Standardized management

I've rented cars in over 20 countries and at least a dozen times, but I was still scammed by Europcar at Madrid T1 Airport. To be more organized, let me list the traps set by this company step by step: 1. During the car pickup, the counter staff tried to upsell a different car model, claiming my current car was petrol and the upgraded models were diesel, and the fuel savings would cover the upgrade cost. I've rented diesel cars in Europe before, and they are indeed more fuel-efficient, but the upgrade cost was almost double the original rental fee, making the fuel savings negligible, so I declined. As the car models don't specify fuel types, this seems like a loophole they exploit. Later, I found out their quotes didn't include the 21% VAT. 2. After confirming no upgrades, the counter staff printed a Spanish pickup confirmation, despite our entire conversation being in English. (The return confirmation was in English, proving the system can change languages.) The payment section of the Europcar confirmation was very confusing, showing amounts in both euros and dollars. I saw the €119.46 and €419.46 (including deposit) amounts from my reservation and assumed it was correct, so I handed over my card. However, the transaction didn't go through a POS machine, and later my bank notified me of a $487.83 charge, at an exchange rate higher than the day's rate. Clearly, the counter did a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) without my consent. I've disputed this with my bank. 3. After getting the keys, I took photos of the car using an app to document pre-existing damages. The car had visible dust from sitting for a long time, making it hard to photograph. Besides the two noted damages, there were additional scratches. 4. Inside the car, the fuel gauge was at 15/16, but the confirmation showed a full tank. I let it go, but later realized that driving from full to 15/16 tank could cover 150 km on the highway. Either the previous renter returned it not fully fueled and Europcar didn’t refuel, or they siphoned gas from the full tank. Given the car (BMW X1, 7673KVS) seems geared for scamming and considering the company's ethics, the latter is possible. 5. After the journey and navigating tough roads in Spain and Portugal, thanks to the 360-degree radar, I returned the car to Madrid T1. Knowing self-return often causes disputes, I called over an employee. The difference between self-return and assisted return is merely getting scammed behind or in front of you. The inspector ignored the pre-documented damages and pointed out two new ones – a small cut on the right front tire and a tiny dent on the lower left windshield. Both were in my photos. These damages, especially the windshield dent, are hard to spot at pickup, making disputing them nearly impossible. 6. At the counter with the damage report, the staff swiftly announced the charges: €116.43 for damages and a mysterious €50.75 'damage management fee'. Having third-party insurance and in a rush for my flight, I took the receipt and left. Back home, I noticed these charges had an additional 21% tax. In conclusion, a few recommendations that might apply beyond just Europcar: 1. Avoid renting from Europcar; their scamming tactics are systematic and company-wide, not just isolated to a single branch. 2. If you must rent from Europcar, never sign any documents with unclear details. 3. Allocate at least 30 minutes for document verification and an hour for thorough car inspection and photography during pickup. 4. Be extra cautious with the BMW X1, license plate 7673KVS, at Madrid T1 Airport Europcar as they might not honestly document its damages.

When picking up the car, the sales repeatedly recommended insurance. Upon returning the car, the staff were extremely picky, trying hard to find tiny 'scratches' that were almost invisible. They assessed 360 euros in damage. I explained that it was already late at night when picking up the car and such small marks were not visible. Moreover, the staff was very busy and told us to just drive away. The return staff said: 'You used the car, and the pick-up record shows no damage, so you are responsible.' I refused to pay. Although they did not charge on the spot, they did not clearly explain whether the fee would be deducted from the credit card authorization. The whole service experience was filled with discrimination against Chinese tourists. We often reside in Europe and usually rent cars directly from local companies, where the process is hassle-free. This experience has tainted our otherwise perfect trip. Unless you have language difficulties, I do not recommend using this rental platform.

The lady on duty was very stubborn. We arrived two hours early and wanted to pick up the car early and return it early, but she refused, saying the price would be different if we picked it up early. Who is she trying to fool? We had to wait until her shift ended. Then a young lady helped us pick up the car early, and we also returned it early. It felt like the first person was either unfamiliar with the job or discriminating against Chinese people. I strongly complain about someone called Sevilla.

The first day we got the car and drove to Toledo, it broke down just before we arrived. We called the emergency support line, and the person who checked it said it was an oil problem and the car had to be towed, otherwise we would be responsible for any consequences. But the support center said I had to go back to Madrid to get a replacement car myself after it was towed. After much negotiation, they sent a car to take us back to Madrid the next day. When we got to the agreed pick-up point, they said they didn't have the car model that was confirmed. They wanted me to go to another pick-up point, which I firmly refused. Seeing my insistence, they eventually sent someone to bring the car over. This whole process wasted over half my day. The replacement car was not even full of gas. We had to drive back to Granada from Madrid, and by the time we got there, it was night, and we missed the Alhambra tickets I booked, costing me over 900 yuan. This booking was made through Zuzuche, and I asked Zuzuche to help coordinate if the tickets could be rescheduled, but nothing came of it. When I returned the car, the rental company charged me 16 euros for the fuel of the first car. Why? The replacement car was not full of fuel when given to me, and I had to start again from Madrid. I demand an explanation and compensation from the rental company for my losses. This is extremely frustrating. At a minimum, I need compensation for the ticket loss and a refund for the fuel charge. I hope Zuzuche can help mediate this matter, and I await the result.