Could do better (Europcar)

Member Name: TheProbe

Product:	Europcar
Date:	06/07/02 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price reasonable, Newish car

Disadvantages: Disorganized, Car had faults

I wanted a car for a few days in Croydon, and after shopping around on the Internet the best deal I could find (at short notice) was from EuropCar. After a 10% discount for online bookings, the charge for 4 days for an 'intermediate' car with aircon was ₤90. I booked on Wednesday night for collection on Thursday afternoon.

Despite claiming not to send email confirmations, they actually did - and all the details were correct.

So I duly turned up at the appointed time (their office is 7-8 minutes walk from West Croydon BR/Tramlink). They claimed that they had only received the booking a short time ago, and apologized for not having the car I had booked available. Then they checked their system and told me that actually their records showed I had booked a lower group of car, and this what they would be giving me. This was a smaller car without aircon for ₤10 less.

I didn't have much choice if I wanted a car then and there, so I accepted the change of vehicle. I suppose I was fortunate the didn't try the usual big company trick of switching to a more expensive vehicle, but I did want the car I had booked!

I then had to wait another half an hour whilst the car was prepared, and it had obviously only just been washed (as it was still wet). The car was a Rover 25 (fairly basic spec) in British Racing Green. OK to drive, but the passenger side windows and mirror didn't work, and it is on the small side. However, for the price it was OK.

What I observed whilst waiting for the car led me to believe that the organization is over-stretched and somewhat chaotic, so I suspect that my experience would be fairly typical. If the price is right then I would use them again.

Summary: