Europe by Car: The Best Place to Rent or Lease a Car in Europe

Leasing or renting a Car in Europe allows you to see Europe in a way that most tourists don't. It's an extremely pleasurable experience, driving in Europe. I love driving down the back roads, passing fields and farmers (and waving to them!), and stumbling across that gem of a small cafe, where for lunch you're dining on that same farmer's fresh vegetables. Discovering these small treasures - and people - that are the heart of Europe is how our family chooses to travel, instead of crowding the tourist traps like every other visitor.

The best way to fully maximize your travel budget is to decide between car leasing and rentals. For a stay of under 21 days, car rental makes the most fiscal sense. If you're traveling for more than 21 days, though (lucky you!), or are on sabbatical teaching or researching in Europe, then a lease is the most practical driving option.

Rent or Lease a Car in Europe

The last thing that you want is a problem with your transportation. If you decide to rent or lease a car in Europe, you will want to choose a dependable company, with a plethora of experience, that will ensure that everything will go smoothly. We found that Europe by Car is such a company. Founded in 1954 by Henri Roy, Europe by Car has helped thousands of Americans turn their European vacation into a trip of a lifetime. (It's found along the back roads!). You'll experience Europe in a way that few tourists do.

We are impressed with Europe by Car for a number of reasons:

1. They were key in promoting lease buy-back program in the USA.

2.  All of their employees have been there for years, and have a quality of service and experience unsurpassed in the field. Their friendly and reliable staff reassure you, so that you know you are getting the right car, your pickup and delivery will go seamlessly, and that your entire rental or lease experience will go off without a hitch.  Clients build relationships with Europe By Car - not something you'll typically see at a car rental business. There is a level of loyalty, confidence, and comfort that clients experience.

3.  Alex Roy, President of Europe by Car, is an incredible and nimble business person. Alex is an American rally race driver, set a transcontinental driving record across the US, has won many races, and has also won the Spirit of Gumball Trophy. 

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Sandrine Alkan, of Europe by Car, about their extensive car rental and leasing options.

WE: Please tell us about Europe by Car...

SA: Europe by Car is a family business. The founder, Henri Roy, imported the first Renault Dauphine to the United States, and invented the Lease Buy-Back Program and imported it to the USA. For 56 years, Europe By Car has remained the industry leader, offering both CAR RENTALS – with the broadest possible range of cars, options and locations, and BUY-BACK/LEASES from Citroen EuroPass (back for 2010!), Renault Eurodrive, and Peugeot Open Europe.  

WE: What kinds of cars are available at Europe by Car?

SA: We have a very extensive fleet from super economy to 9 passenger van, SUV, luxury....Manual or automatic transmission, diesel and gasoline, etc. Our line of cars is always growing.

WE: You offer both rentals and leases - can you please explain more about leases?

SA: A buy-back or short term lease is a little different from a standard car rental. It is for people going to Europe for at least 2 weeks (up to one year). The main benefits of a car lease in Europe are:

- clients get a brand new car of their choice
- fully comprehensive insurance with no deductible
- no age restriction, no tax

WE: I see you've got the Citroen EuroPass - what is unique about this program?

SA: In many ways, the Citroen EuroPass buy-back program is the same as ones offered by the other car makers (Renault, Peugeot). So then why choose Citroen? Mainly because of:

1. The best-equipped vehicles on the market.
2. The availability of top-end Exclusive trims that include a GPS navigation system, an MP3 player, a panoramic roof and/or a DVD player (which will vary according to the model selected).
3. The most extensive geographical coverage in Europe

WE: What's new for Europe by Car this year?

SA: We became the exclusive American based company to offer the Citroen EuroPass program...and we are currently working on other business opportunities in order to extend our range of products.

WE: Thanks so very much, Sandrine.

Look for articles and video by the World-Famous Alex Roy on Wandering Educators!

To learn more about Europe by car, please see:
http://www.Europebycar.com

To get an estimate on a car lease or rental, go to Europe by Car's >> Booking Engine <<

Feature photo:
Credit: © CITROËN Communications Division