I booked a car through Sixt and RyanAir (Maggiore) for a 12 week stay in Italy. Am now reading negative remarks about Maggiore and RyanAir. Can anyone give some advise? I need to cancel one but now I'm worried about both of them. Prices were very competitive so I booked each of them vs AutoEurope. I've read in Rick's blogs/forums to lease a car if staying longer than 4 weeks but that was not cost efficient. Thanks for any help.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
I would avoid Sixt in Italy at all costs-they are an agent of Sixt. I had a awful experience with them when they added charges that were prepaid on the voucher-road "tax," being one ; Amex finally comped the charges. Called them several times, after being referred by Sixt HQ and they would answer and put me on hold and never pick up the call.
Conversely, used Sixt elsewhere in the EU with no issues.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Best advice. Make sure you're comparing with insurance and without. AutoEurope is mostly "inclusive"
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16169 posts
Sixt is a German multinational car rental. RyanAir is an airline. Maggiore is a major Italian rental car company which was acquired by AvisBudget Group a year or so ago. I've never used them, so have no personal experience. I generally use Europcar (through AutoEurope), which is probably the largest in Italy, or also Hertz. I've used Avis and Budget (which is part of Avis). No major complaints about them, but I bet you can find someone that has had a bad experience with any of them and has posted it online.
I like using brokers like AutoEurope or kemwel (same corporate group) and always select the zero deductible insurance option with them, because it's not much more than the regular "all inclusive" which carries deductibles over 1000€
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
Is their an option C ; both of these companies have absolutely horrible reviews and reputations in Italy.
You can give it a try and save some money if it works out well but if it were my vacation I would absolutely stick with Europcar, Hertz or Avis. You mention AutoEurope but there are only a consolidator that books these 3 companies I mentioned as well as other brands. Similar to you saying you booked your flight on Kayak or are staying at your Booking hotel.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Mreynolds... The reason we use AutoEurope is because if you have any problems They go to bat for you.
Hertz and Avis in Italy are independent entries using a corporate logo.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16169 posts
Europcar, Hertz, Avis are the best bet.
It doesn't matter if you book them through a broker or directly.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32388 posts
I don't have any experience with either of the firms you mentioned for car rentals, so can't offer any advice. For future reference, you might call gemut.com on their toll-free number and ask their advice. They're very knowledgeable about car rentals in Europe.
Posted by
48 posts
Go EasyJet, no brainer.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34160 posts
I don't understand the last post. Or perhaps the last poster didn't read the question and made an assumption?