The Great Car Hire Swindle

I normally use Travel supermarket to source me a car. On my last 2 visits I have been placed with Goldcar (Alicante) as they had the best price. When you collect your car they bill you for a full tank of fuel and ask you to bring the car back empty.

Last week I collected a 1.3 litre Diesel Corsa. I have just had my credit card bill through and Goldcar billed me over £93.00 for my tank of fuel! If I took that car to any spanish petrol station it would cost less than 40 Euros to fill up.

In the past I have used AVIS and SIXT, they dont bill you for fuel they simply ask you bring the car back with a full tank of fuel.

I would advise people that sometimes paying a little more to use a company like AVIS or Sixt will save you money in the long run.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Yep, fall for it everytime but usually 20 to 30 difference, i can live with the 20 as they can argue they have to pay someone to go and get it filled up, but 50, jeez, and for the 1st time guess who i'm using in 3 weeks.................... yup

GOLDCAR

could be the last if they do me for 50

darren/ shampers

the best thing to do if you dont make certain when you 1st hire is ask at reception full/full, or full/empty on return,

then you can either fill it up or not, also when you hire, think about how many miles you may or may not do and book to suit.

if the car is only used for the airport and back you are better off getting a car full/full.

the hire companys also change these terms on the length of time you do hire, 3 days or less = bring back empty = chance of less fuel used?

4 days or more = bring back full? or empty? so be carefull and check out all the pros and cons and you wont get stung,(as much) hope this info helps

once bitten never again ant