AUTO EUROPE PONTA DELGADA, PORTUGAL Car Rental Reviews

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by DANIEL - 16 September 2025

" I've used autoEurope twice now and both times had problems. Last time we ordered winter tyres and didn't get them. This time we got a car far older, higher mileage and more superficially damaged than expected. This seems to be a pattern of low-quality rentals. I'm not sure if that's due to autoeurope or hertz but my experience has been poor "

" While the staff/service was fine the car given was an old Mercedes with over 130k miles on the clock and plenty of superficial damage. This car also has a non-standard handbrake which took me 4 days to work out how to properly use (zero guidance given, my assumption would be this should be obvious and intuitive for a rental). The hold was €900 which feels like at least 1/4 of the value of the car. If we're driving a banger, the price and hold charge should reflect that "

Value for Money: 3
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 6

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by PETER - 25 August 2025

" Speedy and efficient "

" Speedy and efficient "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by NEIL - 12 August 2025

" Thanks "

" Everything went well. Staff friendly and helpful "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by ARTHUR - 19 July 2025

" I always use Auto Europe when I travel. With flights and hotels I prefer to book direct, but with cars, there is so much to go wrong and prices vary wildly. I can compare and choose what I feel the best with, and always know I can turn back to Auto Europe if I have any issues. "

" Extremely easy and car as stated. Happy customer :) "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by BRIAN - 22 April 2025

" Booking was easy - free extra driver is good. Very expensive for an automatic versus a manual. "

" Staff great, vehicle great. Two issues - AutoEurope instruction for pickup is not aligned with the supplier. 1. There are no signs anywhere - I asked the sixt counter and they told me go to a blue canopy outside and usually a car comes to pick customers up. Drive On indicated best to call their number and they will come pick you up. 2. They pick you up in a car - so we needed two trips to move us to the offsite location. "

Value for Money: 7
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by RICARDO - 01 August 2024

" Great car, great service "

" Great car, great service "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by BYRON - 04 June 2024

" Prompt effective and efficient "

" Prompt effective and efficient "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by SIOBHAN - 29 May 2024

" Overall really good experience "

" The initial car was old and not in good condition but we brought it back to another branch in Ponta Delgado and they wereso helpful and replaced the vehicle. Great customer service. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by MATTHEW - 26 March 2024

" There was a queue to collect the car. Other than that we had a very good experience. "

" All very smooth. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by BRADLEY - 31 October 2023

" Great service 5* "

" Amazing service from start to finish. Highly recommended and the car was 5* "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by TIM - 19 October 2023

" I'm always pleased with the service from Auto Europe and have recommended it to others. "

" Smooth operation and helpful staff. Only negative is that long queues can build up for checkout and return at PDG airport. I had a minor issue with the car the next day, and Ilha Verde came out to me straight away and swapped cars: very good service. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 9
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by MATTHEW - 08 September 2023

" Ended up booking with Auto Europe as they were the best price we could find for the weeks car hire. It was a bit of a worry as the price was much less than some other sites but we took the chance and it was well worth it. All the information regarding the hire booking came through straight away. Very happy "

" I picked up the car at Sao Miguel Airport in the azores. Clear instructions from service desk in the airport to the car collection staff outside. We got a nearly new Ford focus which was a pleasant surprise. Normally I feel like I'm being rushed when checking over the car but with Guerin, they encouraged me to take time checking over it, told me to take photos of any damage and were very accommodating when we noticed things that they didn't have noted down already. Very satisfied with the experience in this location. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by ANDREW - 04 July 2023

" Although I presented my voucher, my passport and driving licence and credit card the agent managed to open up and print the contract for someone else. This was torn up and we started the process again. On the second attempt the contract had all my details correct except it was still in the wrong name. This contract was torn up and we started again. So it took three times as long as it should to get the keys to the car. Outside an agent inspected the car with us for damage and marked four areas of damage on the form for us to sign. We asked for her to point out the damage she had noted but she said she didn't have time and said that 'was not how we work'. I said I wasn't happy and she was abusive and threw the paperwork down on the bonnet and stormed off. Another agent came down and went over the damage report with us and it took all of 2 minutes. "

" At Ponta Delgada you don't rent through AVIS but Ilha Verde and so you don't get the normal AVIS service. Ilha Verde operate as an agent for AVIS and this should be made clear by Auto Europe. It took the counter staff three attempts to get my contract correct for signature leading to a long delay. "

