Update - After my complaint SIXT refund me the additional charged amount.
I reserved a BMW X1 or similar. I received a voucher from SIXT, which stated that the car would be a BMW X1, Audi Q3, or Alfa Romeo Tonale.
At the counter, the employee told me that the only option available was a Citroën C5...
When I asked about other options, she offered me a Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, but with an additional charge of 177 EUR.
So, in conclusion—during the reservation, I booked and paid for one of the most expensive cars, the BMW X1, but I ended up with a Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, and on top of that, had to pay an extra 177 EUR.
I filed a complaint with Sixt, and their response was a generic, formal reply, claiming that the Peugeot and Citroën belong to the same class. 😊
But if that’s the case, why are they cheaper when booking?
And why is the deposit for the BMW X1 set at 500 EUR, while for the Peugeot, it’s only 300 EUR!?!?
This shady practice, which is also common in other rental companies, only drives customers away. That’s why I’d recommend booking the cheapest car possible and paying for an upgrade—because, in the end, you won’t get the car you actually reserved anyway.