The 7 Top-Rated Car Hire Services in Adelaide
1. Access Rent-A-Car
Services: Small economy, intermediate hatchbacks, full-size sedans, compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, large SUVs, people movers and commercial vehicles
Website: https://www.accessrentacar.com
Address: 464 Port Rd, West Hindmarsh SA 5007, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 8340 0400 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM with after-hours pick-ups and returns available
Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 4/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Pros
- Convenient locations
- Hassle-free online booking
- Personalized customer service
Cons
- Hidden charges
- Sometimes takes too long to respond
Access Rent-A-Car is a South Australian-owned company with over 30 years of experience in the car hire industry. They offer a diverse fleet of over 85 vehicles, including small economy cars, SUVs, people movers, and delivery vans, catering to various customer needs. The company is known for providing personalized service, ensuring that each rental experience is smooth and stress-free, whether you’re a visitor, a local resident, or in need of an insurance replacement vehicle.
One of the major strengths of Access Rent-A-Car is its wide range of vehicles, allowing customers to choose the perfect option for their needs. Their fleet includes everything from small hatchbacks to large SUVs and commercial vans, making it convenient for different purposes.
Additionally, the company’s focus on personalized service ensures that customers receive attentive and tailored support, enhancing their overall experience. Another advantage is the availability of delivery options, which adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for those who may not be able to pick up the vehicle in person.
However, a potential drawback is that the company’s fleet size, while diverse, may be limited compared to larger car hire companies, potentially leading to availability issues during peak times. Additionally, the reliance on automatic transmission vehicles might not suit customers who prefer or require manual cars. This limitation could be a concern for some customers who have specific vehicle needs that aren’t met by the available options.
In conclusion, Access Rent-A-Car offers a reliable and customer-focused car hire service with a variety of vehicles to suit different needs. While there are some limitations in vehicle availability and transmission options, their commitment to personalized service and the convenience of delivery options make them a solid choice for car rentals in South Australia.
2. Koala Rentals
Services: Car rentals (Kia Picanto, MG 3 Core, Mazda 2 Neo’s, Mazda 3 Neo’s, Mitsubishi ASX), truck rentals
Website: http://www.koalarentals.com.au/contact/
Address: 41 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End South, Adelaide, South Australia 5031
Contact Details: 08 83527299
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 11 AM
Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 3/5 |
Vehicle selection | 4/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 3.5/5 |
Pricing | 3/5 |
Pros
- Good selection of cars
- Convenient location
- Price transparency
Cons
- Hidden charges
- Limited daily driving distance
Koala Car Rentals is an Adelaide-owned and operated car hire service. For this reason, they know every nook and corner of South Australia.
Their office is conveniently located 2.5 KM away from Adelaide Airport and 2 KM away from the city center. So, you’ll be able to get your rented car in no time.
They have more than 300 vehicles under their name. As of today, they’re the main supplier of support vehicles for Clipsal/Adelaide 500, which is a monster truck sponsor and supplier to the Big Day Out music festival.
What’s more, Koala Car Rentals has a great selection of vehicles with indicated prices on their website. If you ever want to drive to wildlife parks, rural areas, or just around the city, they have the perfect car for you.
It’s also important to note that they charge by the day. Their prices are much lower compared to other rental services.
However, be prepared for hidden charges. You’ll have to pay for other fees such as administration fees on top of the actual car rental.
Another downside is you can only drive within a limited distance per day. It’s not stated on their website, so make sure you ask about your kilometer limit.
You’ll get charged extra if you exceeded the limit.
3. Redspot
Services: Luxury/Prestige, SUV, minivan, 4×4, sedan, commercial van, ute/truck, mine spec
Website: https://www.redspot.com.au/
Address: Andy Thomas Cct, Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5950
Contact Details: +61 8 8166 3208
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM
Google reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 3.5/5 |
Pricing | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Wide selection of vehicles
- Online booking
- On-airport service
Cons
- Hidden charges
- Mismanagement of bookings
Redspot Car Rentals started from being a small side business with only two courtesy cars to a national network of car rental operations.
They were able to expand their on-airport presence and opened numerous locations in other airports, including Gold Coast, Cairns, Launceston, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
You can choose a car from their large fleet. Each car is regularly checked and cleaned.
Should you have a particular car in mind, they’ll try their best to get it for you.
For added convenience, you can easily book a car online by filling up their website form.
What’s more, they offer several deals to accommodate short and long-term car renters. You can avail of their discounts and get up to 15% off on your bookings.
However, take note that the final quotation can go higher than the initial quotation. Make sure you’re aware of the additional charges so the final price won’t come as a surprise.
It’s also worth remembering to call their customer service days before your booking date. Follow up on the request and double-check the booking confirmation to make sure everything’s settled.
There were several occasions when they mismanaged their booking system so they were overbooked.
4. Simba Car Hire
Services: Mini, compact, intermediate, pickup, large, small SUV, large SUV, 8-seater, 12-seater car
Website: https://www.simbacarhire.com.au/
Address: 225 Richmond Rd, Richmond South Australia 5033, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 8126 3890
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 3/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Pros
- Convenient locations
- Hassle-free online booking
- Price transparency
Cons
- Hidden charges
- Sometimes takes too long to respond
Simba Car Hire has three branches that are conveniently located all over South Australia. They have one in Adelaide, Waterloo, and Mitchell Park.
