Complete Guide to Car Hire, Part 1: Choosing The Best Car

In the past, we shared an exciting announcement about the launch of our brand new 'Auto Europe Car Rental Roadmap'— the ultimate guide for car rentals available in a convenient PDF format for easy reading or printing. Now, we want to remind those who have already explored this valuable resource and introduce it to those who haven’t yet, by serializing it right here on our blog!

Let’s be honest; renting a car can feel like a daunting task, even for the most seasoned travelers, and it often seems like there’s a mountain of information to sift through before you can even think about which car to select. Fortunately, at Auto Europe, we understand that finding the ideal car rental can be a bit intimidating, so we’ve created a detailed 6-part guide filled with our top car hire tips.

In the initial section of our guide, we explain how to effectively select a car rental and the important questions to consider before making your choice. Picking the wrong vehicle can result in a less-than-ideal experience, and at Auto Europe, we are dedicated to making your car rental experience pleasant, so you’ll want to come back to us next time!

How many passengers will be travelling with you?

Keep in mind that when all seats in a 7-seater vehicle are occupied, there is typically little to no space left for luggage. This is because two of the seats are often located in the boot area and can be folded down if not needed. To discover the passenger capacity for each car hire category, simply click on the blue info icon next to the category in our booking engine during your search.

How far do you need to drive?

Planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended road adventure? Keep in mind that while a compact car can seat five, it might not be the most comfortable option for five adults over a long distance. Opting for a larger rental vehicle could ensure a more enjoyable and spacious journey for everyone.

Will a 2-door vehicle be sufficient or would 4-doors be better?

It's important to keep in mind that our smallest car category, known as the Mini category, typically comes in a 2-door option. In contrast, the Economy and Mid-size categories provide a selection of vehicles that range from 2 to 4 doors. At most locations, you'll find a diverse array of rentals featuring both 2-door and 4-door options to suit your needs.

How much luggage will you have?

Our Large and Estate/SUV categories offer roomy vehicles that deliver a host of advantages for passengers, especially when compared to smaller options. They are perfect for family getaways, providing ample luggage space. The Estate and SUV selections feature hatchback models that can comfortably seat up to five passengers while also offering additional storage capacity. These vehicles are ideal for trips where you need to transport equipment like tents, skis, or golf clubs alongside your travel companions. Discovering the luggage capacity of each car option is a breeze with our booking engine. Just select an offer from one of our suppliers, and you'll see a list of available models at your pick-up location, complete with details on storage space, passenger capacity, and more.

Would you prefer a manual or automatic vehicle?

Renting an automatic vehicle is a favored choice, particularly in countries like the USA, Australia, South Africa, and the UK. In contrast, many places in continental Europe tend to lean towards manual cars, largely because rental companies often have limited automatic options. This scarcity means that the few available automatics are snapped up quickly. If you're considering renting an automatic, we suggest securing your reservation well in advance, especially during the busy summer season, to avoid any letdowns.

Do you need ski racks, snow chains or winter tyres?

If you’re not selecting a 'Winter Tyres Included' rate, we highly recommend requesting winter tyres at the time of your booking. You can also check the Terms and Conditions on our booking engine for details on the cost of winter tyres or any winterization fees. Additionally, if you plan to rent snow chains or ski racks, be sure to make a separate request for those items. Please note that there will be an extra charge when you pick up the vehicle. Don’t forget to specify how many pairs of skis you need the ski rack to accommodate.

Do you need child seats?

When organizing a family vacation and looking to rent a car, it's essential to ensure you have the right seating arrangements for your children, as required by law. Child seats are frequently rented and are crucial for families traveling with little ones. Keep in mind that rental companies typically impose an additional fee for these seats, which will be included in the total cost when you book through the Auto Europe website.

Will your child seats fit in your chosen vehicle?

If you're planning to travel with three child seats, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is spacious enough, as not all cars can accommodate them. To prevent any last-minute issues, it's vital to reserve child seats and any other optional equipment ahead of time, as their availability can be restricted, particularly during busy holiday periods, and confirmation from the selected supplier is necessary.

Explore every section of our Complete Guide to Car Hire -

• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 2: What car hire prices are made of
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 3: About your Auto Europe Voucher
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 4: Collecting your car hire
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 5: Returning your car hire
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 6: Car hire coverage explained