Automatic not manual rental car in Spain

[karen blancfield]

We are investigating a rental car for three weeks at Christmas but can't understand why an automatic is so much more than a manual. We usually use Auto Europe. Any insights or suggestions?

 

[defurax]

We are investigating a rental car for three weeks at Christmas but can't understand why an automatic is so much more than a manual. We usually use Auto Europe. Any insights or suggestions?

It's always been like that as far as I remember. Simplest explanation is supply and demand, only non-European tourists hire automatic cars, so during high touristic season automatic cars are scarce and expensive.

 

[kpc]

Try arguscarhire.com we managed to get an automatic for next week in Portugal without breaking the bank

 

[karen blancfield]

Try arguscarhire.com we managed to get an automatic for next week in Portugal without breaking the bank

Thanks, will have a look at that site. Oh and have a Portuguese tart or two for me!

 

[TheRealTMA]

We are investigating a rental car for three weeks at Christmas but can't understand why an automatic is so much more than a manual. We usually use Auto Europe. Any insights or suggestions?

It's because Americans can't drive manual cars so they can hit the tourist for higher charges. In UK and Europe, most cars are manual rather than automatic.

But if you look around, you can get an auto for not much more if you need one. I enjoy the challenge of a stick shift in Europe.

 

[YSSY]

Yes, exactly that, very little demand for Automatic cars, more likely to get one at major airports and rental stations. Hailing from the UK, I was in my mid twenties when I first drove an automatic, I arrived in Seattle and was given the keys to a car and was told no manuals were available, jumped in this car, saw two pedals and without thinking tried driving with two feet, bunny hopped around the rental car park before realising I was over thinking this... Automatic remain scarce throughout Europe, usually because of the increased cost and increased fuel consumption, however I am now a convert and haven't owned a manual in 6 years (technically I don't own any as they are in my wife's name, realised that with frequent travel having them in my name was a hassle).

 

[JohnM]

increased fuel consumption

Not so any more. Way back in the day autos were thirstier than manuals; now it is generally the other way round (but, that said, not a lot in it).

I think I've only ever had an auto once in many, many rentals in Europe. When in Europe, do as the Europeans do .

It's like riding a bike: once you do it once, it immediately comes back every subsequent time.

 

[karen blancfield]

Not so any more. Way back in the day autos were thirstier than manuals; now it is generally the other way round (but, that said, not a lot in it).

I think I've only ever had an auto once in many, many rentals in Europe. When in Europe, do as the Europeans do .

It's like riding a bike: once you do it once, it immediately comes back every subsequent time.

Yes I actually drive a coaster bus regularly in my role and it's manual. But with several people sharing the car, an auto is just a little easier. I've found several on offer through the argus site that was suggested by kpc. Thanks. That's why I like asking the question on this site, I usually get helpful advice.