AutoEurope and they booked me with an Alamo rental, so I'd say you're pretty safe. And they definitely seemed the cheapest.

[nowherenova]

I just got my reservation details from AutoEurope and they booked me with an Alamo rental, so I'd say you're pretty safe. And they definitely seemed the cheapest.

I used them last summer and had no problems and was even upgraded and given an automatic transmission (big $$$)

[doogiemo]

I just got my reservation details from AutoEurope and they booked me with an Alamo rental, so I'd say you're pretty safe. And they definitely seemed the cheapest.

just for comparison.. what dates and what rate did you get? thanx

[biersal]

I used Auto Europe...cheapest price and I got a guarenteed free upgrade one class.

[Stinkey Turner]

NBlue,
I'm also trying to get a gauge for the advantage/disadvantages of renting a car vs. Eurail Pass. Seem on the face of it, for four adults, car rental is cheaper for the entire first round games than buying a eurail pass. Car is ~$500 plus gas/parking.
We have hotels around the three first round cities so a car would come in most handy when driving between cities. We would essentially take public tranposrtation locally and going to the matches so we can drink, etc. Can anyone comment from experience the possible drawbacks here that I may not be considereing?

[Sagz]

I went through national city car rental because at the time they had the best rates when i reserved. And like I said National City requires a IDP to rent a car.

Mileage and rates**
Unlimited free miles
Weekly base rate: 145.00 EUR*
extra day: 20.71 EUR
Minimum rental: 5 days
Car type: Midsize 4 Door
Pick-up date: Saturday, Jun 10, 2006
Drop-off date: Saturday, Jun 24, 2006

[taylor]

I was thinking the same thing, but I have a really big reservation. There will be so many people driving that I am sure accidents will be prevelant. This could cause a serious delay in the time it takes to arrive and leave a game....
If there is a serious accident on the Autobahn it takes at least two hours for the whole thing to be cleared up and allow drivers to continue.

[kickin365]

I am thinking of renting a car also, does anyone have an idea how much parking may be daily in different types of areas? Want to make sure it is really worthwhile to get a car.

[MikeLastort2]

Just a bit of advice for people who are renting a car and have never driven on the Autobahn before.

THE LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING ONLY!!!

:)

[nowherenova]

NBlue,
I'm also trying to get a gauge for the advantage/disadvantages of renting a car vs. Eurail Pass. Seem on the face of it, for four adults, car rental is cheaper for the entire first round games than buying a eurail pass. Car is ~$500 plus gas/parking.
We have hotels around the three first round cities so a car would come in most handy when driving between cities. We would essentially take public tranposrtation locally and going to the matches so we can drink, etc. Can anyone comment from experience the possible drawbacks here that I may not be considereing?

You need to make sure that you really need a car, but with four people I agree that Eurail passes would be pricey. Actually, you can get a 5 day twin pass (2 people) for $165 (2nd class). So that would be less if you aren't travelling a lot of days. But with the train you have to leave when IT wants, not when you want. So you lose some freedom there, but regain it comparison with the burden of a car once in the city. Gas is $$$$, too.

I've rented before, but the train seems more practical this time around.

[nowherenova]

Just a bit of advice for people who are renting a car and have never driven on the Autobahn before.

THE LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING ONLY!!!

:)

Also, just because you haven't been "pulled over" doesn't mean you haven't received a citation.

and

when you cross the border into Denmark SLOW DOWN!!

[drew_VT_6]

Just a bit of advice for people who are renting a car and have never driven on the Autobahn before.

THE LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING ONLY!!!

:)

AND you cannot inch past someone. You must speed up and get back in the right lane. If two cars are inching along side by side, both can get a citation.

Also, when in Frankfort last spring while some world wide convention was taking place, the airport had ZERO rental cars. While I'm sure they will work to have more cars available at the airport for this slightly larger event, you be better be sure you have a car reserved and available to pickup or you maybe SOL. I'd highly recommend looking into offsite rentals like Eurocar (has numerous locations like Enterprise in the US). You'll probably also find more desirable cars at the offsite location, unless you have an affinity for the Mercedes A-Class or a Smart Car.

For the person traveling with 4 people, you may have a difficult time finding a car comfortable for traveling with 4 people and luggage in it. Consider that when waying your options.