Another satisfied customer for AlgarveDriver.com
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 2:52 pm
Just got back from two fantastic scorching weeks. Hottest September trip we can remember in all our many visits.
Originally, our Algarve holidays were always packages with the big tour operators, but as the internet has grown we have done what millions of others have started doing and have cobbled together our own arangements. Flights booked direct with airline, accommodation direct with owners and a cheap airport shuttle transfer booked. We normally book a 10-day hire car once we arrive in resort, but this time decided to collect a car at the airport. After reading good reviews on here and as the site is sponsored by Algarve Driver, we decided to give them a go. Their price for 14 days and the £22 saving by not having to use a shuttle transfer came out around £15 cheaper than hiring for 10 days in resort.
For those who may be considering collecting a car at the airport for the first time, here are some details.
The AlgarveDriver website gives all the information you need and prices are very reasonable. All the paperwork was printed off before we left and a short walk in front of the airport gets you to the P4 area where all the hire car firms are located. We couldn't spot P4 at first because they are currently extending it and it is hidden behind a 7ft high metal fence, but a quick check of the site plan provided by AlgarveDriver and a helpful security guy pointed us in the right direction.
There was a small building with a counter where lots of people were milling around. There are logos of the various firms which use P4 (including YOR Car Hire which AlgarveDriver represent). Expecting to join this throng we prepared for a bit of wait, but a chap was patrolling the area asking folks which company they had booked with. We told him AlgarveDriver/YOR and he pointed to a Transit minibus parked amidst the cars, with a big YOR sticker in the window. The YOR rep was there with his laptop and his credit card machine. He quickly checked our booking form, took driver's licence and passport details and a credit card imprint. He asked if we were familiar with the tolls situation, which we were, (thanks to this website). Assured him we would not be using the A22! Then he asked if I had any objections to taking a larger car. I had booked a Group A1 (Peugot 107 with AC) so the free upgrade to a Mitsubishi Colt was a nice bonus. A quick note was taken by the rep of the bumps and scrapes that this 2-year old car had suffered and we were on our way. The whole process took less than 15 minutes.
At the first red light we encountered, the engine stalled, then we got held up by an HGV and the engine stalled again, so each stop after this I had to keep dabbing the gas pedal to keep it going. Decided that the next day I would return the car. Then the penny dropped - it was fitted with one of those auotmatic stop & go systems which shuts off the engine when you stop and select neutral. When you press the clutch to select first gear it fires up again. Almost hidden beside the steering column was a small button marked AS&G which, if pressed, disables the feature. I pressed it - problem solved. So no egg on face next day!
Returning the car was even simpler. The barrier to P4 lifts automatically as you approach (It recognises your number plate). The YOR van was in almost the same position and we parked next to it. Petrol level was checked (It was full when collected, so I returned it full), a quick look round to confirm no more scrapes and our credit card slip was returned. Within five minutes we were over the road in departures.
So if anyone has yet to try collecting a car from the airport I recommend AlgarveDriver/YOR as a possible option. The larger companies like Avis, Hertz, etc. are some way off site and you have to take a minbus ride to get to your car, so YOR has a distinct advantage here as well as being cheaper than the big boys. We will certainly be using them again next May.
Originally, our Algarve holidays were always packages with the big tour operators, but as the internet has grown we have done what millions of others have started doing and have cobbled together our own arangements. Flights booked direct with airline, accommodation direct with owners and a cheap airport shuttle transfer booked. We normally book a 10-day hire car once we arrive in resort, but this time decided to collect a car at the airport. After reading good reviews on here and as the site is sponsored by Algarve Driver, we decided to give them a go. Their price for 14 days and the £22 saving by not having to use a shuttle transfer came out around £15 cheaper than hiring for 10 days in resort.
For those who may be considering collecting a car at the airport for the first time, here are some details.
The AlgarveDriver website gives all the information you need and prices are very reasonable. All the paperwork was printed off before we left and a short walk in front of the airport gets you to the P4 area where all the hire car firms are located. We couldn't spot P4 at first because they are currently extending it and it is hidden behind a 7ft high metal fence, but a quick check of the site plan provided by AlgarveDriver and a helpful security guy pointed us in the right direction.
There was a small building with a counter where lots of people were milling around. There are logos of the various firms which use P4 (including YOR Car Hire which AlgarveDriver represent). Expecting to join this throng we prepared for a bit of wait, but a chap was patrolling the area asking folks which company they had booked with. We told him AlgarveDriver/YOR and he pointed to a Transit minibus parked amidst the cars, with a big YOR sticker in the window. The YOR rep was there with his laptop and his credit card machine. He quickly checked our booking form, took driver's licence and passport details and a credit card imprint. He asked if we were familiar with the tolls situation, which we were, (thanks to this website). Assured him we would not be using the A22! Then he asked if I had any objections to taking a larger car. I had booked a Group A1 (Peugot 107 with AC) so the free upgrade to a Mitsubishi Colt was a nice bonus. A quick note was taken by the rep of the bumps and scrapes that this 2-year old car had suffered and we were on our way. The whole process took less than 15 minutes.
At the first red light we encountered, the engine stalled, then we got held up by an HGV and the engine stalled again, so each stop after this I had to keep dabbing the gas pedal to keep it going. Decided that the next day I would return the car. Then the penny dropped - it was fitted with one of those auotmatic stop & go systems which shuts off the engine when you stop and select neutral. When you press the clutch to select first gear it fires up again. Almost hidden beside the steering column was a small button marked AS&G which, if pressed, disables the feature. I pressed it - problem solved. So no egg on face next day!
Returning the car was even simpler. The barrier to P4 lifts automatically as you approach (It recognises your number plate). The YOR van was in almost the same position and we parked next to it. Petrol level was checked (It was full when collected, so I returned it full), a quick look round to confirm no more scrapes and our credit card slip was returned. Within five minutes we were over the road in departures.
So if anyone has yet to try collecting a car from the airport I recommend AlgarveDriver/YOR as a possible option. The larger companies like Avis, Hertz, etc. are some way off site and you have to take a minbus ride to get to your car, so YOR has a distinct advantage here as well as being cheaper than the big boys. We will certainly be using them again next May.
