Does anyone know of a good, inexpensive company from which to rent a car in Madrid in December? We'll be driving thru Spain and Portugal for two weeks. Also, any opinions about the cost and mpg of diesel versus regular gas? I think diesel is probably cheaper and gets better mileage (kilometerage?), but i'm not sure. Thanks for any advice! Michael
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
We always use carjet.co.uk which includes CDW in its quotes. Cheap prices and good service...they're a broker. Diesel's your best bet...all the fuelling stations there have diesel....for better mileage and cheaper prices. When we were last there in the spring, diesel was just under 1 Euro/litre, so about $5.60 U-S per U-S gallon. Again, standard transmissions are much more common, and cheaper to rent
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
We are looking for a auto rental agency in Portugal during that time. We normally use Autoeurope.com ( a broker) in other countries, but would be inrerested in any good low cost, reputable company.
I Googled Carjet, and found tooo many complaints.
Guess i'll stick with Autoeurope.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
We usually use doyouspain.com. The advantage is not only their very low rates but also that no voucher is needed. They just charge your credit card upon pick-up. We've rented with them several times at several locations (Palma, Seville, Jerez) and always got great cars (Hyundai or Fiat) in great conditions. And yes, Diesel gets much better milage, much better performance and is cheaper.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
We just got back from Spain and used Carjet as well. I would highly recommend them. The no deductible CDW is better than any of the other agencies. Every time I have rented a car in Europe, it has been a diesel. All the cars are fuel efficient so I don't think there would be much of a cost difference between a gas or diesel vehicle - we've never had a choice at the rental agency anyway...
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
If you pick up and drop off your car on the Spanish side try doyouspain.com... if not also try Holiday Autos, Sunny Cars and TUIcars... (all .com, I assume)
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Wow...then don't use autoeurope...they seem to get almost as many complaints! :)
Posted by
charlottesville, va
7 posts
just rented a car in barcelona airport in late september and returned it in mid oct. i rented through auto europe while still in the u.S. rented a diesel. Fuel is very expensive...I did get a diesel...diesel is a little cheaper and you get a little better mileage from diesel. No problems drivng in Spain. Tollways are expensive...but better than driving on secondary highways...time wise. Rent a gps to take with you...or get a car with gps...Can't imagine taking the trip with out the gps.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
If you can do 17 days you will save a ton by leasing a car from either Renault or Peugeot. Google Europe by Car for more details.
We picked up a new seven passenger car in Amsterdam and dropped it in Rome. It's cheapest if you pick up and/or drop off in France.
You should at least compare with a rental.
Last year diesel was the better deal. China currently has a major diesel shortage and that could affect the price. Biodiesel was hard to find but significantly lower price (possibly price controlled).