What is the best way to make sure when we get to Ireland that a rental car automatic will be available for us. I am planning to rent one month in advance and is it better for pick up at the airport or in the city? We have driven in England 12 years ago. We have driven a stick shift but prefer automatic. Thanks
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Generally speaking airport locations have more cars so more options and less chance of striking out when you arrive. We had no problem reserving and getting an auto from Budget at one of their Dublin offices. Automatics are more common all the time. You might pose the question on the TA Dublin forum as there are a couple folks there who are very plugged in to the rental car scene in the country.
Posted by
Fairfax, Virginia
348 posts
Specifying the trans. is part of the reservation process,. Cars with auto are more expensive and another class. In Ireland, they are considerably more expensive than a comparable car with manual. Are you asking how to make sure that if you reserve a car w. automatic, they will have one when you arrive and wont switch you? I guess you can research experience with companies having what was reserved. I have used Sixt several times in Ireland and always got what i reserved. I'm not too happy with their waiting times in Dublin airport, but getting what I reserved was never a problem.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Just need to specify Automatic transmission when making the reservation, and have a print-out ready when you show up at the desk and you should be good to go.
Do recommend picking it up at the airport. Not only is there a wider selection of cars and less chance of getting cross-threaded with the reservation itself, but you'll avoid a baptism by fire of having to negotiate city streets as soon as you pull out of the parking lot.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
"but you'll avoid a baptism by fire of having to negotiate city streets as soon as you pull out of the parking lot"
True dat! We had it all planned down to a T, looked on Street View etc, then promptly took a wrong turn on the highway and circled the city in rush hour traffic for forty five minutes. Funny now, not funny then.
Posted by
Seattle
191 posts
Airport pickup is great, especially if you are not going to be going into Dublin.
When I rented in Ireland, I would call the rental place before pick up, at least a few days, and just reaffirm the automatic reservation. They have more cars at the airport, but automatics in Europe are still hard to get sometimes.