GoldCar Rental review: Goldcar car hire Malaga Airport

Rental agreement [protected] (01/23/2024 to 01/30/2024)

After arriving home from our recent holiday in Spain, I was informed by email that I have been charged an additional 60 Euros for fuel (10 Euros for ‘Tank of Fuel’, plus 50 Euros ‘Full Full Penalty’) despite having filled up with diesel just outside Malaga airport.

When returning the car, Goldcar reps refused to examine the car/check the fuel level, saying this was not necessary. Instead I was told to post the keys in the return box. (I did not think or have time to go back to the car and take a photo of the fuel gauge before posting the keys, after which it was of course too late).

I regard this as FRAUDULENT on the part of Goldcar:

(1) I checked the fuel gauge which clearly showed ‘full’ in Goldcar’s parking lot;

(2) it would have been impossible to add 10 Euros worth of fuel to the tank;

(3) the charge of 60 Euros including a 50 Euros ‘penalty’ is in any case wholly disproportionate to any technical shortfall.

Standard practice is for the car and fuel level to be checked in the presence of the customer, so that any issues (such as damage to the car) can be addressed at the time.

I have hired cars in Italy and Spain on many occasions over the past 30 years, and have never before experienced additional charges being imposed in this way.