Written on: 08/05/2013
Do not use this firm AIR AUTOS they are a rip off every way possilbe and when you bring the car back to the airport they intimidate you for extra payments in cash only!! YES YOU GOT IT THEY WANT CASH ONLY !!! DO NOT USE (read more)
Written on: 08/04/2013
We hired a car over the Easter period through Travelsupermarket.com and went for the cheapest option. The rental was through Air Auto who operate out of a car park at Faro airport. The car was a black Ford Focus which was satisfactory. As read in other reviews our credit card was swiped twice on one of the old fashioned paper dockets. We didn't quite understand why but something was explained about prepaid motorway tolls.We checked the car and it had some scratches which were noted by the... (read more)
Written on: 03/04/2013 by barryisland (1 review written)
Firstly i have used doyouspain on a number of occassions in different countries but never before have they booked me a car with such a rip off car firm Airauto. They wanted 20 euros if i was using the car on motorways, 20 euros as i was bringing the car back at 8:30pm, 90 euros for a tank of petrol for a c3 citreon,as i refused to leave my credit cards details they wanted 24 euros per day extra insurance even though my quote included full CDW.The list of add ons just kept coming.... (read more)
Written on: 10/03/2013 by Andyscott
ScamHired car, on return was issued with €500 demand for "burn" mark in rear seat. We are non smokers. Eventually got charge refunded. Do not use (read more)
Written on: 10/02/2013 by pamporter
hired car from these c o nfidence tricksters was told i would get a new vg c o ndition car i got a 7 year old chevrolet which was too big for me to drive was not offered an option had to take it . on the first day the drivers side door handle which was cracked broke off tried to ring but no joy they dont answer the phones when returning the car 2 wks later was told i would have to pay 50 euros for new plastic handle the supervisor was very nasty with me and told me had no option but to pay... (read more)
Written on: 13/01/2013
This exchange of email tells the story - economy car rentals is a very good website that searches for the best deal and offers "zero excess insurance : My email: I have been charged €125 in respect of damage to the car by the rental company. These are the circumstances: The car I was given was four years old and had several minor marks and scrapes. I carefully examined the car. The documentation I was given did not note all of this damage. I requested the company to amend the document... (read more)
Written on: 15/10/2012 by trwb
these guys are very cheap but the cars are tired and have way too much wear to document fully and hence they make there money by catching you out. I picked up our car at night, they operate out of a car park with poor lighting and it was impossible to do a thorough inspection of the car. the condition report had marks all over it so i took their word for it. in the light of day the car was heavily scratched - marks I would have never seen under the weak floodlights, and one of the lights was... (read more)
Written on: 09/10/2012 by Cooloo22 (1 review written)
We hired 2 cars from this company last week and everything worked out brilliantly. On arrival they processed our paperwork quickly and answered any of our questions . They did put a hold on our credit cards (€1500) because we did not want to pay the extra daily insurance to cover the excess on the policy. They also informed us that there is a €20 fee for out of hours return ( but that is way cheaper than missing your flight ) . The cars we got were bigger models than we had reserved... (read more)
Written on: 06/10/2012 by TonyTheConqueror
Watch these guys, they are skilled at what they do and love to relieve you of your hard-earned cash. Caught me today, 6th Oct 2012 at Faro Airport. I was wise to return car at correct time, 20 euro fine if late or early, but was still parted with 100 euros for a wind screen cup that was there when I collected the car two weeks before.Hardly visible and on passenger side but guy new where to look! Argued my case with him and his very rude supervisor, but top and bottom is that you miss your... (read more)
Written on: 03/10/2012
Hired a car through economy car hire site which stated 'no excess' along with 'no hidden extras'. The voucher they sent stated 'no excess' but on arrival at the porta cabin outside Faro airport I discovered that this was not the case. I was asked for a credit card to secure £1000 on in case of an accident, to which I pointed to the voucher and said 'there is no excess on this vehical, why do you need £1000?' I was advised that economy car hire refund any payment taken out of the... (read more)
Written on: 27/09/2012 by sharonbrooks
I have hired many cars in the past but have NEVER been treated with such contempt and lack of professional service before. August this year (2012), I hired a car from Air Auto and was given a car that had many scratches to it and whilst they had noted some of them I did not realise they had not noted all of them (ie a group of 3 small scratch on the corner of the rear bumper that was not even worth noting it was not deep enough to measure and certainly no dents). After very little use... (read more)
Written on: 22/09/2012 by nataleesara (1 review written)
