GOLDCAR PORTUGAL Car Rental Reviews

FARO, PT - Reviewed by BRENDAN - 13 September 2025

" Always good val "

" Efficient, no up selling has fully comp insurance "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 7

FARO, PT - Reviewed by KARL - 10 September 2025

" Excellent service , Value for money & car condition. However, It was unfortunate that it took almost 2 hours to collect my car. "

" At Faro Airport, (14:00, Sunday 31st August), The waiting & queueing time was excessive . There appeared to be too few staff and the waiting time in the sun could have been avoided if all the Gold Car staff-booths were manned. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by DERMOT - 18 June 2025

" I have used this site for about twenty years with good satisfaction and using the star rating as a guide. How Goldcar have such a high star rating is beyond me. When I have used this site before I have stuck to renting cars from Sixt and Europcar with great success and satisfaction. Sixt are not represented on this site anymore so unfortunately I decided to try Goldcar. I will definitely have to rethink my choices for renting cars again and will go back to recommendations from friends. "

" "Value for money." They can not operate a car hire business for 66 euro for five days. They certainly can when they charge you 220 euro for a scuff damage to the drivers front rubber panel which you did not do. "Efficiency of counter staff". The counter staff are unfriendly at pick up and hostile on drop off. They have to defend the indefensible on a daily basis if my experience is anything to go by. The drop off young man at the desk said to me what did I expect when I was charged so little. " Condition of vehicle". The car was scratched and bumped and marked all over. When I looked at there own car report on pick up and brought this to there attention They said if one panel is marked or scratched they don't record all the damage on that panel and if a scratch is greater or lesser than a certain measurement then that decides whether they record it or not. We just wanted to get on with our holiday and took them at there word. I feel you would need to be an insurance accessor armed with a very accurate measuring device and a very good video recording device with lots of time. "Experience of drop off". See above. "How likely are you to recommend Gold car to a friend". No recommendation from me to a friend. A definite recommendation to an enemy. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by PEDRO - 24 February 2025

" great value for money. no issues at all. "

" all went well although deposit was not full when collecting the car. after refering to the staff, a note was added to the contract and had no issues opon return the car. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by TIMOTHY - 24 November 2024

" It was just what I needed perfect "

" All good "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by CONOR - 09 September 2024

" none "

" It was generally very good. The only thing I was a littel annoyed about was the additional charge for our plane being delayed. "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

FARO, PT - Reviewed by JORGE - 03 August 2024

" We thought we had our rental sorted initially, the fact that we got told that on top of existing rental we must do another 191 EUR insurance for 7 days direct with goldcar felt like extortion. "

" Ripped us off with exorbitant insurance prices on top of what we have already acquired through vendor, alternative car did not correspond to the class we rented and vehicle was very dirty outside as if had just arrived from a mud race. "

Value for Money: 3
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 3
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 3

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by TIMOTHY - 09 June 2024

" I was very satisfied "

" Good as usual "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by RENEE - 23 May 2024

" All in all a very good experience "

" I really appreciated the girl who gave me the car as she linked my phone into car for me. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by CONOR - 13 January 2024

" Very frustrating, particulary as I have done nothing different than what I've been doing for over two decades of accident-free car hiring and after that, I don't even get a refund from Autoeurope. "

" They were fine, except that for the first time in over 20 years, they refused to give me the car because the credit card was in my wife's name, not my name. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by MICHAEL - 16 October 2023

" Overall Good except for receipt of car process. "

" Only problem area is checking in for receipt of car and receiving car on 1st floor.Major concern is checking for marks on car in a relatively dark place, "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 7
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

FARO, PT - Reviewed by SEAN - 27 June 2023

" Voucher does not state mandatory items out clearly causing invalid booking with no refund. "

" Poor service and policies "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 1
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by TIMOTHY - 14 June 2023

" Couldn't be better. "

" I found gold car a good experience as I do always. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

PORTO, PT - Reviewed by ELISABETE - 09 May 2023

" All good "

" Everything went good. From the time I was collected in the airport until time I was dropped. Well done!! "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

FARO, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 11 March 2023

" All good except the return. "

" I was hit for alleged damage very low down on returning car. This area was not inspected by the agent during the checkout process, which was done from standing position in the dark using iPad and a phone light. I have excess insurance and would use it if I had an incident, but I didn't and will not commit a fraud by making a false claim. I'm convinced there is sharp practice taking place. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 18 November 2022

" Very efficient and reliable "

" Very efficient and reliable "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

