Without question, this was the worst rental car experience I've ever had, and unless this is resolved fairly, it will be my last time renting from SIXT.
The problems started before I even left the counter. I was repeatedly encouraged to "upgrade" my rental because it would be a better car for my birthday weekend. What wasn't clearly explained was that this "upgrade" would cost me roughly €200 more. I had to stop the transaction multiple times and ask exactly what I was being charged before the employee finally admitted the additional cost. That isn't transparent customer service.
Then I walked out to the car.
The moment I opened the driver's door, I was greeted by the smell of marijuana. The exterior was covered in mud, road grime, and dirty water splatters. On top of that, the BMW already had numerous scratches, scuffs, and cosmetic damage, including a large dent and scrape. Apparently this is what SIXT considers a "luxury" rental. I paid a premium price expecting a premium vehicle, not one that already looked abused and smelled like it had just been returned without even being properly cleaned.
The condition of the car also made it nearly impossible to inspect properly. There were so many places where I found myself wiping away road grime and dirty water splatters just to determine whether I was looking at dirt or an actual scratch or dent. It was practically impossible to identify every existing imperfection, especially in the areas most susceptible to damage, like underneath the front bumper, along the lower bumper edges, and around the wheel wells where dirt naturally accumulates.
When I returned the vehicle, I stayed while the SIXT employee completed the inspection. We walked around the car together, I signed the inspection on his iPad, and I was explicitly told everything was fine and that I was free to leave. There was absolutely no mention of damage or any issue with the vehicle.
Then, after I had already left, I received a €1,700 damage claim for what is described as a scrape underneath an already damaged bumper.
I immediately contacted customer service, disputed the claim, and submitted multiple complaints. I have requested the inspection reports, time-stamped photographs, and documentation supporting the amount they are demanding because, based on what I have been shown, I do not believe the claim has been adequately supported.
From beginning to end, this experience has been unacceptable: misleading upgrade sales tactics, receiving a filthy vehicle with obvious pre-existing cosmetic damage, a vehicle that smelled of marijuana when I opened the door, being told everything was fine during the return inspection, and then being presented with a €1,700 damage claim after I had already left.
I have rented with SIXT before, but this experience has completely destroyed my confidence in the company. There are simply too many other rental companies to accept this level of service and customer treatment.
If you rent from this location, inspect every inch of the vehicle yourself. Photograph everything, wipe away any dirt hiding scratches or dents, and don't assume that being told "everything is fine" when you return the vehicle means your rental is actually over. I certainly won't make that mistake again. read more