angteck

I will be driving in Greece, I would like to rental a auto car for 6 days, pls advice which is the best car rental as both this car rental company offer good deal, EconomyCarRentals and Budget Athens
included car insurance

Maria_H

I have used Economy Car Rentals and had no problems with them. The deal was great and covered everything with no excess. If you are hiring from Athens, they pick you up in a minibus that takes you to their office, 5 minutes away. The office is off the main highway so you don't need to negotiate any city traffic when leaving or arriving back.

aristokat

Any thoughts as to what size car would be decent for a good drive (Athens airport to Nafplion)? Some of the cars look incredibly tiny on the Economy Car Rentals website. Is a Yaris a good option?

Maria_H

I don't think I've ever been in a Yaris but I'm sure it would be fine. I think last time we booked a group CB car for the 1.4 engine and luggage capacity but we have frequently driven group A cars in Greece - use their guide for the amount of luggage you have. The drive to Nafplion took us about 2 hours 10 minutes and was fairly straight-forward.

stanbr

We rented a Hyundai Atos which is small and boxy and probably the cheapest car we could get with air conditioning. I have to admit I was slightly nervous in such a little car on such a big highway. The next time we rented a slightly larger Hyundai Accent. It seemed to be more stable. The one thing you have to recognize is the smaller economy rental cars do not have the power to compete with the locals and their Audis, BMW's and Mercedes. These cars go very fast so you have to understand the rules of the road in Greece.
Drive in the far right hand lane and let faster cars pass to the left. Sometimes this includes going over on the shoulder to let others pass.
You have to be very alert in watching what is going on behind you. If you decide to pass you have to be very careful because someone may be approaching you from behind at 40 or 50kilometers per hour faster than your rental car can go.

Once you understand what is expected of you on the road the drive to Naphlion is quite easy particularly if you rent from the airport. That way you do not have to drive in Athens.

By the way we used Ace Rent a Car. I thought their rates were very good and their web site had the best information on driving in Greece.

They meet you at a specific time at the airport with the car and then meet you back at the airport to return the car. No fuss no bother and the transaction is complete in about 5 minutes.

aristokat

Thank you Maria and Stan! Well, our upgrade was to the BB which I hope will be okay. I was scared of exactly the same thing...a tiny car on the freeway. Hmmm...I probably should have upgraded to at least the C. Oh well, we'll follow your tips for driving.

I guess through Economy our car rental will be through auto union? I hope things work out okay.

angteck

I had decide to book my car from EconomyCarRentals, Aristokat maybe you want to request a Car GPS from them, I got it at a rental rate of Euro 6.00 per day, at first I tended to use my Nokia N95 & link it up with my portable car DVD player with a build in screen. It could be quite inconvenient as one of my family member need to be awake or running out of power. With the rental car GPS, I need not bring them along.
I had rent a 1.4 auto Hyundai Accent, I tend to drive from Athens to Meteora or Athens to Olympia non-stop (5 to 6 hrs), I am not sure whether this compact car can take the heat (going in summer). What kind of advice do I need to drive in a long distance.

aristokat

Angteck, I ended up amending my reservation and upgrading to the 1.4 CB car. I was too nervous about going with a smaller car. How do you request a GPS system? I didn't see that as an option on their website?

angteck

Aristokat, Economy Car Rentals will sent you a email on the confirm Order, just email back to them requesting a GPS for use during your car loan period they will reply back to you after imforming their local partner. AutoUnion.

aristokat

Thank you angteck. I emailed economy and they emailed me right away. They are contacting the car rental company to see if they have one available. I wouldn't have even though to ask!!!

Thanks again!