FARO, PT - Reviewed by SUSANNE - 09 October 2022

" See 3. "

" Everything great except for additional insurance charge which was outrageously expensive. Took any good out of my Auto Europe booking experience "

Value for Money: 6
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

FARO, PT - Reviewed by PAUL - 04 October 2022

" Generally fine. The policy of not providing rates for optional equipment means a nasty surprise when the rates are revealed locally. "

" Car was in poor condition. Infant seat provided was unsuitable for a child 0-12 months. We needed to supplement it with parts from our buggy. Original child seat provided smelled like vomit and had to be replaced. Instructions for fitting the provided child and infant seats were not clear. A hold was placed on €1800 excess for "body work" damage. Desk staff were rude and obnoxious. Other staff were generally courteous. "

Value for Money: 2
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 4
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 4

FARO, PT - Reviewed by PAT - 11 September 2022

" Speedy process but terrible car condition "

" Car was full of scratches and dents. The central locking didn't work. There was damage to the upholstery "

Value for Money: 6
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

FARO, PT - Reviewed by SUSANNE - 01 July 2022

" Very surprised by significant increase in cost of car hire this year. "

" Gold Car service was excellent. The increased cost of additional insurance in Faro this year was disappointing. "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by ADRIAN - 28 June 2022

" Unfortunately your partnership with Goldcar lets you down "

" Extremely dissatisfied with Goldcar. They claimed that I damaged the car which I didn't. They wanted me to purchase extra insurance which I already had. They were going to get the extra money out of me one way or another "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 6

FARO, PT - Reviewed by GERRY - 25 April 2022

" As we came through a third party I felt this was a disadvantage "

" Not a great car, as it has plenty of body marks and dident drive great (fiat punto) "

Value for Money: 5
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 5

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by MICHAEL - 12 April 2022

" Reasonable "

" Generally speaking we were satisfied with our experience this time.The only issue was a tyre pressure warning light came on which was a bit disquieting. Did not give them highest mark because the person giving us the car did not want to know about additional marks and did not record them because he said the company did not worry about small marks on the car which was totally at odds with our previous experiences heretofore. "

Value for Money: 9
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 9
Expediency of Drop-off: 9
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by BRIAN - 03 April 2022

" An excellent company to deal with. I will be using them for my next trip to Portugal in July "

" The counter staff representative was exceptionally helpful and a pleasure to deal with "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by ANTHONY - 17 November 2021

" I have used auto europe many times before and have never had a problem before, but I will never use goldcar again. "

" I paid a fuel deposit, which should have been refunded when I returned the car with the fuel tank full, but I haven't received it. I've contacted goldcar but they tell me that they didn't take the money, but they did. It shows as an item on my credit card statement. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 4
Expediency of Drop-off: 7
Condition of the Vehicle: 6

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by MICHAEL - 24 October 2021

" Same as above. "

" Very slow check in. A lot of info could be provided at booking stage to speed up process. A couple in front of us were being penalised for half hour late collection. Always very wary of Golcar from previous experience of penalties for damage to car on return when there was none. I in a very weak position as they have credit card and have a flight to catch. "

Value for Money: 7
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 7
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 7

FARO, PT - Reviewed by ELAINE - 08 October 2021

" Very disappointed that there was no one to assist putting in baby seat in car? Staff could see we were struggling and they told us to follow instructions? Also there was no water for wipers so while on motor way I was unable to clean dirty windscreen which created very dangerous driving conditions. "

" Very disappointed that there was no one to assist putting in baby seat in car? Staff could see we were struggling and they told us to follow instructions? Also there was no water for wipers so while on motor way I was unable to clean dirty windscreen which created very dangerous driving conditions. "

Value for Money: 7
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 1

FARO, PT - Reviewed by DUDLEY - 01 October 2021

" As usual Auto Europe does what it says on the tin!! "

" Having had to unexpectedly use motorway tolls and not having paid for transponder use, I twice attempted to pay the tolls at the Post Office as usual,but charges were not available. I included €60 cash in an early returns envelope to cover this cost, requesting a receipt, which I did not receive yet. However, I did not receive a bill for tolls either, so I am fine with that. "

Value for Money: 8
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by DEIRDRE - 26 September 2021

" Very bad giving a car out with extra Mark's and dents that are not marked on sheet and having to point out to an extremely busy staff member "

" Wen I picked up car there were extra Mark's on car and these had to be pointed out to staff member who was extremely busy and failed to mark the dent on drivers door which I took picts of on collection Then when I drop car back I get an email to say it was in a traffic accident which it wasn't.....very strange altogether "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 7
Condition of the Vehicle: 4