I visit Portugal at least twice a year and have never had any problems like with Air Auto. On ariving at Faro at midnight with my 3 children,i went to pick up the car and was told by another car company that Air Auto had gone home. I asked if anyone could call him and someone did and hs phone was off! I was stuck in the airport with my children with very little option. However someone managed to get hold of him and at aproximatly 1.15am he turned up.We couldnt see the car properly as it was... (read more)
Written on: 17/09/2012 by akvitun (1 review written)
The windshield was a little damaged behind the rear view mirror, which is almost invisible from the outside and it is difficult to see it from the inside - this damage was not reflected in the defect list, and I noticed it already after left the parking. When receiving person inspected the car from all sides and said that all is well, he would like to check the level of fuel in the tank. Now imagine yourself, how often do you watch on the windshield or rear-view mirror, when you want to... (read more)
Written on: 09/09/2012 by voytek1000
We booked the car through the agent and got Air Auto, unfortunately... Upon arrival we had to walk for 5 min to their ''office'' - desk on airport's parking, you cant even call this office. We got Renault Cio which was in really poor conditon, over 60000 km, lots of scratches not even cleaned properly after last rental, very dusty inside. They asked for €1000 deposit for excess but we paid full insurance instead (€14/day - recommend as they will try to take advantage of you). Car was... (read more)
Written on: 08/09/2012
I was stung for 600 euros of "damage" falsely. Thieves. (read more)
Written on: 03/09/2012
I used this company in March and had no problems so thought I would use them again in July.Is it because it is the main holiday season they feel it is ok to rip us off. When I picked the car up there was a dent in the boot. The sheet of paper showed this and in fact the guy giving me the keys mentioned it. Yes it was there and as I had been assured the company knew about it I did not take a dated photo, big mistake. I brought the car back at the end of the two weeks and the dent was pointed... (read more)
Written on: 19/08/2012 by KEITH123456
THIS COMPANY CONTINUE TO OPERATE ILLEGALLY. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE NOT CLOSED DOWN. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM. PAY A BIT MORE AND USE A NAME YOU CAN TRUST LIKE EUROPCAR, BUDGET ETC. COST ME 500 EUROS FOR A NEW SCREEN I HAD NOT DAMAGED. JUST TOOK IT FROM MY CARD ALMOST WITH A SMILE ON HIS STUPID FACE! (read more)
Written on: 05/07/2012
We hired a little red Chevrolet Matitz for one week in March for 33 EUR (m-broker)! I could not believe this price and was afraid that we could get problems. But everything was easy. On getting the car, the guy wrote on the paper "small scratches all over the car". So we only checked it for big ones, but there was nothing. The car worked without problems during our hollydays. We cleaned it before returning. The guy was very friendly and said: "Oh, you washed the car, you didn't have to do... (read more)
Written on: 11/06/2012
Upon arriving for our hire car we were admitedley worried when we were asked to sign a credit card slip for £800 in case of damage which would be returned to us once the car was returned without damage. My husband in truth worried about this throughout our trip but we returned the car and the signed slip was returned by a very friendly young man. In short and after reading previous reviews we probably wouldn't use them again because we think we got away lightly. (read more)
Written on: 21/05/2012
Returned a car and the guy said we had put a scratch on the door, totally untrue as it was there when we picked it up. They are a rip off company hoping to cash in on tourists, we had to head for our flight so could not wait and argue with the gangster anymore, said he would call us but we have not heard a thing from these muppets. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. SCAMMERS, HOPE THEY GET CLOSED DOWN (read more)
Written on: 19/05/2012 by charlient (1 review written)
Whilst pointing out sctatches down off side of vehicle ensured they hid a small dent in front wing of nearside whilst opening drivers door to show fuel situation. Had not filled in damage report properly and then charged £150 for dent on return. Would not return credit card slip until scam was paid in full. Had there was an airport strike on and flights uncertain could not remain to dispute and therefor left with no alternative but to pay. This was clearly a regular scam and I would like... (read more)
Written on: 19/05/2012
I was given a car with bald tyres and when I complained was told "take it or leave it" - of course they already had my money. Car key fob held together with tape, could only use manual. Avoid them like the plague. (read more)
Written on: 13/05/2012 by kernowcharlie (1 review written)
Cheap through a car rental broker but got caught for a broken door key lock and charged 175 euros, this I am sure is a regular scam. Avoid at all costs and use a reptable compant. (read more)
Written on: 26/04/2012 by Markn63
They took a swipe of my credit card and said 'if we're not here when you return your car just leave the keys in the boot' WITHIN 3 DAY OF RETURNING TO THE UK MY CARD HAD BEEN USED ALL OVER THE WORLD'........ DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY AND DO NOT BOOK THROUGH 'ECONOMY CAR HIRE'...I BOOKRF THROUGH THEM AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO KNOW AND JUST GOT FOBBED OFF BY THEM WHEN I REPORTED IT TO THEM. (read more)
Written on: 24/06/2012
You must be really stubid.. they dont even work with economy car hire! Keys in the boot? lol Whatever...
