Auto Europe
- North America
- Central America
SMART MALTA CUSTOMER REVIEWS
- 5.5
- 5.9
- 4.6
- 6.4
- Value for Money
- Efficiency of Counter Staff
- Condition of the Vehicle
- Expediency of Drop-off
SMART MALTA Car Rental Reviews
Average Rating for Smart :
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by NIGEL - 31 August 2025
" Details of deposit required hidden until booking completed and disgusting amount. "
" No notification of the extortionate deposit fee until booking paid for and then only in very small print on voucher. Pick up office not at airport but down the road a fair walk with kids and baggage. Didn't take car as €2,300 deposit is disgraceful and the feedback from other people says getting it back is a nightmare. Will not be using Auto Europe again. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MAJID - 14 August 2025
" It only need to say that your price for hiring a car more reasonable, which I have chosen your company. "
" I was waiting a while to server with them, afterward I had to wait again to collect a car, Worst thing the car was given me it was some thing wrong with engine, so I could not use it properly, I was so disappointment, Also I need to leave some huge deposit (£ 1080) for any penalty ticket , might be it issue in case and more wandering to lease it after 30 day! "
Value for Money: 4 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 3 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 4
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by NELSON - 02 August 2025
" Dear Auto Europe Team, I am using this opportunity writing to formally share my recent experience with your company provider during a hire in Malta, which unfortunately left me disappointed and concerned. Upon arrival at your office, my two young children and I were left waiting outside in the heat for some time before being attended to. Once inside, the staff member at the desk initially greeted us politely and confirmed that the vehicle and paperwork were ready. However, the experience quickly took a negative turn when I was unexpectedly asked to pay an additional €150 for insurance. I explained that my booking already included full insurance coverage (this was done all at the moment of the booking on your website). At that point, the staff member's attitude shifted noticeably. She informed me, in a rather abrupt and dismissive manner, that the insurance I had was not affiliated with Smart Mobility and was therefore irrelevant. I was told that in the event of any incident, I would be required to pay to Smart Mobility directly and claim reimbursement independently from your insurance provider. I was then presented with a choice: either pay the additional insurance fee, or leave a €2500 deposit with a €500 excess in case of any incident. I felt pressured into accepting these terms, as I was told I would not receive the car otherwise. This left me feeling misled, particularly as none of these conditions were made clear at the time of booking. Furthermore, the car itself was below expectations. It exhibited brake issues, and the engine struggled to manage basic inclines, which raised safety concerns throughout our journey, however to avoid more bad moments with my children I did not go back to speak with the staff at Smart Mobility. I regret to say that the overall experience felt far from transparent and left me feeling betrayed by the discrepancy between the advertised offering and the actual service received. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and ensure that future customers are better informed at the time of booking "
" Dear Auto Europe Team, I am using this opportunity writing to formally share my recent experience with your company provider during a hire in Malta, which unfortunately left me disappointed and concerned. Upon arrival at your office, my two young children and I were left waiting outside in the heat for some time before being attended to. Once inside, the staff member at the desk initially greeted us politely and confirmed that the vehicle and paperwork were ready. However, the experience quickly took a negative turn when I was unexpectedly asked to pay an additional €150 for insurance. I explained that my booking already included full insurance coverage (this was done all at the moment of the booking on your website). At that point, the staff member's attitude shifted noticeably. She informed me, in a rather abrupt and dismissive manner, that the insurance I had was not affiliated with Smart Mobility and was therefore irrelevant. I was told that in the event of any incident, I would be required to pay to Smart Mobility directly and claim reimbursement independently from your insurance provider. I was then presented with a choice: either pay the additional insurance fee, or leave a €2500 deposit with a €500 excess in case of any incident. I felt pressured into accepting these terms, as I was told I would not receive the car otherwise. This left me feeling misled, particularly as none of these conditions were made clear at the time of booking. Furthermore, the car itself was below expectations. It exhibited brake issues, and the engine struggled to manage basic inclines, which raised safety concerns throughout our journey, however to avoid more bad moments with my children I did not go back to speak with the staff at Smart Mobility. I regret to say that the overall experience felt far from transparent and left me feeling betrayed by the discrepancy between the advertised offering and the actual service received. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and ensure that future customers are better informed at the time of booking. "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by JACQUELINE - 19 October 2024
