Actually, nowhere is immune to misrepresentation by opportunists. It's just easy to achieve when you have a "captive" victim such as those just arriving at the airport, dependent on hiring the car they previously booked at the (cheap) price they believe they booked it for, and have few other choices at that moment. The dodgy ones know this all too well. It's a kind of deliberate sales "science". And of course, it's also easier to get away with in places like Spain.

Random online booking of the cheapest headline, especially through "agents" who assume zero responsibility is like holding up a sign that says "come and get me!". Who cares if you feel ripped off? Those who buy the "cheapest" rarely bother to check if that's a possibility.

The OFT and like-organisations in every country tend to more aggressively pursue the big players with the big names instead of the insignificant little dodgy ones. Nothing like bagging a "trophy" for a junior OFT inspector. So, the big names have a lot more risk, provide better service, and need to keep their slate clean and tidy.

Considering that the cheaper dodgy ones often end up costing about the same or more, not to mention the added frustrations of dealing with them, it's always safer to book through those who have a reputation to protect instead of simply booking the "cheapest" headline.

Mike J I agree to your points above fuel policy is only real an issue if hire is short but over 4 days and fuel costs not extortinate, most hire companies offer full/full for hires of 3/4 days or less.

Johnny yes I too find with a bit of knowledge research etc Spanish car hire is very good, I never hire in UK.

I do think that they could make it clearer what you are getting you can usually find out the fuel policy, fuel costs can never be pre known in fairness. Where they could improve is when they state all inclusive, wthout experience many people assume everything is included I.e. full insurance fuel etc hence the large delays on pick up with confused people pointlessly arguing their case. Overall though I have no real issues but have been hiring regularly last 6 years. I do remember being annoyed the first time, but once bitten twice shy and I made sure I knew the score after that.

That about sums me up too.

Me as well, we once used a company where on return the staff descended like vultures looking for any dink , scratch etc.
We later discovered that they were " allegedly " paid a % from the local garage of the insurance costs. This was one of those so called " cheap " hire car providers.

The last one I used last Nov was Delpaso just off the airport next to last garage before turn off on motorway. I had never heard of them and found them through a site I had never used before. However as it only cost 97 Euros with no upfront deposit for 1 month hire, thought worse that can happen no car! When I got there picked up quickly car was immaculate near brand new ok tank of fuel could have been cheaper but probably same wherever I had gone. No problems having my own insurance however their extra insurance would have only cost 32 Euros for the month. On return no problems car checked blocked deposit 300 Euros cleared off card very polite. Only thing is like many if you go direct to them quite expensive but through trawler sites great price and service. Out of season car hire it does make you wonder how they can do it so cheap.

According to this in the Olive Press, people have been waiting months for the return of deposits from Niza cars.

http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-ne...ning-vehicles/

I used Niza last year the one just of Malaga airport I had no problem re the deposit paid back straight away on return. I wonder if they are having financial problems?

Sorry to bring this up again but I mentioned earlier in the thread getting good car hire and price when i booked through an agent last time I was over in November. just going through old emails an found the link which may be of use to some. When I booked they allocated me Del Paso which is just of the airport at Malaga beside the motorway, i found them excellent. Anyway if of any use here's the link http://www.booking-centre-online.com/about_uk.htm

Just been looking at this recommended site and it's quite good on car prices, it's also a hotel booking site, well worth a look!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned in the thread is the increasing practice of not supplying a spare tyre and instead supplying a puncture repair kit.
Has anyone ever tried using these things!
They are no use whatsoever especially if you have young children and/or you're in the middle of nowhere and/or you have damage to the tyre itself.
If you don't want the kit you are always best finding out the rental company's practice before you book.

I'm not surer that's legal. Not in Spain anyway.

A lot of car makers do not provide spare tyres these days and use those things instead.

Interesting, I wasn't aware of that, though I presume you mean wheels fitted with tyres.

Here's a list of which cars supply what.

http://www.which.co.uk/cars/driving/...h-spare-tyres/

Could be a few months out of date.

Hyundai top of the league, BMW bottom, strangely enough,
......... though maybe a fair reflection of value for money IMHO.

Could be a bit misleading as many of the 'prestige' brands use run-flat tyres.

What happens if you have a "blowout" ( not repairable). ??