You go cheap that is what you get..
When booking direct with the big guns such as europcar, herz, avis, sixt you pay over the odds though but hey if you can afford that no problem with that.
The likes of AmigoAutos, car3000 etc sometimes end up with the big guys but at far lower rates..
I used Goldcar most of the times and also book direct with them. If it saves me €100 a pop on a weeks rental, i don't mind queing a bit longer or get a slightly older/dented car.. what is a brand new car to me when I am on holiday?
OK every now & then I ended up with a berlingo to my disgust (well dented streetcred ), but hey you take the rough with the smooth. Overall never had any real problems...
on business I use the likes of Europcar & Herz, bt still end up with major isues over damage etc.. they are a pain in the butt when it comes to damage..