" Smart didn't recognise auto europes full insurance policy "
" Great customer service "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by MARTIN - 02 October 2024
" Auto Europe have looked after me well over the years on service, price and quality. Been in the motor trade 50 yrs. No connection to them just an honest review. Hard to find proper quality at a good price these days so thank you AE, Martin "
" Small concern in Malta Luqa airport. Good lads, very helpful and i felt they did their jobs very well. Video of condition at hand over removing and doughts on condition. Yes i liked them "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by DAVID - 01 October 2024
" Reasonable price, car good "
" Quite easy to book, good price. Found easily at airport. "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 9
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by STEPHEN - 01 October 2024
" As above "
" Picking up and dropping off was easy,efficient and quick. The car was clean but the clutch was horrible. Took all your leg strength to depress and made the weirdest noise. Obviously on its way out. I should have asked for another car really but just wanted to get to our accommodation. Apart from that very good company. Will use again next time in malta. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 5
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by SHARON - 07 August 2024
" Easy to book and everything worked out well. Price was excellent, and although reviews for the car company not so, I had no issues "
" Everything was easy, from finding them on site and collecting the car. Drop off was also easy - it would have been a slightly better experience if I could have extended the booking for a more favourable price without having to book again through a 3rd party but it was still worth while "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by JIRI - 28 July 2024
" Never again with Smart rentals. "
" Incredible amount for a small scratch, unreasonable charge for unusable car, very high admin fees, inhonest communication, incorrectly charged amount to my credit card - due to that I lost money for nothing. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 3 Expediency of Drop-off: 2 Condition of the Vehicle: 4
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by ASHLEY - 24 July 2024
" Finding cheap car hire was easy but it's a shame that they partner with such poor rental companies who use dubious and likely illegal tactics to extract money from their customers. I will not be using either service again. "
" I have returned home to find that Smart Car Rentals have charged me 100 EUR for "abandoning" the vehicle. The vehicle was not abandoned. The vehicle was left in the Smart Car Rentals parking garage with the keys posted in the safe deposit box which is exactly what the customer services representative told me to do when I asked about leaving the car out of hours. I have been in touch with the complaints department but they are amendment that the charge is fair despite the vehicle being returned to them on time and as directed. I have had to resort to doing a chargeback through my card provider. It is my opinion that this car hire company are crooks who are using spurious means to extract even more money out of unsuspecting customers. I will not be using them in future. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by DAWN - 23 July 2024
" No does not read any notes that you put on, "
" So bad cancelling my booking they said it was 10 am when it was 10pm "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by TERENCE - 25 June 2024
" The wait to pick up the car was too lengthy, 45mins, one person serving and loads waiting after the paperwork was done we then had to wait in the bay for our car for another 25 minutes. It was the worst experience collecting a car I've experienced, I've also never had so many camera pictures taken collecting and dropping off, it was quicker at drop off but still too lengthy . The car was good but speed to get the car needs improving. "
" The wait to pick up the car was too lengthy, 45mins, one person serving and loads waiting after the paperwork was done we then had to wait in the bay for our car for another 25 minutes. It was the worst experience collecting a car I've experienced, I've also never had so many camera pictures taken collecting and dropping off, it was quicker at drop off but still too lengthy . The car was good but speed to get the car needs improving. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 7 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by MARCO - 03 June 2024
" Always happy with Autoeurope's options "
" received a very bashed up car, steering wheel shaked. Air con knob not working which was Ok, as it was a cheap rental that had to do low miles around Malta. The worst part was the last check at the end though. Even if the car was really bashed up before the rental, it was checked meticulously for nearly 10 minutes with a head torch to see if I had made any damages (which I hadn't). It was quite stressful, not a very nice experience to be honest. I will try and avoid this company for future rentals. I get the impression that they try and make money from little dents and extra cover. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 7 Expediency of Drop-off: 4 Condition of the Vehicle: 3
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MOHAMMED HASSAN - 24 May 2024
