Two families came to visit us in Messinia. They flew into Athens having pre-booked, and paid cash, for two hire cars for 3 weeks at €650 each. The cars had moderate milage, and appeared in good condition. They set off for the 4 to 5 hour drive to our house.

After 2 hours driving, the clutch fell to the floor on one car (the pedal disconnnected, clutch still engaged) and gear change was no longer possible. The "hire firm" did not answer the phone for 2 hours (siesta time). When they did, they sent a recovery vehicle to collect the car, which arrived an hour and half later. No replacement car was sent. The familly was told to take a taxi to their destination, which cost them €250.

Next day the family spoke to the hire firm. The firm said that since they had damaged the car by breaking the clutch, and they had not taken a collision damage waiver to cover all costs, they had to pay him repair costs of €600. He would then send a replacement car.

The car had only driven along a motorway for two hours, it was quite clear that that no accident had occurred, and this was a mechanical failure of the car, the responsiblity of the hire firm.

I spoke with the hire firm next day, explained this, and asked for a refund of the hire costs and the taxi cost - a total of €900. The hire firm replied by saying I should hire a lawyer and go to court to make such a claim.

This, of course, would cost over €1,000 in court and lawyer's fees, and would occur some time in the future. Negotiations followed.

Eventually we accepted an offer of €500, to be paid in cash when the (other) car was returned at the airport. I am not very confident that this money will be paid.

Any advice on how we can put further pressure on the hire firm?

JimB