Written on: 20/04/2012
DO NOT RENT WITH THESE GUYS. They are simply speaking: THIEVES. They screwed us when we returned our car and tried to make us pay for a scratch that had always been there and charged us €150. We are in trials with them. Complete crooks, seriously (read more)
Written on: 07/03/2012 by wisden (1 review written)
I have just returned from the Algarve after spending all of January and February there. I hired an automati from Airauto for 58 days at a fantastic price, I am slightly disabled and asked if they could pick me up at arrivals rather than me having to walk to the car park where they are based, no problem. On returning the car they dripped me off at departures. Great service from nice people. (read more)
Written on: 19/02/2012 by dutchsig (1 review written)
We rented a small car for a week and drove around the Algarve area. We did not have any problems. We liked that the car was cheap, but this means little overhead ie. big offices, lot's of staff etc. We do not know what would happen if we had an issue, but we did not. Everything was smooth. (read more)
Written on: 03/01/2012
Hi there, I booked a car this week by Argus and the supplier was Airauto. I was in Algarve, Vale do Lobo for 2 days and was fantastic. People at Faro Airport were kind and helpfull. I´ll come back in June and book with Airauto again. I´ll recommend them to all my family and friends. (read more)
Written on: 27/12/2011
Hi I booked a car with Argus carhire/Airauto on the 2nd week of this month. I readed some comments on the review about this company , but my rental went ok, so I´would like to express my delight. The staff were very kind and the car was nice . I drove into Carvoeiro with my family with the focus I rented and my holidays were simply great. On the return date I went into the car park P4 and 2 guys were attending. They checked the car and gave me my slip deposit back. I´ll be back in June... (read more)
Written on: 07/12/2011 by EFFA
I was in portugal for 2 weeks and rented a car from Airauto carrental through Economy Car Rentals. The pick up was quick and the staff helpfull. Before leaving the car park we noticed some damages on the car that were not reported on the damage report. We went back to the staff guy and he promptly point it out with us. The car worked without problems for the whole rental. The drop off also happenned quickly . We are very happy with our experience and would recommend this Company to our... (read more)
Written on: 02/12/2011 by djle
These guys charged me for a broken car door lock, claiming the car was broken into. However, nothing was stolen from the car. Cheap prices, but watch out! Take pics of the vehicle before signing anything! (read more)
Written on: 13/05/2012
I had the same experience when i returned my car yesterday 12/04/12, charged 175 Euros for a broken car lock!!
Written on: 24/11/2011 by spencer95 (1 review written)
Good Morning to all Las week I rented a car at Airauto and on the 22nd I had to change my planns due to the general strike. I called to Airauto´s office to amend the return date an they were very helpfull. They changed the date and gave also the extra to pay for the amendment. I had all the necessary indications how to get the car park P4. I´ll recommend for sure to my friends and family. (read more)
Written on: 22/10/2011 by Holland2011 (1 review written)
You don't get the Car, although it was fully Prepaid inclu.full insurance.They charge you extra insurance for € 30,- a day Although I hired 2 cars at once (€ 519,-) there wasn't any coulance. Cars were in poor condition. Brought back the car with full tank, but the meter wasn't working correct. Had to fill up again or pay extra. Everything went on the floor. Showed pictures and receipts but, No compensation or apology what so ever. Rude behavior of the staff. Don't hire a Car at Air... (read more)
Written on: 15/11/2011
How could you fill twice? were did you put the extra diessel?