" Great price, Smooth and hassle free. Just what you need from a car rental company when trying to enjoy a holiday. "
" Good price, good communication and friendly help desk in Malta. "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by ROBERT - 04 May 2024
" Used you several times over the years and always been happy. "
" Whilst the price was very good and the pick up & drop experience positive overall, my lower rating for the car relates to the following, although we suffered no actual mechanical issues: 1) The engine warning light was on at point of pick up but we were assured not to worry- it remained on throughout + warning beeps every time ignition turned on. Also a couple of hours in the tyre pressure warning light came on - we checked tyres and added 4or5 lbs to one. The light didn't go off (turns out it needed a reset. No handbook in car, so couldn't use that. Also sounded like exhaust silencer on way out. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 6
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by DAVID - 22 April 2024
" The counter staff did not have an Idea of were to pick up the car in the parking area. "
" I had to wait over 30 minutes to get into the office as it appeared the counter staff not very experienced . I am 69 will be 70 in Nov but counter staff wanted to charge me senior driver fee which is for over 70!!! she then went off and came back saying OK No addtional fee needed. The directions to pick up car were completely wrong and only asking around resolved the problem; "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 4 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MIKE - 17 April 2024
" Not too happy to be honest "
" Booked a car but the car offered was not up to standard. the interior was stained and the dashboard suffered from sun damage. I refused the car but they did not have another car of the same spec so i was offered a mini which I had to accept despite not receiving any discount. "
Value for Money: 5 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 7 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by IONA - 10 April 2024
" My only negative comment is that we had to pay an additional €50 as our plane landed past 8pm. If this had been made clear from the start, I might have found a cheaper alternative. "
" All good "
Value for Money: 9 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 9
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by KARL - 09 January 2024
" Great service "
" Great service "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 10
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by KEVIN - 14 November 2023
" Telephone support was very responsive and reassured me that everything relating to the deposit was fine and would be reimbursed as there was no damage caused to the hire car. "
" The first two cars were not mechanically sound and needed to be swapped for the third car which was only just dropped off by a previous client and so not cleaned at all for me. I dropped the car off with no additional damage than was already on the car prior to me taking it. I was involved in a minor accident and my deposit was retained in full despite having cdw and liability cover. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by ROBERT - 01 November 2023
" Avoid this company a complete rip off they charge you then you arrive and say your booking has been cancelled as you are late! Your system generated the pick up time based on our flight number! "
" This place was the worst!! One of the staff members so rude we arrived late due to our flight being delayed and she said our booking was cancelled and no cars!! She basically stuck her fingers up at us. One staff member tried to help whilst the rude one said exactly the same thing to another family that had arrived to collect their car. We ended up hiring from another company who was fantastic. I would never use Auto Europe again! AWFUL "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by JONATHAN - 25 July 2023
" Aut0 Europe is very efficient, the website works well, and I have used you quite a few times over the years. "
" Worst car I have ever hired and worst customer experience/company: 1) charged me extra 25 euros for 'airport tax' and said 2K deposit would be held for 30 days - why that long? 2) car was in very bad condition - multiple scratches/dents on pick-up/car seemed as though not serviced for a long time/underpowered/bad clutch/gears/no way suitable for 5 adults in Malta/air conditioning weak/needs re-gassing/interior very shabby/steering wheel sticky 3) on return, new tiny scratch identified on vehicle and charged euros 636 for repair/loss of use/admin fee. I asked the clerk why they were charging me when clearly they did not have any of the previous many scratches repaired but he said it was not my concern and did not have to explain. I asked for contract clause that allowed them to charge 55 euros for loss of use and they showed me clause that did not in fact permit it but would not listen to my reasoning. They kept quoting GDPR as reason they could not give me any information such as why they had not had previous scratches repaired or whether the car was hired to anyone else in the next days re loss of use charge. I would never do business with them again even if they gave me a car free. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 7 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 2
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MARTIN - 15 June 2023
" Quite a few scratches on car so lots of photos taken! Good value. "
