Malpensa pick up lease

Did you ask the agency how long it takes. They should have a pretty good idea.

when the time comes for driving from the airport to Maggiore it is worth registering for the no-stop toll roads. They only take payment on line and you need to pay promptly.

If you register ahead it will make checking your tolls and paying easier. You will need to update your account with the number plate of the car as soon as you get it.

An Italian friend of mine who visited family for a few months years ago said that the time was not substantially different from any rental pick up. But it may also depend on how many people are in line.

Once in the car, the drive to the lake varies depending on where your exact destination is. Stresa, for example, is about 45 min drive.

I think the lease return is at an offsite airport location a few km away, therefore plan accordingly when flying out.

@Lori

My family and I lease cars in Europe as we are normally there for around 10 weeks, but no experience from Malpensa. Our last vacation had us start in Rome and departing from Brussels. Maybe the following will help.

Last arrival was 5th Sept 2018 into Rome. My wife and I flew via Hong Kong, our 3 children plus daughter-in law, and 3 grandchildren via Bangkok, with our flights landing close to 8am. Had cleared border procedures and collected luggage from carousels by 9.30am. Were picked up at the airport by James in the Europcars courtesy van within 10 mins of our call to him. We leased 2 Peugeots 3008. From memory the paperwork took less than 10 minutes. Probably because the company had our details from earlier years, monies pre prepaid and the insurance aspects are included. We were in Tivoli within 1 hour.

On 14th Sept our daughter, son-in law and 2.2 grandchildren arrived 7.30 am via Bangkok. I meet them and James picked us up with in 5 mins. He had everything organised for a Peugeot 2008 and it was done in about 5 mins. We were back in Carapelle Calviso, Abruzzo by 11.30am. First time for my son-in-law driving on opposite side of road, so was a little cautious to start.

Our leasing experiences have been all positive and suits us best. No disputes, crashes, speeding tickets, ZTL etc.

In Oct 2010 took a short-term hire car from Linate airport. Drove to Stressa via Monza racetrack, so my times are of no use. Roberto and Nigel’s experiences/suggestions offers the best insight. 2 days at Stressa then stayed with friends at Lake Como and friends near village of Malonno, Lombardy. My Italian friends would be insulted if we did not accept their hospitality. Dropped car at Marco Polo airport Venice for Emirates flight home.

We had 10 weeks organised from mid-August 2020 into gay Pari and straight out to the countryside. Home from Rome. Our Australian car leasing agent organised a full refund. Do not know the full details as my sons handled this, but maybe our past transactions helped. The women tell me that they received full refunds on accommodation which they mostly negotiate directly with suppliers. Qantas refunded full business, and other fare amounts and any points that may have been used. We will probably wait a couple of years before returning to Europe. The Cook Islands look enticing.

Lori, hope this helps a little, feel free to ask if you have other questions.

Regards
Ron

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. We are encouraged to give it a try!

Ron,

Thank you so much for the info. The Peugeot 308 is exactly what I am looking at leasing. How was the trunk space for luggage? I've been searching online to try and find an american car that I can compare the size of it too. We have driven down many streets that were no wider than a sidewalk so I don't want to get a car that's too large.

Thanks again for the info!

Lori

Note I think the 308 is different from the 3008. Sedan vs. SUV. I'll send you a PM.

A '308' and a '3008' are different critters

https://www.peugeot.co.uk/

@Lori

Apologies for slow reply, time difference just finished breakfast.

The 3008 and 2008 are SUV’s. 3008 is about the same size as my wife’s Nissan Murano. Between a current Toyota RAV 4 and standard Range Rover. (Not Evoque). Someone on site will be able to give your local equivalents.

The 2008 was an adequate size for two adults and 2 young children with child restraints and their luggage. I was able to squeeze between the child seats for a 15 km drive to get a train into Paris. Not comfortable but was alright. Smaller than 3008, approximately RAV 4 size.

After checking out the lessor’s websites we narrow down the options. This is what we do/did to check out sizes. Go to local dealer (usually in Melbourne) and show interest in car. The salesperson(s) encouraged a test drive, take up the offers. Gives opportunity to gauge the size and what standard specs the car has. In 2018 came with GPS as standard equipment. When the salespeople follow up, we cheekily tell them we decided on a Jaguar I-Pace. My sons are lazy and go for automatics. Something about me scaring them in a 1968 Cooper S on the Stelvio Pass when they were younger. They reluctantly let me drive on occasions as long as they are not passengers.

For 2-3 adults the 2008 should be adequate. If 4, would suggest 3008. Luggage wise, we are experienced and know what essential clothing to pack. Are comfortable buying what else we need in Europe, particularly Italy. Other than the child restraints have no special needs. Are always coming home with more than we took. Australia has reciprocal health agreements with many European countries. Though we still purchase travel insurance.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Ron

@Tassie Devil
Ron, Lori can't visit a showroom since no Peugeots are exported to the US, or Renaults or Citroens or Fiats for that matter. Also, good luck finding a manual transmission in the US, many vehicle models offer only automatics - including the newly designed Nissan Frontier pick-up truck!

@Mike Sat 10pm

Thanks for the heads-up mate. I just assumed French cars were sold everywhere. Silly me. Yes, manuals are declining here also. Grew up into the 70’s driving to local surf beaches singing along with the Beach Boys about the Little Deuce Coupe with a competition clutch with the four on the floor. Driving for pleasure rather than necessity. Those were the fun days. Only nerds drove automatics.

I hope my RAV4 and Murano comparisons made sense. Maybe someone else can help with comparisons. Not many North American built cars sold here so I do not know them well. Lots of large trucks though (rigs?).

@Lori and others. I just checked lease offerings to those from the great south land and shaky isles for the end of this year and for the first time saw Electric models being listed. No doubt the move to EV’s for lease and rental will accelerate from now on. Another source of anxiety for some. Have test driven a few and the lack of engine noise is rather disconcerting, still drive on the road the same way. Usually better acceleration. A matter of mind over lack of noise. If EV’s were fit for purpose, I am sure my family would lease them.

Lori, I hope some of my twaddle has been useful.

Regards Ron