FARO, PT - Reviewed by BREDA - 22 September 2021

" Efficient "

" While the cost of rental was considerably higher than my previous experience, the personal attention of staff especially Rafael, was top class, he took time to show how the instruments worked "

Value for Money: 6
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by PATRICK - 20 September 2021

" As above. I have one small reservation with Auto Europe in that I turn 65 in a couple of months and you differentiate rates for over 65s while some of your competitors do not until 70. As a long time client this concerns me a little and would appreciate if you could look at this issue "

" I had another good experience using Auto Europe. The car was almost new and both the pick up and drop off went very smoothly "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by BILL GERARD - 26 August 2021

" Only found out about their 2 hour no show policy at the desk too late. Charged an extra €294 for a car with full insurance even though not required or requested. "

" They only allowed 2 hours for pick up. Was four and a half hours late due to a passport control strike in the airport. "

Value for Money: 1
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by ALBERTO - 16 August 2021

" In the web there was one price, which it was paid. Then, on arrival to the site, either you pay again deposit petrol and insurance for the ca or you can be left hanging. You are required to pay a deposit of 1200 euros and they will give it back to you in 28 days ! If they will you all ... Overall it would have been better in a clearer comunication was done, since nobody like to arrive to the place knowing everything is sorted, and then you are requiered to pay 250 euros more. "

" In the web there was one price, which it was paid. Then, on arrival to the site, either you pay again deposit petrol and insurance for the ca or you can be left hanging. You are required to pay a deposit of 1200 euros and they will give it back to you in 28 days ! If they will you all ... Overall it would have been better in a clearer comunication was done, since nobody like to arrive to the place knowing everything is sorted, and then you are requiered to pay 250 euros more. "

Value for Money: 2
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 8
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by BRIAN - 10 August 2021

" Very good indeed. "

" The wait was a bit long on the pick-up but overall very satisfied. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by ROBERT - 28 September 2018

" . "

" Car was not ready - partly cleaned and fuel tank was only 6/8 full Counter staff recommended it would be speedier to take it as is and return with 6/ 8 full. I returned it as agreed (6/8) but have been charged €65 including a €50 fine for breach of full/ full agreement "

Value for Money: 3
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 7
Condition of the Vehicle: 8

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 23 September 2018

" always pleasant and helpful highly recommend Auto Europe and Goldcar "

" very pleasant staff and helpful,everything explained well. not enough staff when picking up the car which took 20 mins. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

LISBON, PT - Reviewed by STEPHEN - 29 August 2018

" As above. "

" Overall, quite good. However, the credit card block is still in place. This is problematic. "

Value for Money: 7
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 9
Condition of the Vehicle: 9

FARO, PT - Reviewed by NIALL - 13 August 2018

" Gold car "

" On arrival, I had to ring gold car head office to record conversation with staff member at counter. Gold car staff member was only interested in selling insurance and was very rude. 4 other customers were experiencing the same behaviors, will never use gold car again. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 1
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by ANNE - 04 July 2018

" I was very impressed with how quick the drop off was dealt with! I d say it was finished within 10 mins of my arrival! "

" I found "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by MARK - 02 July 2018

" Car could be cleaner, inside and outside. "

" Annoyed at the usual pressure to take extra cover. "

Value for Money: 6
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 5
Expediency of Drop-off: 8
Condition of the Vehicle: 4

FARO, PT - Reviewed by CIARAN - 26 June 2018

" TWO DAYS BEFORE THE RENTAL BOOKING I TRIED TO CONTACT AUTO EUROPE BY TELEPHONE TO MAKE SOME MINOR CHANGES ,BUT UNABLE TO CONTACT ANYBODY. "

" I HAD TAKEN OUT FULL INSURANCE WITH AUTO EUROPE BUT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH GOLDCAR THEY WANTED AN EXTRA 200 EURO WITCH I DID NOT PAY ,BUT MADE ME WORRY ABOUT THE CAR UNTIL I RETURNED IT DAMAGE FREE,AS THERE WAS A 1700 EURO HOLD ON MY CREDIT CARD. "

Value for Money: 10
Efficiency of Counter Staff: 10
Expediency of Drop-off: 10
Condition of the Vehicle: 10

FARO, PT - Reviewed by CYRIL - 03 July 2012

FARO, PT - Reviewed by JOHN - 02 July 2012

" Their full tank of fuel system is a rip off. I will not use Goldcar again "