" Long queue to pick up car, but good drop-off, decent car and good price "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by MAHINDRA - 17 May 2023
" I've never had a problem with auto Europe. Don't think the vehicle that I've received was their fault. Perhaps there should be a conversation with smart car rentals regarding the lights not working. "
" The price of the vehicle was cheap however that does not mean I should get an overused vehicle that had lots of repairs to the body. Felt unstable on the road. I did not check the lights on pick-up and to my suprise both head lights were not working. I eventually figured out how the high beams worked and drove with that. I reported this on drop off, it wasn't really looked into. Assuming the next person was also going to get the vehicle exactly the same and not road worthy/legal. "
Value for Money: 5 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 6 Expediency of Drop-off: 9 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by WAYNE - 22 April 2023
" Auto Europe were easy to book with and emailed to keep me informed. Smart I didn't find very professional. Car was below the standard I would expect when travelling with my family "
" I was charged an extra €25 on collection they said because it was Easter Sunday. The windscreen wipers didn't clear windscreen sufficiently. "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by JONATHON - 07 January 2023
" Terrible. Lots of hidden small print that just made my experience at the counter much worse. "
" Staff at the counter were rude, u helpful, lied to our faces and downright irresponsible. Couldn't recommend them any less and would hate for anybody else to experience what we did. They literally were happy to put my child's life at risk just to ensure they weren't held accountable for it. I'd go as far as saying they were scum. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 8 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by PHIL - 31 October 2022
" ___ "
" ___ "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8 Expediency of Drop-off: 7 Condition of the Vehicle: 5
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by NIGEL - 10 October 2022
" Car was dangerous to drive especially when joining traffic, absolutely no power, damaged and dirty "
" Car supplied was in very poor condition, damaged, dirty with absolutely no power even when foot to floor, felt it was dangerous especially when moving into traffic "
Value for Money: 3 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 6 Expediency of Drop-off: 2 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by HAJAR - 09 September 2022
" Was left vulnerable outside for other agents to approach us, we had no option but to listen to them and this ruined the whole hire very unprofessional "
" Wasn't on the desk upon arrival "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 5 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
MALTA INT. AIRPORT, MT - Reviewed by CARLOS - 31 August 2022
" n/a "
" Old car "
Value for Money: 8 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 5
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MUHAMET - 23 August 2022
" Absolutely miserable never again use the same service of car rent. "
" Absolutely miserable experience, two hours waiting to pick up the car and lots of damages. When we drop off the car they mention a new damage and we had to paid 300 euros extra. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by FAISAL - 04 August 2022
" I wish Auto Europe didn't use smart cars. "
" Awful, unhelpful and inefficient staff. Aggressive and unhelpful at drop off. Extremely slow at pick up with very slow paperwork and bringing the car around. Car appeared with low tyre pressure symbol, giving us unnecessary stress the whole time we had the car during the holiday. Unhelpful staff. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 2
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by FRANCOISE PAULINE - 05 June 2022
" The wait to pick up the vehicle is too long - always over an hour. Smart Car then charged my credit card for over 200STG a month later without permission, without invoice and without explanation. The vehicle was accepted back confirmed without damages and a full tank of fuel. "
" The staff and car where good. The wait to pick up the car was extremely long, over an hour, even with only 1 client before me. Smart Car signed off the the vehicle with no damages, and full tank. Then proceeded to charge me over 200STG a month later with no invoices, permission or explanation. This charge is still in dispute. "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 7
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by DAVID - 26 May 2022
" no issues with anything, everything went smoothly, and car was fine; the only minor problem was that it was not full of fuel as expected "
" no issues "
Value for Money: 10 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10 Expediency of Drop-off: 10 Condition of the Vehicle: 8
LUQA, MT - Reviewed by MATHEW - 23 April 2022
" Worst car rental ever! Left at foreign airport with small children at 10.30 pm with no means of getting to hotel and none to contact. Contacted company for refund and have been ignored and sent generic link to customer service! "
" Did not get the car. Despite changing the pick up time the company denied any changes to agreement and that my order was cancelled. No one available at auto Europe to speak with as out of hours. Still no refund. Appalling service! "
Value for Money: 1 Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1 Expediency of Drop-off: 1 Condition of the Vehicle: 1