We find it easy and hassle-free that you can easily book a car online through their website.
They have a wide selection with prices that range from $65.95 to $295. However, take note that these prices are guides only and are subject to change.
Yet we still appreciate these estimates because it’s helpful for clients to have an idea of how much they should allocate for car rentals.
Simba Car Hire also offers a number of services to accommodate the unique needs of each client. They have long and short-term rentals, daily rentals, airport pickup and drop-off, and rideshare.
As one should with other car rental services, make sure to ask about hidden fees. They have a history of charging extra services that weren’t explained in the initial booking confirmation.
For faster transactions, we recommend calling directly through their phone number. If you email them, make sure your booking date isn’t set within a week because it can take them around five days to respond.
5. Sixt
Services: SUVs, compact cars, electric vehicles, luxury cars, utes, vans, buses, trucks
Website: https://www.sixt.com.au
Address: Millers Arcade, 28, Shop 7/30 Hindley St, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Contact Details: +61 8 8410 8977
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM; Saturday, 8 AM to 1:30 PM; Sunday, 8 AM to 1 PM
Google reviews score | 3.7/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 3/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 4/5 |
Pricing | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- With over 2,000 branches worldwide
- Wide selection of vehicles
Cons
- Hidden charges
- Miscommunication between branches
With a vision to become the best car rental company in Australia, Sixt has grown to be one of the largest car hire companies with over 2,000 branches worldwide.
Sixt takes pride in its passionate team of workers. They’re composed of local experts who are highly knowledgeable in Adelaide areas.
Some of their staff even stay beyond working hours just to accommodate last-minute clients.
What’s more, they have an office that’s conveniently located near the airport and railway station. So, if you’re coming from these areas, you don’t have to walk too far.
However, a big car rental company like Sixt also comes with a couple of downsides.
First, the hidden charges. Make sure you’re aware of all the possible fees that they might charge you.
Read the contract carefully and study the terms and conditions. You might end up paying for something you didn’t know you signed up for.
Second, since there are numerous branches, communication issues are inevitable. Once you’ve picked up your rented car, take note of where to drop it off, when, and at what time.
Some clients get passed from one branch to another just because nearby offices are closing.
6. Avis Car Rental Adelaide
Services: Utes, vans, trucks, buses, luxury cars
Website: https://www.avis.com.au/
Address: 136 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Contact Details: +61 2 9353 9000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM to 12 PM
Google reviews score | 3.8/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 3/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 3/5 |
Pricing | 3/5 |
Pros
- Australia-wide service
- Offers a wide range of services
- Luxury service available
Cons
- Limited office hours
- Hidden charges
Avis Australia’s vision is to lead the car rental industry by providing unmatched customer service.
You can choose from their wide variety of car rental services, including airport car rental, car guides, and travel agents.
They’re one of the few car rentals that offer luxury accommodations. Their website has a detailed list of five-star hotels and scenic landmarks that you can explore.
To make reservations hassle-free, you can easily book a car of your choice on their website. Simply fill out the form, and wait for the booking confirmation.
When coming into their office to pick up your booked car, make sure you’re at least 30 minutes early than the scheduled time. Avis follows strict office hours, so even if you’re only five minutes late, there’s a high chance that they’re already closed.
Moreover, they don’t have their car rental fees posted on their website. Make sure you’re well aware of all hidden terms and consistently check the card that you used for unnecessary charges.
They have a history of deducting service costs that the customers weren’t aware of. If you’re presented with a contract, read and study it carefully to avoid paying extra fees.
7. Des’s EZYrent Self Drive
Services: Car Hire & rental services
Website: https://www.ezyrentminibuses.com.au/
Address:
- Location 1:1528 Main South Rd, Sturt, SA 5047(opposite Flagstaff Hotel, DARLINGTON)
- Location 2:10 Bacon St, Hindmarsh 5007
Contact Details: (08) 8377 4200 | [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday 09:00 AM –06:00 PM
- Tuesday 09:00 AM –06:00 PM
- Wednesday 09:00 AM –06:00 PM
- Thursday 09:00 AM –06:00 PM
- Friday 09:00 AM –06:00 PM
Google reviews score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Vehicle selection | 5/5 |
Convenience | 5/5 |
Customer satisfaction | 4.5/5 |
Pricing | 4/5 |
Pros
- Well-maintained vehicles
- Prompt customer support
- Great attention to detail
Cons
- Rates are not specified online
Des’s EZYrent Self Drive is one of the most reliable car hires in Adelaide. They have a variety of cars to choose from such as their 8 seater, 12 commuter, 14 commuter, 22 coaster, 25 rosa, 28 coach, and a wheelchair bus.
Their services mostly focus on providing highly maintained cars for a number of people to use, unlike other car rentals that also provide truck rentals for transportation of objects. They have 2 convenient pick-up points and also have one of the fastest customer support in Adelaide.
All of their vehicles are equipped with seatbelts since seatbelts and child restraint laws in South Australia require people to wear seatbelts. It is important to note that they do not charter for short point to point journeys such as airport transfers and their vehicles require a 6 hour minimum booking.
Among the cars they are capable of renting, their 22 seat Toyota coaster is one of the most requested because it is versatile, spacious, and comfortable. It is a very practical option for larger group transport.
Overall, we highly recommend them for groups who are looking to rent well-maintained, reliable, and practical vehicles for events such as road trips.