Nosivad there were no queues last week when we picked our car up, and neither on returning it. The flights were evening flights (19.00hrs) so that could have been the reason it was quieter.

Funstui when you email travel rent make sure you ask for a quote with full insurance no excess otherwise your quote will only be for 3rd party.

I have just booked a car with Travel Rent through ECH. I don't know if this is allowed but if you enter 6T8WRU as the promotional code you get a further 5% off.

We decided to go with the smaller car as the jump was just not worth the money. If we don't all fit in my parents can wait in the bar and I will do 2 runs. It's not that far.

Funstuie, glad you've managed to get your hire car booked, and thanks very much for the promo code very thoughtful of you. May I ask where you got this code from? Scoya

I got the code from google. It turned up in a search for ECH. Seems to be genuine as it worked for me, there are others but I only posted the one which worked.

Just a quick update, it has now taken from Sunday 10 May till today, to finally receive an apology from Economy Car Hire - as yet nothing from AirAuto. Economy Car Hire advised that the unroadworthy vehicle issue I had is not a common occurrance, however should they recieve further complaints they may consider speaking with AirAuto.

Shame that they don't seem to appreciate that their name and reputation are somewhat dependent upon the service and standard of vehicle received by the customer at the point of collection.

Whilst they hire out cars cheaply, it is true that a company's standard is based upon their attitude to customer service and in short Economy Car Hire do not rate customer service as important, even is they answered an email without the customer having to request they do so would be a start!!! Hey ho........ we live and learn.

Carrentals.co.uk warns of hire car shortage

Carrentals.co.uk is warning of a shortage of hire cars this summer as suppliers run out of stock.

The car hire comparison site is urging British travellers to book early for the summer after a number of suppliers sold out in key locations over half term and Easter.

It claimed the problem was particularly bad in popular locations such as Alicante, Malaga, Palma and Faro.

Managing director Gareth Robinson said: "Demand in certain locations has exceeded supply this year. A number of car hire suppliers have held their stock levels because of the economic climate, but with many people still travelling some are being caught out."

With permission from Travelmole

David this shortage car hire scare as been going on for months, we have had many emails regarding same thing. I think its just a frightener for folks who book car hire regularly to book now at inflated prices!!!! I think they will bring their prices down when they dont get the amount of customers they need to keep the cash flow in the business going.

Hi jayjan ... that may well be the case with some companies. But we have had reports in some forums of members having difficulty obtaining cars for peak season, so thought it best to post that article for the benefit of anyone who has still to book.

David

I have just been looking at economycarhire website to book some carhire and have noticed a company called Rentauto, & included in their insurance they are also covering you for the roof ,glass, underside of car, tyres etc, which a lot of the other hire companies don't, its an option extra charge for the cover. I pasted this from the terms & conditions of Rentauto(Further to our general terms and conditions, Rentauto's standard insurance provides cover for the glass parts of the vehicle, the roof, tyres, interior and the underside of the vehicle.)

It says they still have a rep meeting you within arrivals hall to take you to you car ,so maybe all the companies arn't using the portakabin on P4, has anyone used them. Travel rent only seem to have a Corsa automatic available for the dates we want.

Guys, have just noticed a new company quoted on economycarhire.co.uk by the name of Auriga Crown Portugal. Does anyone have any experience with these people?

Bonzai, I too have noticed this new company & look forward to any postive replies regarding them.

Whoops I just found this on a search and not impressed by reviews
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews51875.html
I have also found their terms & conditions, if anyone would like a copy please PM me.

Jayjan, I just wanted to post a bit of a thank you. If you hadnt have posted that reply with all of the really bad reviews on it, I would have used those dodgy people! Thanks and I owe you a beer or 6.

Your Welcome Bonzai, thats what this forum is all about,knowledge & helpful advice from other members. BTW a vinho tinto will suffice if we ever cross paths

Has anyone heard of a firm called Local Cars? Our villa rental people recommended a site named atlaschoice.com and they have appeared there.

Bonzai the weblink below to customer reviews of Atlas choice, again not so positive. non of them in Faro though, I have heard mentioned on another forum or maybe this one, not sure, that they have been ok, search back the pages on this topic and see if you can find any posts on them.
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews107184.html

Can i reccomend Hertz car hire for the Algarve
all i am saying is get a quote and compare with others and book with the confidence of using a brand name that has been round for years and will be around for years more to come
Be very wary of these economy car hire places that can go bust at any time

Oh dear ,here we go again !!!

Ditto the illusive pimpernel returns