Has anyone rented using them and, if so, how was the experience?
We are considering them for a three week rental with pickup in Lyon and drop off in Porte St. Cloud (western part of Paris).
Posted by
OP
Portugal
186 posts
They rent brand new, never driven cars (Peugeot) and then (I assume) sell them.
Posted by
546 posts
I rented a brand new Fiat 500X for 13 days for $260 from Europecar. Easy delivery and the car is a joy to drive with plenty of room for four adults, my dog and all of our luggage.
Posted by
OP
Portugal
186 posts
aarthurperry,
I just priced using Europecar and, if I add the zero deductible insurance plus GPS, 24/7 roadside assistance and additional driver, it ended up being more than the autofrance quote (which automatically includes all those things). So I have my own GPS, my wife doesn't really need to drive and I hope I don't need roadside assistance . . . but I like zero deductible and if I don't have to pack my GPS . . . . Tough call without knowing more about the company. Mostly I am trying to find if anyone ever used these people and what their experience was.
Posted by
546 posts
Well I never take the zero deductible as I buy special insurance at almost nothing from American Express which is actually better insurance than what the car companies are selling. And the companies all recognize it.
My car came with a GPS in it and it is free. I specifically checked this with the agent. Pretty much any new car will have a Nav system in it. you don’t need the extra. And frankly France roads are so well marked I cant see getting lost. I do carry a Michelin Map of France also.
Also Europcar already has roadside assistance included so I don’t know what you are paying extra for...that baffles me. Their roadside assistance number is printed prominently on the key and the contract, If their car breaks down they will get you a new one or get that one fixed. But they are brand new cars so again I see this as a needless expense. Maybe I am just lucky but I have never had a problem in many many times of renting cars in Europe.
Whatever you decide good luck and have fun.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
Mystery solved— it’s a leasing company, not a rental. Leasing is always good if you need the car for 3+ weeks. It seems they handle both Renault and Peugeot. We’ve leased through RenaultUSA and leased through Autoeurope but not Autofrance. Irv has answered this same question on the transportation forum and said he’s had good experiences using them three times.
Posted by
OP
Portugal
186 posts
Thanks for all the info and all the answers! You folks are the best!