D
Junior Member
Back from Skiathos
Posts: 52
Visits to Skiathos: 2
Accommodation Stayed At: Yalis, Achladies.
Victoria Nikos, Troulos.
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Post by D on May 16, 2016 12:03:28 GMT
Does anyone have any ideas of cheap deals for a week (any old cheap car)? I looked at Victoria Rental and noted a price 0f E170 which is around £134. I also did a quote and Europcar came up with a price of £117.93. You have to pay with credit card and it takes a high refundable deposit I think, with a E600 excess. Last year I paid £100 for 6 days hire of a quad from Victoria (but thought it was a little pricey). I am wondering if there are any new players that are offering deals?
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stella202
New Member
Posts: 9
Visits to Skiathos: More than 10
Accommodation Stayed At: Most recently The Alkyon, but over the years all over the island.
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Post by stella202 on May 16, 2016 18:18:43 GMT
I have paid £170 for a Corsa for two weeks. I hire cars abroad a lot and always use a British Company called economycar hire.com. I did comparisons with various suppliers in Skiathos and economy were by far and away the cheapest.
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Post by dennisn on May 16, 2016 19:55:43 GMT
We hire a Jimny from the little place at the end of our road (Bus Stop 18) in Troulos, something like 90 Euros for three days. Safer than a quad, but can go off road (4x4) unlike the cars. On such a small island, more than three days is a waste and it uses no more than 10 Euros of fuel.
By the way, there has been quite a thread on Tripadvisor about one hire company doing ripoffs with supposed damage on returning the Jimnys, saying the roof clip has been broken and wanting payment - the thread indicates the saem clip has been used several times as evidence! Other people say they've always had an excellent experience with that company, so there are two sides to it. But I'd be reluctant to pay with credit card with their option of taking up some (or all) of the excess.
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Post by *Di* on May 16, 2016 21:03:42 GMT
Dennis.... didn't you have a jimny once that had quite a few things went wrong... leaking or wipers not working properly?...or both and more?... I have a memory of thinking I would be wary of what age/condition car/jeep I would let them give me from that... Being cheap to rent is rather worrying for me, Im of the belief you get what you pay for and we wouldn't like to take a chance with how much can go wrong never mind the safety issue....
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Post by dennisn on May 17, 2016 6:37:59 GMT
First let me say two things.
1. I've hired Greek cars for many years (since 1966!) so I am well aware that their quality can be lower than in UK.
2. Believe it or not, although I'm a whitevanman, I seriously believe I'm a careful driver and in Skiathos, a VERY careful driver. I rarely get above second gear in Skiathos and I'm completely philosophical about every other driver there - they are dangerous, so watch them like a hawk at all times!
So I ALWAYS drive well within the capabilities of both the vehicle and myself and in accordance with the roads.
Yes, one Jimny had a leaky roof, but only in the back and we were in the front. One had a speedometer that didn't work, but I never drive fast, so the only problem was I didn't know how many miles we covered so couldn't make a guess about fuel remaining. Another had dodgy wiper blades and I went back (100 yards) and got them changed (I had to do it myself because the bloke didn't know how!).
The concern I was raising was that one company stood accused of falsely claiming damage by clients. Therefore, I would want to get a vehicle that I had inspected first - I always check the tyres and handbrake. Personally I would not hire by booking in advance from UK because I would be paying in advance unseen.
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D
Junior Member
Back from Skiathos
Posts: 52
Visits to Skiathos: 2
Accommodation Stayed At: Yalis, Achladies.
Victoria Nikos, Troulos.
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Post by D on May 17, 2016 11:38:37 GMT
Wise words Dennis, and hopefully the wipers won't be needed (please no rain again).
I have just had a reply from Victoria rental, and I have a price of E120 for a 150cc quad, and E150 for a small car for a week in June (and no deposits). The whole process should be easy as I am stopping at the Victoria Complex. Not sure if he gave me a better rate for being a guest with them though. I do remember paying about E133 for a quad last year (accommodation was not with them in 2015).
Totally agree, don't like paying up front with a massive deposit held on a credit card. Sometimes the whole package needs to be considered and not the cheapest price. However what I have noticed is that Victoria has matched the quote of £117 fro Europcar without the deposit.
Not sure whether a small economy car will get up some of those bumpy potholed roads though?
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Post by dennisn on May 17, 2016 18:27:35 GMT
I can't end my contribution here without offering my advice to get a Jimny, not a quad - they're dangerous. Roof open will give you lots of lovely fresh air!
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D
Junior Member
Back from Skiathos
Posts: 52
Visits to Skiathos: 2
Accommodation Stayed At: Yalis, Achladies.
Victoria Nikos, Troulos.
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Post by D on May 17, 2016 20:00:20 GMT
I remember last year when I hired the quad, and was riding along looking around at the scenery. Then, I looked back at the road and had to swerve a big silver wheelie bin not on the "so called pavement", but stuck out on the road (even the buses would have swerved). The main thing is to concentrate and keep yer wits about you. However, this year I might hire a car, mainly in order not to have to wear a helmet. Now though I am just thinking about those roads and where the car will get to? The windows will be down and the air con on (if it has it). Those Jimny's seem a bit expensive for what they are. I am surprised that the hire companies don't just hire out jeeps cheaply instead of cars (what with the road conditions on the North/North East).
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Post by dennisn on May 18, 2016 6:14:07 GMT
Well, I confess I have no idea of the price of cars, never having even considered one. I always wanted a Jimny (jeep) for the four wheel drive, so I only look at them. Funny, there are cars there and I never look at the price!
Our Jimny was E95 for three days, including insurance excess waiver. Another good reason to drive carefully is I never want to test that waiver!
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D
Junior Member
Back from Skiathos
Posts: 52
Visits to Skiathos: 2
Accommodation Stayed At: Yalis, Achladies.
Victoria Nikos, Troulos.
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Post by D on May 18, 2016 8:27:02 GMT
Just had a reply from Victoria rental, they said the walk in rates are more. I replied and said how do I get the lower rate that you provided (just wondering if they want me to pay upfront)? I know their website says E170 for 7 days for a car, so I thought they had knocked off E20 because I am staying at their accommodation (not sure now, but the no deposit is appealing). Will update when I get a reply.
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Post by dennisn on May 18, 2016 8:49:37 GMT
Correction to my previous post. I've just looked at my September feedback and find we paid E100 plus 24 excess waiver for the three days.
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