Madrid... Windmill Village... Toledo... Madrid

We rented a car for three days, but after driving it for just one day, the car broke down on the highway due to a malfunctioning cylinder. We had to wait by the roadside for almost an hour before the rental company arranged a taxi to take us back to the hotel. On the third day, we were told to go to the nearest location that had the necessary replacement vehicle, which was a 50-minute drive away. The rental company arranged a taxi to take us to the Avis branch. After waiting for half an hour, the staff at the branch informed us that our reservation had been canceled the previous day. There was no car available for replacement and we would have to place a new order if we needed a vehicle. They claimed they had no idea why we were sent there and didn’t know who arranged the taxi for us. Essentially, nobody knew anything and nothing could be verified. The service attitude from the rental company depended on the representative; initially, one staff member told me that since our contract was with the branch, we needed to resolve any issues directly with them. But I had paid all the rental fees to the 'rent a car' app! Later, another representative called, claiming to be a customer service specialist, and said they would help coordinate a solution. As of now, aside from the full payment already made for the first car, we also paid entirely out-of-pocket for the second car. The rental period was from July 14th to 17th. To this day, I haven't received any response regarding the issue. Staff at car rental companies in Spain generally don’t speak English, and the 'rent a car' customer service doesn't speak Spanish. If I ever rent a car in Spain again, I would directly book with a major rental company to avoid unnecessary complications and to ensure faster resolution of any issues (since third-party services seem to be of no help).

No upselling, but the car given was too small. I booked a Renault but got a Kia hybrid, not sure what model. With 5 people and 5 suitcases, it couldn't fit anything else. Considered getting a bigger car, but the price doubled, so I decided against it. Spain really requires small cars; navigating old town streets and even regular parking lots is a test of driving skills and judgment. Another issue was that the trunk couldn't lock, not sure why. Remember to send the address when picking up the car; just head to the car rental parking lot. There was a traffic ticket and toll fee from Portugal; not sure how much of the deposit will be refunded.

There weren't many people renting cars, so I got my car quickly. However, the rental company tried to sell me insurance even though I had already bought full coverage online. They wouldn't stop talking until I called the QEEQ platform, where the customer service handled it for me before I could sign the rental contract and receive the car.

Both renting and returning the car went smoothly. There was no push to buy insurance. We had a minor scratch when returning the car, but the staff didn't charge us for it, which was a relief.

1. The rental process is clear and well-organized. The return process is simple and fast. 2. The rental and return locations are very obvious and clear. 3. Deducted one star because the waiting time on the English helpline was long, and the customer service later hung up the phone. (Partly could be our bad phone signal)