Written on: 17/10/2011
Took out hire car with Enjoy cars UK, and Airauto was the actual hire company in faro. Had seen bad reviews on here but went ahead nevertheless. Met by rep and checked over car (Chev Matiz), few dents and minor scratches but all marked as already known about. Car performed great for the 5 days. On return, car was inspected in 5 mins, no probs at all. Very good and efficient service. I have hired many cars on the Algarve and this company was as good as any. I would use again without hesitation. (read more)
Written on: 07/10/2011 by richardgolf (1 review written)
When I collected the car the collection agent informed me of damage on the nearside rear wing which I accepted. On returning the car I was accused of causing this damage by two of the return clerks, one of which was the original collection clerk who indicated the damage. They both stated that this dent was not on the vechile when I collected it and I would be responsible for the cost of repair. I reasoned with them that this damage had been there when I collected the car but they both... (read more)
Written on: 05/10/2011 by Sandix (1 review written)
I just got back from the Algarve and I think enhance the service provided by Airauto. Being the second time that I rent, it's really important to give a word of thanks. Upon reaching the counter I was met with some waiting time. However, the ease with which they got up and returned the car is actually a big plus. Comparing the relationship between price, quality, and simplicity is actually very good. Worth it. (read more)
Written on: 14/09/2011 by adamjb68 (1 review written)
I hired a car through argus car hire (http://www.arguscarhire.com/) and ended up getting Air Auto. First of all their manners are appalling. This is not due to a xenophobic sentiment on my part as I am an open minded individual who has travelled the world. We also had wonderfully polite people where we stayed in Alentejo. Where all of the car hire firms I have dealt with in the past whom hold a security amount from your credit card electronically, Air Auto has a policy of getting you to... (read more)
Written on: 13/09/2011 by Chippsss (2 reviews written)
I Hired a car from Air Autos at FARO this week via Travelsupermarket.com so thought i was safe... however picked it up last week and found damage they hadnt noted down so had it added to the report. Car had half a tank of fuel. Returned it today and they argued the fuel level and were aggressive and rude. Im a police officer in UK so wasnt intimidated by them but can see how they con people now. We went and added 5 euros to avoid the 25 euro charge and then was told by staff we were in wrong... (read more)
Written on: 14/09/2011
Same here, we dropped our car off on 10th sept and they went straight to back door of car BEFORE checking anything else and said an astray in back was broken my twins 23 year olds DO NOT SMOKE and thought tray was just open when they got in the car, it was such a scam, this thug said you will pay for this within minutes he was on a phone in the back of his van and we found out he had charged 68.00 euros to our credit card, we rang them in the airport and they said it had gone through, we have since contested this and our bank says this is happening more and more especially portugal!!! and this PARTICULAR COMPANY what does this tell you!!!we have been renting cars for four years and NEVER had this trouble before. BEWARE EVERYONE
Written on: 30/10/2011
An important update that people need to be aware of. I continued to dispute my case with Air autos and they said that 280 Euros was a fair charge for a key i alledgedly damaged ! I asked for a copy of the invoice. They provided an invoice for the whole amount which was clearly made on a word document and showed no proff of payment. I continued to argue and their owner then said that they get the key from fiat and then get a local garage to cut it and code it hence the hight cost. He REFUSED to send me a copy of the Fiat invoice - obviously he never had one... I commenced legal action against my broker who arranged the hire and then received a full refung from them. Air Autos are an unprofessional and unethical company - I strongly advide you not to use them.
Written on: 04/11/2011
I have hired a car today through Blue Valley and it turns out to be Air Autos at Faro. After reading your review and others I have immediately cancelled the hire. Thank you for taking the time to point out the practices of this company and you have hopefully saved me a similar experience.
Written on: 10/09/2011 by Juliecu (1 review written)
What a lot of crooks we have used many car hire in faro over years and by far the worst rude,aggorant thieving crooks tried to make out we had broken a cir lighter inside and charged us 67.00 euros they never checked inside of car on pick up then for some strange reason went to look inside first and said Bout this lighter all planned just to get extra money we will be tAking this a whole lot further be awAre of their illegal tActics very very shady (read more)
Written on: 08/09/2011 by Markosmaximus
Avoid ! Avoid ! Avoid ! After coming through airport and finally finding airauto s shack in carpark 4. Us and 2 very tied children where. Handed the keys to what I can only discribe as a heap of rubbish! It would not even open as battery was flat went straight back to shack office demanded refund. Which I eventually got ! All well I got a fantastic car from avis after explaining about the cowboys they upgraded us and give kids avis beach toys that they loved proper company ! Enjoyed holiday... (read more)
Written on: 27/08/2011 by gnlfernie (1 review written)
AVOID AVOID AVOID! I wish I'd read reviews before booking, please pay attention! These rogues deliberately damaged my vehicle when I was checking in and then three 6ft tall thugs forced me into paying 225 Euros!!! It is all very well rehearsed! You will not be welcomed by friendly staff when returning your car. Instead, some large bloke who will not make eye contact with you will usher you to a van where another tall bloke will be standing like a bouncer at the van and they will... (read more)
Written on: 22/08/2011 by holtom
Just returned from 14 nights in Portugal,great holiday. Collected car at airport,a little hard to find the desk, but once we found it no problems. Car was fine,all was well. On return to the airport we dropped the car off and went into the airport. After about 15 to 20 minuets I realized I had left my handbag in the car, PANIC!!! I returned to the place we had dropped the car at and spoke to the guy we had given it to. It had been taken for cleaning, the man rang them immediately and the bag... (read more)
Written on: 27/08/2011
I'm amazed they returned your hand-bag! These rogues robbed me blind with one of their pre-rehearsed scams!
