We are picking up a rental car (well, a 7 passenger vehicle for our family of 6) at the Athens Airport April 2023. We did some research on AutoEurope. Typically it's more expensive to pick up at the airport, but oh well, it just works better for us. Anyways, Sixt has our 8 day rate at 790 Euros, whereas a company called Avance (never heard of them) has the same class of vehicle for 470 Euros. Hm. Most of the 8 day rates were closer to the 800-900 Euro amount, so we feel suspicious about the 470 Euro rate..... Can anyone speak to this?
Thank-you kindly,
Tracey
Posted by
2783 posts
I have never heard of Avance but we have twice rented from Athens Car Rental which is a local company and see how their price compares. We picked up and returned to the airport.
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
Avance is a Greek rental company established for more than 30 years which has offices in airports and major Greek cities. (including Santorini and Naxos, maybe a forum member has rented with them).
I've never rented with Avance but don't be surprised at the lower price, local agencies are often cheaper than major rental companies like Sixt, Hertz, Avis, etc.
Anyway, pay attention to the car offered by Avance, there are 7-seater models that are too small to carry the luggage of more than 2 people. What could explain such a price difference.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11872 posts
Surprisingly (?) all their vans show '2 suitcase' capacity.
I would be inclined to rent a 9 passenger van, to have space for more than 2 suitcases, along with 6 passengers
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
Joe is right, if you don't want to spend your car journeys with your suitcases on your knees, take a 9 passengers.
Also look at this rental company which has 9 passengers Minivans with a precise description, excellent customer reviews, and decreasing rates according to the duration of the rental.
https://www.athens-carrental.com/site/vehicle/extra-long-diesel-minivans/en
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, AB, CANADA
40 posts
Excellent thoughts! Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions and insights. Time to look again :) .
Tracey