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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Miles Brignall

Why does Goldcar keep adding more hidden charges?

Extra warning … beware Goldcar’s ‘diesel tax’
Extra warning … beware Goldcar’s ‘diesel tax’ Photograph: Alamy

Back in March we used Holiday Autos to book a car to be supplied by Goldcar in Marseilles. When we picked it up in August, we got the standard attempt by the local agent to sell us extra insurance and things such as a satnav. We weren’t expecting a €30 diesel tax.

When we pointed out Holiday Autos booking stated “taxes and charges included”, the manager rudely said “Pay it or no car”. Holiday Autos got us a refund but thought others might like to know about this latest trick.

RT, by email

Several years ago, after receiving many complaints about Goldcar, I suggested readers would be better off taking their business elsewhere. It is now part of Europcar and, interestingly, just arrived in the UK, undercutting other operators. Prices are often so low they are unlikely to be able to make a profit unless they sell add-ons. How many others have paid this over the summer?

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions

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