Just a tip for anyone who is thinking of a one way car rental in the UK (e.g. collect Luton Airport and drop at Heathrow). Europcar is the only major provider that doesn't charge an extortionate one-way drop fee. With all other providers, you'll usually be charged between 25 - 35 UKP (check the small print).

I've found that the best way to book with Europcar is through ebookers or expedia (about 20% cheaper than through Europcar's own website).

I don't like Europcar as at Stansted they won't rent you a car without taking your fingerprint.

You can also book europcar through easyjet, again I found it cheaper than booking direct.

I can confirm that this wasn't the case when I collected my car from their desk two weeks ago.

At Stansted or Luton? I think they were trialing it at Stansted with the intention of rolling out nationwide. I made my displeasure known and went to Hertz instead. It would be good to know if customer complaints had caused a climbdown!

We rented from Europcar last year at Stanstead and I was shocked that we had to give finger prints... jolly pleased to hear it is apparently no longer in policy.

Was it a wet fingerprint using ink, or just putting your pinkies on a scanner?

Yes I second that, Europcar is the only one that doesn't charge much. I hired once in Edinburgh and dropped off in Liverpool. Cost me 25 quid a day for a Renault Megane I think it was.

Hi all, a couple of other good sites to get cheaper car hire are holidayautos and travelsupermarket.

You can also get cashback (quidco, cashbackkings) using certain sites with holiday autos although i think car hire generally has gone up a lot in the times of recession

Sorry to OP for going slightly off-topic

I used Avis to go from Luton and return to Stansted last year. Was cheaper then Europcar.

in germany i never payed extra for 1way rentals. interesting.

Last year it was all about Alamo, they were the cheapest by far. This year Europcar is delivering the goods, especially since my last two trips to the UK have been to/from different London airports.