Did you have any cash in your bag?
Written on: 18/08/2011
I keep reading review after review and although they ripped me off some time ago now for 500 euros for a screen which I had a photo on collection proving it was already damaged. We were going to the Algarve 2 or 3 times a year back then but have not been back since. I think it was I felt so powerless. Thery had my card details and just charged it. Horrible people. I booked my car through Economy Car Rentals weho did nothing to help. PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED AGAIN! (read more)
Written on: 24/07/2011
I was charged Euro 450 for two minimal scratches - a totally inapproriate amount for the "damage" caused. The receptionist was totally inflexible and draconian in his attitude and the company has not replied to any of my emails. Be warned - they will operate to the last letter of the terms and conditions and it will not be to your benefit. (read more)
Written on: 01/08/2011
Some Villa hire sites recommend AirAuto,Some recommendation that is!
Written on: 30/06/2011 by jwfawcett (1 review written)
I made my booking via a third party comparison website; I was totally unaware of Air Auto until I received my invoice. After reading the reviews on this website I became very apprehensive! In hindsight; 13 Days car hire for only 117 euro - I should have known something was up! Thankfully the car rental passed without incident, and there where no unexpected fees. I would say however; check the condition of the car before signing any documentation, this should be common practice but it looks... (read more)
Written on: 14/05/2011 by apowain (3 reviews written)
We have recently had a very BAD experience using AirAuto, Faro. We were Linked to AirAuto via 121carhire.com/Carrentals/Extenzar/cartrawler.com whom took a 20 Euro Deposit & issued the AirAuto Car Rental E-Voucher, The agreed balance of 175 Euro (for two weeks car rental) payable to AirAuto Faro upon collection. The Faro AirAuto Agent Bullyingly attempted to extract an additional 15 Euro (Cash) "Car Park late Exit Fee" Unsuccessfully from me. He then insisted & took an additional 750 Euro... (read more)
Written on: 11/05/2011 by Shorlo (1 review written)
THESE GUYS ARE WALLET JACKERS. MAKE SURE THEY ARE WITH YOU WHEN YOU CHECK THE VEHICLE!!!
DON'T USE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED..
(read more)
Written on: 10/05/2011
Say away!! We had a really bad experience with Airo Auto Portugal (Faro Airport FAO).
Upon arrival, our car was really (and I mean really) dirty inside, with sticky stains and dirt on both floor and seats. It was just not acceptable. I have seen a rental car in such bad conditions before! We asked for an alternative, but no other car was available. We offered to wait until they had an alternative car or until the car was cleaned up a bit but this was rejected ("we never clean car in...
(read more)
Written on: 01/08/2011
What ignorant staff they employ,says a lot about the Bosses, and who they employ?
Written on: 04/05/2011
We agree with other reviews - this is a cowboy outfit working a profit making scam. We arrived at Faro airport late in the evening of 17th April, collected our bags and reported to the "shack" in car park 4, where Air Auto said we would be charged 15 euros for late arrival, most of which was taken up waiting to be served ! On reaching the car we saw a touched up dent in the boot but assumed this was the item marked on the carbon printout and did not return to the so-called office to make... (read more)
Written on: 07/04/2011 by lesdelahay (2 reviews written)
Booked this through Atlas Choice,When we arrived at the airport we went to car park 4 where we saw tha rep and signed up for the rental with a pre paid voucher,We had to leave a credit card authorisation for 1000 euros for a clapped out 5 year old mitsubishi colt as excess,The car was not worth that much,But I have to say that when we returned the car we did not have the problems of other reviewers,Just waiting for the 1000 euros to be released back on to my credit card,2 days so far.Would... (read more)
As rated by real users
"Car hire at CDG on 13.06.2013" Read More
"GPS quality " Read More
"Only just heard about you" Read More
"Booking for Coventry UK" Read More
"Great prices, choice and service" Read More
Robinloader's Comment
Written on: 21/05/2013
I can't believe this company is still hurting people 3 years after I got caught in this!!