Uk Car Hire

[ellen10]

I'm looking at renting a car for 2 weeks.
We will be flying into Gatwick, on a saturday and returning the car at Heathrow on a saturday.

Should I book through a site like Kayak or direct with the rental car company? We have not rented a car in the UK for many years so unsure where to start.
Any recommendations or companies to avoid?
Looking at smaller vehicles as there are only 2 of us and driving on small roads Maybe economy or compact?

 

[BCons]

Gatwick probly same as Lhr - most rental coys are off site so you'll need to catch their shuttle out to the lot. We hv used Avis mainly because we know thr London locations and hv an online acct to book direct. Dont know if it helps to be a known customer but we did get a nice upgrade as a result of some minor delay one time. Genly we dont pick up at the airport - tend to leave it a day or two for bus lag and SQ hospitality to wear off.. One thing both Avis and Hertz do is charge extra for spouse whereas in Aust Avis at least dont ask a premium for partner to drive. 12-14 quid a day adds up over a week or two..

 

[VPS]

I had major issues with Hertz at LHR earlier this year. I wanted to extend the car hire and they just didn't respond to emails or phone calls which meant I had to rearrange a heap of things.

Honestly I think they are all the same so I would go on price and availability. If you're happy to get yourself to Milton Keynes Arnold Clark is often cheaper but they aren't anywhere near the big airports.

Just be careful with Sixt and check they will accept your insurance for excess - I had one occasion they wanted me to insure for the whole car

 

[Pushka]

We use Vroom which seems to work fine and good price. Cars are from the usual providers.

 

[SYD]

For that amount of time, shop around by looking direct and 3rd party and make sure you’re comparing apples with apples (eg included cover, excess), prepaid v pay on pickup etc.

A good discount code booking direct with the majors can make a BIG difference.

 

[Scarlett]

I’ve used Holiday Autos, Auto Europe, Car Trawler and Rental Cars consolidators over various visits. Also booked direct some times. Can’t say any one is better than any other, much like all the companies seem pretty much the same. You get some good people and franchisees and you get some bad. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer to your questions @ellen10.

Your idea to get a small car seems like a good idea and it’ll generally be the cheapest.

Like has been mentioned, if you have access to a discount through one company or supplier that’s probably the way to go over a longer rental.

 

[drron]

We used Alamo for the first time back in May and the service was excellent. One of the best experiences I have had renting a car. Plus they were nearly the cheapest.

 

[kookaburra75]

I've used a range of car hire companies at LHR and LGW - usually direct with the majors such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar. They were all about the same in terms of price and service. The one big thing, is book through the local website xx.com.au as the rates will be cheaper. As noted up thread, the yards are off site, but the shuttles are regular and no problems with luggage. Although, I think Avis still have a depot in the arrivals area of T5 (?). I've dropped a car off there once, as all we had to do was walk straight across into the departures area.

A few things to watch out for (from my experiences). Cars are manuals unless you ask for an automatic, and that may limit your choices and cost. If you have two suitcases, don't go too small. A Corolla/Focus/i30 size will allow you to get two suitcases in the back, and the rest of your junk on the back seat. Lastly, fuel. If you're dropping off at LHR there is an Esso petrol station on Bath Road near the M4 exit, up near where the hire car yards are. It can be tricky to get into, but if you overshoot, you can loop back around.

 

[luckypierre]

A good discount code booking direct with the majors can make a BIG difference.

Very useful if you’ve access to a decent code. Need to compare different pickup locations for pricing. We found this year Hertz from LGW a lot cheaper than LHR. Friend recently returned from UK and were very happy renting from Enterprise. Be wary of being offered an EV, seems to be more common and it may not suit your circumstances.

 

[ellen10]

Lots of great information and experiences, thank you.
We have used all of the major companies in the past and do not have any loyalty affiliation with any of them. And I have used consolidators before too. Enterprise seems to pop up quite regularly in quotes, I had not used them before.

@kookaburra75 your comment about using a local Au website is interesting as most sites I have looked at have quotes in pounds.
We will have two suitcases so compact is a better option. And yes most of the UK cars are manual (which I haven't driven for about 6 years) and we will want an additional driver so I must factor that into costs.

 

[kookaburra75]

@kookaburra75 your comment about using a local Au website is interesting as most sites I have looked at have quotes in pounds.
We will have two suitcases so compact is a better option. And yes most of the UK cars are manual (which I haven't driven for about 6 years) and we will want an additional driver so I must factor that into costs.

It's something I came across a while ago.

If I go to avis.com.au and put in a dummy booking for Jan for two weeks, I can get a Peugeot 2008 or similar for £327.


If I go to the avis.co.uk website with the same dates and location, a Peugeot 2008 or similar is £498.


For my latest overseas booking in NZ, I used Sixt, as I get a discount as an NRMA member.

 

[kelvedon]

Although, I think Avis still have a depot in the arrivals area of T5 (?). I've dropped a car off there once, as all we had to do was walk straight across into the departures area.

Avis/ Budget have now closed this depot.
They have two separate depots. One at the Holliday Inn and this is connected by shuttle from T5, whilst the larger depot is serviced by shuttles from all the other terminals.
You can collect/ drop your car from either depot, but the HI is smaller so less choice when collecting.

 

[kelvedon]

Watch out for the one way drop off fees if collecting from LHR and returning to LGW.

If you’re in the BAEC and book an Avis car through the BA booking portal then the second driver is included….. but compare the cost.

 

[ellen10]

Thanks @kookaburra75 for the comparison. I will investigate further.
Yes I used Sixt in NZ, but they are closed at Gatwick on saturday afternoons.

I am also aware that a oneway drop off will cost more, but we fly out of LHR.

 

[VPS]

I also find if I logged in for some of the big providers it said there were no cars but if you didn't log in then there was. Prices also varied widely compared to if you were logged in or not

 

[SydneySwan]

I used Virtuo for 2+ weeks in UK in August. They are a disruptor. Very reasonable pricing but no one ways - you must return to original hire depot.

Car rental without queues or counters | Virtuo

Rent a car from a Virtuo station 24/7 or get it delivered. Unlock your car with the Virtuo app. Car hire in the UK and across Europe. Free cancellation.

www.govirtuo.com

 

[luckypierre]

I also find if I logged in for some of the big providers it said there were no cars but if you didn't log in then there was. Prices also varied widely compared to if you were logged in or not

Yep, that’s been my experience also. Sometimes membership entitles you to absolutely nothing.

 

[ellen10]

So I have been doing more car hire research. Enterprise seems to have the best prices, both on their site and through a third party e.g. Auto Europe.
All seem to want payment now with free cancellation up to 48 hours before. I guess that is the way to go to get the best prices. There seem to be a few Black Friday specials around. But all seem to charge him prices for an additional driver
I am looking at a Ford Focus size car or similar. Not sure about the roadside assist? Worth it? Its only about $3 per day.

 

[kookaburra75]

I am looking at a Ford Focus size car or similar. Not sure about the roadside assist? Worth it? Its only about $3 per day.

I've never come across charging for Roadside Assist, obviously a new thing. For $3 a day, it's certainly worth it for peace of mind.

 

[kelvedon]

I've never come across charging for Roadside Assist, obviously a new thing. For $3 a day, it's certainly worth it for peace of mind.

I think it’s basically it’s cover if you get a flat tyre, lock yourself out or need a jump start