Value for Money: 5
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by STEPHEN - 27 April 2023

" All good "

" All smooth "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 7

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by RICHARD - 04 November 2022

" Auto Europe have arranged hire cars for us in Portugal, the Azores, and Sicily. Easy to book and prices are good. "

" Ilha Verde accommodated our later arrival time with no fuss, and were efficient in handing over the car to us, and in receiving it back. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by SIMON - 18 September 2022

" OK. "

" Had to wait in queue about 80 mins to pick up car, due to only 2 overworked staff who also had to do the physical check and handover, whereas there should have been someone else doing that. Almost missed hotel checkout deadline as a result. Car quality OK except ropey gearchange (reported on drop-off). "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by CHARLES - 28 September 2021

" Quick and easy service great value "

" Very happy with car and service thank you! "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by MARTIN - 19 October 2020

" A reliable company "

" Smooth pick up Only issue was collecting back th€10 deposit was a saga. But overall very good "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JOZEF - 31 December 2019

" Easy and friendly. "

" Straightforward. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by ADRIANA - 24 December 2019

" Very good "

" Very quick, friendly service. No hassle "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by PETER - 14 October 2019

" Overall very satisfactory. "

" Good. just the 10 euro I was charged because the vehicle was dirty on the outside, I thought on collecting the vehicle, I was told it had to be returned clean just on the inside, maybe my mistake. Apart from that the staff, car, ease of collection was very good. "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JON - 03 October 2019

" auto europe gave a better price than the company direct so thats a plus. but ilha de verde in ponta delgado should be avoided. their not safe. "

" had a flat tyre on last day. took3 hour to sort out. couldnt fill the tank so they charged me for the petrol too. the car was rubbish. not well looked after. imglad i was near town when the tyre went. the recovery guy advised not to use this company "

Value for Money: 4
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by KATALIN - 24 September 2019

" trustiness, the administrative system is very good "

" collaboration, politeness "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JUSTIN - 30 August 2019

" Having booked via Auto Europe in advance for our holiday, our flight times were changed a few weeks prior to flying out. On first appearance updating this on the website appeared straight forward. Unfortunately when trying to do this, the site wanted me to re book the car at about £200 more than I initially paid. Refusing to do this I called Auto Europe assuming that it would need to be done over the phone as I was only updating my collection and drop off times. Only to be told that it was the same process. In the end finding my experience with Auto Europe fairly unhelpful, I left my booking as it was. On arrival earlier than expected Isla Verde were excellent and provided a car enabling us to get on our way, for all that was a relatively simple update to the hire. "

" Excellent, see comments in section 5. Provided a car when the flight was moved earlier, which Auto Europe were unable to do. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JUSTIN - 20 August 2019

" Pretty easy to book, reasonable pricing "

" Quite expensive for what it is and, whilst it was lovely to have the counter staff stay until 1am (on my arrival) to sort everyone out, I wasn't really offered any choice of car so had to come back the next day to change it for something else. "

Value for Money: 6
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 4
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by OLIVER - 04 August 2019

" Disappointed with the hire companies you choose for this location "

" The staff lied about the road conditions and warned of damage that was likely to happen, the car was dirty inside, the screen wash didn't work and I had to put air in one of the tyres "

Value for Money: 3
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by RONAN - 23 July 2019

" Booked from Lisbon just before flight to Azores. All ready when I arrived - clockwork and at a reasonable price. Helped make the holiday a great success "

" Well run operation - very friendly and helpful staff "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by STEPHEN - 09 July 2019

" Although not as cheap as other parts of Europe, the service was very good and compares well with local competitors. "

" Staff were busy but courteous, spoke good English and dint pressurise extras. "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 9
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JAMES - 29 June 2019

" Reliable service and easy to use "

" Good and friendly service at airport. Car was quite old and had done a high mileage but served us well. Very good value for money. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 9
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by DORON - 23 April 2019

" Great service "

" Great service at the counter and with the pick up/drop off staff. Our only negative was that we felt that the size of our "intermediate" size vehicle was much smaller than vehicles we have hired before in this class. It was really difficult to fit 2 suitcases into the boot and even with just 3 children on the back seat, it was very squashed. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by PAWEL - 29 January 2019

