Sixt car rental experiences please

Question

We are going back to Maui in Feb and looking at the price of car rentals, will book when I see a good deal. I have found one on expedia with SIXT, but they have mixed reviews. (Costco travel is much more expensive at this point). Has anyone used Sixt recently that can comment? I will use the insurance on my credit card and not purchase from them, which was one of the complaints. Upselling, not honouring reservation/car type was another. I know that many times I have rented a car and the type I rent is not available any more, but I have never had to pay more money because of it. I usually use Budget or Enterprise/National. I used SIXT once in Europe and think it was okay. Feedback appreciated. Thankyou

Answer

It sounds like you're looking to make a well-informed decision regarding car rentals on Maui, especially considering Sixt’s mixed reviews. I’ve gathered some general insights and experiences that might help you navigate this decision, especially given that Sixt has both positive and negative feedback.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when renting from Sixt:

Upselling and Insurance: One of the common complaints about Sixt is the upselling of extra services, particularly insurance. Since you're planning to use the insurance provided by your credit card, this might not be an issue for you. However, be prepared that they might still try to offer you additional coverage or upgrades at the counter. It’s a good idea to be firm in declining these offers if you're not interested in them.
Reservation and Car Availability: Some customers have mentioned issues with Sixt not honoring reservations or providing a different car than what was booked. This seems to happen across many car rental companies, but it's always frustrating when it does occur. If this happens to you, make sure to review your reservation details carefully and address the issue at the counter. One tip is to always book the car with clear confirmation and if possible, communicate with Sixt customer service ahead of time to clarify any concerns about availability.
Pricing and Value: Sixt is often cheaper than companies like Budget or Enterprise, which is why it's appealing. If you find a deal on Expedia, it might be a good opportunity to save money, especially if you don’t mind navigating a few potential challenges. Since Costco Travel tends to be more expensive, Sixt can offer a better value, especially for the duration of your stay.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between Sixt and other providers like Budget or Enterprise/National:

Sixt in Maui: Based on recent experiences, Sixt in Maui generally provides standard service, but the cars may not always be as new or well-maintained as with other rental companies. It’s still a solid option for those who are looking to save money.
Previous Sixt Experiences in Europe: You mentioned that you’ve used Sixt in Europe, and it was an okay experience. This is often the case for many travelers who find Sixt to be a decent option, but not necessarily the best. If you're comfortable with Sixt from your Europe experience, it might be worth giving them another try in Maui.
Alternative Companies: If you're hesitant about Sixt, Budget and Enterprise/National are both reliable, but as you noted, they are typically more expensive. You could also consider checking reviews and prices for other providers like Hertz or Alamo to compare against Sixt’s rates and policies.

In summary, Sixt can be a good option for those looking to save money, but it's important to manage expectations regarding customer service and car availability. If you're prepared to deal with potential upselling and understand that things may not always go perfectly with the car reservation, it can be a great deal. If you'd rather avoid the uncertainty, you might want to stick with your usual providers like Budget or Enterprise/National.

Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities—cost savings versus peace of mind. Safe travels to Maui!