Sixt Rent-a-Car has an interesting promotion where ‘every 6th prepaid rental made between September 23 and 25 receives that rental free’.
I hate prepaid car rentals and I’m not going to rent from Sixt for a 1 in 6 chance that the rental is free, which I’d find out only after I’ve pre-committed.
Sixt is known for giving away elite status and for offering nice cars that they don’t actually have on the lot.
What’s reasonably interesting here though is the option to enter via postcard, something sweepstakes do so that no purchase is required and they don’t run afoul of state laws (requiring payment to play a game of chance).
There are separate prize pools — with an equal number of prizes — for prepaid reservations and for postcard entry. I find it odd that there are 400 prizes in each basket, yet they also say 1 in 6 prepaid rentals will win.
Here’s how to enter by postcard:
Postcard submissions can be sent once per person per day, postmarked on September 23, 24, 25, and 26. Postcard winners get a $300 voucher, which may be worth more than the prepaid rental wins.
Full terms and conditions are available, including eligibility requirements.
Given 400 prizes, and likely few postcard entries, this will be worthwhile for some.
(HT: Demetrius J.)
I don’t want to generalize too much, but Sixt Miami Airport is the worst car rental company I’ve ever deal with. There’s a thread over at Tripadvisor full of harsh reviews of that outfit.
After hearing stories about cars with bald summer tires being rented in the Alps during the winter, there’s no way I’d consider renting from them, even with a 1:6 chance of getting a freebie.
I’ve used Sixt in Ireland,Iceland and SF. Was thrilled each time and got an upgraded car every time.
Hm, Sept 25 is a Sunday. Not a good day to get a postmark, lol.
Six used to be premium. Now they are just greedy. I try to avoid them unless I find a super cheap weekend fare which includes all miles. Reed the small print and check your bill afterwards. If the police sends you a ticket SIXT will charge 30$ on top for forwarding the fine! Quo vadis Sixt?
Sixt Dublin is excellent. Very nice cars at good prices. Shuttle from airport is nearby.
Have rented from sixt 3 times, twice got a BMW, and once an Audience for about the same rate as a midsize.
I have rented with Sixt many times in Germany, and in the USA. I am a Gold member, so I get free upgrades all the time. My favorite rental was a convertible to drive down the Keys. Loved everything about that car! I have never experienced any bad customer service, only one time, in Atlanta, I had to wait quite a bit for my car to be delivered to my hotel. Love Sixt and would recommend them!
I won a $300 car rental in this contest! Thanks for the article. Also got to use up some souvenir postcards I had collected
@JB Same here. Thanks Gary for posting about this. Any idea when the rental voucher expires?
I wanted you to know that I entered the contest by sending a postcard and I received an email that I won a $300 credit! It is perfect for my coming Miami/Keys vacation! Thank you so much for the tip!