On the advice of one of the helpful posters, I checked out the car rental fees of autofrance.net. They seem to be perfect for our needs, but want 1/3 $ upon order and the other 2/3$ 45 days prior to trip. Does anyone have feedback about this company? We're renting for 30 days in July/Aug: pick up & drop off in Geneva, travel in Italy.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Have you researched this on Autoeuropes web site, or gotten quotes from Gemut? Autoeurope is a US based broker that handles all of the majors in the EU. Gemut is similar. We always use the AE website to research our EU trips, and usually rent thru them. Both of these companies have wonderful people that you can talk to for advice. And both use credit cards, and gladly refund your money when you cancel or make changes. Don't forget your drivers license, and a International drivers license for Itally.
Posted by
Portland
7 posts
I have had very good success using car brokers to rent cars in Europe, but have never worked with as large a lead time as you seem to desire. I just made my car reservations for early March in Italy with Kemwel. I suggest you just track weekly what the rates and availability of cars are for the dates you need, and not make the reservations until you see a major shift in costs taking place, or you have the funds to pay.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
I have used Autofrance in the past and will use them again this fall. I assume from the time frame that you are using their Peugeot lease program which we think is excellent. I would second Steve's comment about an International Driving Permit in Italy. In Italy they do random traffic stops and if you do not have an IDP, you will get your US drivers license handed (or flung) back followed by the words 'The Gray One' (the IDP is a gray folder). While we never were stopped, I met a lady who went through this and she did not enjoy it. Oddly enough we met at AAA while I was getting my IDP. In fact, we picked up our lease car in Italy and they would not hand over the car until we produced our IDPs.
Posted by
Yountville, CA
83 posts
Autofrance is very good. Based in New Jersey. Used them last summer for second time. Because I arranged for the car only two weeks before pickup I was required to pay in full in advance. I was comfortable with that since I know that they are a reputable outfit. Brand new Peugeot. All inclusive. No surprises. Extended the lease period with a phone call while on our trip. No problem. Rec. by RS in his "France" guidebook. Used our own GPS preloaded with Europe maps. Consider a Peugeot 207 diesel w/ manual trans. EZ on fuel. Suitable for two. Pack light so the rear seat can stay up and the privacy cover will hide your bags.
Posted by
La Crescenta, California, USA
361 posts
Hi RoseMary, Over the past ten years my wife and I have done several lease/purchases through autofrance. They are reputable and very helpful. When you look at vehicles on their website or speak with them, what you see or what they tell you is exactly what you get--no B.S. They are great and I would recommend them with a 5 star rating. We will be using them again this October for a 30 day Europe trip. If you need more info just send me an e-mail.