[vb-saan]

I usually opt for EVM Wheels during my Kerala trips, especially considering the ease of pick-up/drop-off from Kochi airport. This time the travel was unplanned and hence did not get a chance to do advance booking. After getting home (in Thrissur), I looked at the alternate options available (as EVM only had a Vento AT and a couple of other options like Wagon-R, Redigo etc.). Came across this rental provider called U-Drive. Their website is pretty basic, sent a message on WhatsApp and quite immediately I got a return call, explaining the options available. Considering the maddening traffic nowadays, I wanted an AT, selected the Ecosport Titanium Petrol AT, and within an hour the car was delivered at our door step. The car had some good amount of scratches, but otherwise was fully loaded with full safety kit, auto rain sensors, paddle shifts, etc. The whole process was smooth, and on my return day they picked up the car on the agreed schedule – definitely a good option to consider again for my next visit.

[silversteed]

Originally Posted by vb-saan

Came across this rental provider called U-Drive...

I think they're using private cars (white board & black lettering) for commercial purposes. Not the legal way AFAIK, since rentals are supposed to have their number painted in yellow on black plates. All is well until something goes awry.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by silversteed

I think they're using private cars (white board & black lettering) for commercial purposes. Not the legal way AFAIK, since rentals are supposed to have their number painted in yellow on black plates. All is well until something goes awry.

Thank you for pointing this out. Something to consider when I do the rental next time out.

[vinjosep]

Any self-drive recommendations for Thrissur? We would need a 7-seater self-for nearly a day on a Saturday. I expect round-trip distance to be <80km with start & end point being the railway station.

I tried EVM wheels. For weekend, one needs to book for a min of 24-hours. Called them; no luck with an alternate solution.

Indusgo will add an additional drop & pick-up charge of ~6000 INR since the vehicle is coming in from Kochi. This translates to >10K for a day(excluding the deposit).

U-drive rents only to NRIs, so I don't quality.

Called rent-a-car. Their plans are for durations starting from 15-days...

Interestingly, we had used Indusgo in 2019 and they did provide cars in Thrissur. Costed me 2200 for a Crsyta for a similar 1-day use. And we really loved the customer service experience too.Sigh!

Any pointers much appreciated. thanks

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by silversteed

I think they're using private cars (white board & black lettering) for commercial purposes. Not the legal way AFAIK, since rentals are supposed to have their number painted in yellow on black plates. All is well until something goes awry.

Zoomcar had an option where private cars could be given to them, and the owners could earn whenever the car was being rented out. Subsequently, I have seen many private cars in the Zoomcar fleet. I am sure they must have some legal way to do this : to temporarily use a private-registered car for commercial use ( with owner's consent).

Experts could clarify on this.

[pms]

For Kollam area, I would recommend Sach Carz. I have taken their services twice and its been a good experience. I used Wagon R and Nissan Micra and they provided cars in good condition barring some scratches outside. They have services in Tvm and Ekm as well if am not wrong.

[vivekiyer20]

I wanted to detail my experience regarding self-drive rentals for a recent road trip across Kerala. After reading the reviews on Team BHP and other websites, I zeroed in on EVM Wheels which seems to be very popular across Kerala. Had a fabulous experience.

My requirement was for 7 days - pick up in Trivandrum airport and drop at Kochi airport after 7 days. I had booked a Nissan Magnite for this purpose. Seemed to be adequate for my needs of 3 travelers and some light luggage. They do charge extra for airport pickup and drop, Rs. 1,700/- IIRC. They also charge a refundable security deposit of 6K (to be adjusted against any damage of fasttag tolls).

On the eve of landing in Trivandrum, a delivery executive was assigned and coordinating with him was easy. I had my family with me, so didn't want to waste time coordinating and waiting for the guy. He turned up promptly at the airport. To my good luck, that Magnite had some issue, so they upgraded me to a Skoda Kushaq free of cost. Can't complain.

The guy picked us up, and pulled over once we were outside the airport area. Did a lot of detailed paperwork and photographs. Very thorough, courteous and professional. Must have taken 10-12 mins. After that we were on our way. The car was in superb condition and absolutely no issues. One of the conditions was the speed limit of 80kph which would attract a fine if violated. I think I may have gone slightly over during some overtaking manoeuvres a couple of times. But EVM hasn't bothered me. Anyway, Kerala roads, while excellent are always densely populated and difficult to speed.

Even the pick up at Kochi airport was absolutely on time. Very minimal procedure work. I just checked me account and my 6K deposit got refunded in 6-7 working days as promised by them.

Truly hassle free experience from EVM wheels.

PS: On a side note, kudos to the drivers in Kerala. The best road sense and civic sense I have seen across the country. Was truly a pleasure driving in the state.

[rajesh1868]

Not sure if this thread was linked here. Posting link to my experience with Indus go a few years back. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/stree...ml#post4586732 (Indus Go, the latest self-drive rental company from Kerala)

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by vivekiyer20

To my good luck, that Magnite had some issue, so they upgraded me to a Skoda Kushaq free of cost. Can't complain.

I am a regular customer of EVM and coincidentally the only time I had a car change due to unavailability was when I booked the Magnite. I too got upgraded to a Kushaq. This happened in Jan 2024.