" Everything was as described in an offer. "

" Very professional and organised company. All went as expected. Worth recommendation. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by DAVID - 06 January 2019

" Great, thank you "

" Excellent service "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by DAVID - 20 November 2018

" Excellent value for money and all very efficient "

" We were offered an upgrade from a small car to a Mazda CX3 SUV for 21 Euros for a week ! We took it which made the overall deal even better. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by BEATA - 13 November 2018

" Great company, very reliable and professional. "

" Everything was perfect about Ilha Verde. No faults whatsoever. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by ANDREW - 23 October 2018

" Very pleased "

" Very pleased with service and their appreciation of vehicle condition at start and end. Never felt like they were looking for a 'chance to charge' like with some other suppliers. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by LOUISE - 14 October 2018

" Extremely disappointed. This is not the first time I have had issues booking through auto Europe and I will certainly not be using the company again. Will be advising others not to as well. Appallingly bad service "

" Waited for a long time to be dealt with. Queue of people in front of us àll seemed to have an issue with their booking when we eventually got to front of queue we realised why. Gold car taking a huge hold on credit cards or asking people to take out their insurance. Initially I wanted them to take a hold on card but they refused to accept my amex card. Was not told about this when I made booking so I had to take out insurance at €220 euros. This was a terrible start to holidays. I was most surprised at them refusing amex as autocar accepted payment for booking by amex. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 4

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by KEVIN - 09 October 2018

" I have used Auto Europe agency twice and am pleased with them so far. Fortunately I have not had any trouble with the car hire so cannot comment on how they would be in case of any claim etc. "

" Basically they were pleasant and polite - the queue to check in was long because they are relatively cheap. I was encouraged to upgrade to a diesel for an extra 25 Euro on the basis that diesel is far cheaper than petrol, which I declined. It is true that petrol in the Azores is 1.50 Euro/ litre and diesel 1.30 Euro / litre, but only using half a tank, it only cost me £35 Euro to fill up so it was cheaper using petrol for me. I own a 10 year old car and the only thing I find irritating is that the controls are not explained to the user before driving away - The car had no handbrake lever and I had to call the guy back to explain how the parking brake is enabled. Also, a cut-down user guide showing the instrument warning lights (e.g. what the SBCS light means) would have been helpful - most of this I had to Google when I reached our destination. "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by GIANLUCA - 07 August 2018

" I always find the best deal on auto europe "

" Everything smooth and perfect "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 26 July 2018

" Auto Europe make car hire convenient...I wouldn't know if they are the cheapest source. "

" We got charged 100 euros on returning the car for minor damage to the nearside wing mirror...the plastic covering the indicator light was broken. We didn't cause the damage and have no idea when and how it occurred. It may have been there when we collected the car but both the rep and myself might have missed it on the pre-existing damage check. It was very disappointing when you try so hard to drive carefully and look after a vehicle. "

Value for Money: 7
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 3
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by KAMILA - 17 June 2018

" I had never get a car from them as my reservation was not approved. "

" I had never get a car from them as my reservation was not approved. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by GRAHAM - 17 May 2018

" Good deal through Auto Europe. "

" Pleasant helpful staff "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by WILLIAM - 14 May 2018

" Lovely little car ticked all the boxes "

" Good except the satnav needs updates- new roads and satnav doesn't recognise "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 6
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by TOMMER - 29 April 2018

" Auto Europe is always great! I used your service couple of times a year. Almost always, I pick good suppliers and happy about them. Now I had no choice due to the rare location and just hope there is something you can do about my above experience with the local supplier. "

" First, they tried to give us Clio Station instead of the Megan Station we ordered, claiming it's the same type and if we like we can 'upgrade' to I30 for ~50 euro. My friend who came earlier took it, but we insisted and after the manager involved - they gave us the Megan Station. So we understand it's a method they try to all, although they had the car we booked in the lot (we didn't even need to wait for it). Second, The car's A/C wasn't working the whole week. We had to drive with open windows. "

Value for Money: 5
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 6
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 6

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 15 September 2014

" All round excellent service,could not be bettered! "

" Brilliant! "

PONTA DELGADA, PT - Reviewed by ANDREW - 17 June 2013

" East to book & good email commuication "

" Excellent service in all respects. Veronica is a delight: highly efficient and charming. "