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Rental car frustration

I personally hate the rental car companies in Ireland. As background, in 2016 we paid $149 for two weeks, in 2019, we paid $328 for two weeks, and in 2023 we paid maybe $750 for three weeks.

First, especially since Covid, they have gouged the market for the daily rate. I know there was a car shortage for awhile, but those absurd rates have only come down a little. It was more expensive to have a car than a B&B room!
Second, they charge E10 or so for a second driver, even though the second driver probably drives half the time. Third, they charge you a fee to allow you to use your credit card CDW coverage, or if you use their coverage, it doubles the rate. Then, they don't provide the car you thought you had, but supply "or similar" which is always smaller or has less legroom or luggage space. Sometimes, you get an upgrade because they at least honor the reservation to provide "something".

If anyone thinks it would be non-stupid to buy an Irish car, find a place to store it, and use it as a "time-share", we'd be interested. Irish car insurance is low by US standards, and the MOT would require one user to do a little work. Long term parking could be challenging although maybe someone has a vacation home close to public transport? Our friends have considered buying a house and a car just to avoid the rental headaches. If we gathered more friends to join in the effort, it might make sense?

Anyway, either reply or PM me if you share my feelings!

Posted by
913 posts

So you recently paid $35/day for a rental car for 3 weeks. Sounds reasonable, and a lot easier than the management of a timeshare car ownership. We just paid more than than $750 for less than a week in France, so I say you had a sweet deal.

Posted by
11872 posts

First, especially since Covid, they have gouged the market for the daily rate. I know there was a car shortage for awhile, but those absurd rates have only come down a little

Ireland does not have a monopoly on 'absurd' rates.

A one week rental from Medford starting July 15 is $632 for a 'compact' car

Posted by
741 posts

I guess I should just invest in a rental car ETF...

Posted by
1130 posts

I find car rentals to be more reasonable in price in Europe than in the US, generally. So this complaint doesn't resonate with me.

Posted by
1044 posts

True, rental cars are a pain because of the added costs. Especially the insurance fear they put into you. Maybe $23 day for rental, which seems OK, then the insurance is $28 day, which is $840 a month, which is $10,080 a year, which is outrageous and no one here in the US would ever pay that for annual coverage for a single vehicle. When we talk about scams here this is a major one.
I am headed to Ireland in September. First time. After having considered and discarded it as a destination because I think it is one of the most expensive places in Europe judging by hotel rates, etc. compared to mainland Europe and many past trips.

Posted by
7146 posts

The €10 for a second driver seems to be standard for rental car companies. For information only, if you reserve through Costco in places it offers rentals, the second driver is free. Whenever I’ve gotten a similar car, (it’s always mentioned when making a reservation) it’s always been larger not smaller. After reserving a vehicle, always with no cancellation, I check back every few weeks to see it the price went down. For an upcoming trip the original price for 20 days was €790, but after rebooking a few times the price is down to €525 for a compact SUV.

Nothing made you rent a car or rent from the company you rented from.