Ever looked at a shiny BMW at a rental counter and thought, “I could drive that for almost the same price as a boring sedan?” That’s Sixt’s appeal in a nutshell. But behind those gleaming German cars lurks a complicated story that’s worth knowing before you hand over your credit card. Let’s dive into what makes Sixt both tempting and potentially troublesome for travelers.
What Is Sixt and Why Are People Talking About It?
Sixt is a German-based rental car company that’s been aggressively expanding in North America since 2011. They’ve positioned themselves as the premium alternative to traditional rental companies, offering BMWs, Mercedes, and even Teslas instead of the usual Corollas and Malibus.
The company has racked up impressive industry awards, including being named “World’s Leading Business Car Rental Company” for twelve consecutive years and “Best Family-Friendly Rental Car Company” for two years running. With six major awards in 2024-2025 alone, they’re outpacing traditional competitors like Hertz and Enterprise in industry recognition.
The Luxury Fleet That Keeps Customers Coming Back
High-End Vehicles at Competitive Prices
Sixt’s main draw is undeniably their vehicle selection. While other companies offer “premium” options at significantly higher rates, Sixt’s entire fleet skews upscale. Customers frequently report getting BMWs, Mercedes, and other luxury vehicles for prices comparable to basic cars from competitors.
“I received a flawless condition BMW-X3 for roughly the same price as basic cars from other rental companies,” reported one Las Vegas customer in a TravelOuts review.
Vehicle Options That Go Beyond Basic
Unlike budget rental companies with mostly economy options, Sixt offers:
- Sports cars (Ford Mustang, Porsche 911)
- Luxury sedans (BMW 3 Series, Tesla Model 3)
- Premium SUVs (Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60)
- Convertibles and specialty vehicles
This variety attracts both business travelers wanting to make an impression and vacationers looking to add some excitement to their trip.
The Jekyll and Hyde Customer Service Experience
If online reviews are any indication, renting from Sixt feels like a roll of the dice when it comes to service quality.
Location Matters—A Lot
Customer experiences vary dramatically depending on which Sixt location you visit:
| Location | Common Customer Feedback |
|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale | Generally positive; free upgrades, efficient shuttle service |
| Miami | Mixed reviews; good vehicle selection but variable service |
| Orlando | Frequent complaints about long waits and staff attitude |
| Dallas | Numerous negative reviews about unprofessional service |
| Phoenix | High volume of complaints about damage claims |
As one Elite Yelp reviewer noted on the Fort Lauderdale location page, “I’ve consistently had fast service and been treated well,” while another customer reported a very different experience at the Orlando location, describing “rude staff and a 90-minute wait despite having a reservation.”
When Things Go Wrong, They Go Very Wrong
Customer support quality is a major concern. Many reviewers describe:
- Extremely long hold times when calling customer service
- Emails that go unanswered for weeks
- Representatives who hang up during dispute discussions
- Circular transfers between departments with no resolution
One customer on Reddit described Sixt’s customer service as “the worst I’ve ever encountered,” noting that representatives either disconnect calls or leave customers on indefinite hold when handling complaints.
The $11 Million Problem: Damage Claims and Billing Practices
The most serious concerns about Sixt involve their damage claim practices, which led to an $11.07 million class action settlement.
The Settlement That Speaks Volumes
Between 2014 and 2019, Sixt allegedly charged customers for vehicle damage, diminished value, and administrative fees without actually repairing vehicles or removing them from service. This resulted in the Philippe Calderon et al. v. Sixt Rent A Car, LLC case, which was preliminarily settled in February 2025.
The settlement includes:
- $2.87 million in direct refunds to customers (averaging $356.67 per claim)
- Ceasing collection on $6.6 million in disputed charges
- Removal of negative credit reporting for affected customers
A Pattern of Questionable Claims
Numerous customers describe nearly identical experiences:
- Returning a car in good condition
- Receiving a damage bill weeks or months later
- Being unable to get clear documentation of the alleged damage
- Facing aggressive collection tactics when disputing charges
“I was charged for damage that wasn’t there when I dropped off the car,” reported one customer on the Better Business Bureau site. “They put the claim on my credit report despite my requests for proof, which they never provided.”
Documentation That Doesn’t Add Up
When customers do receive “evidence” of damage, many report problems like:
- Photos that don’t clearly show the alleged damage
- Inconsistent descriptions (calling a small scratch a “collision”)
- Missing timestamps on inspection photos
- Refusal to provide pre-rental inspection reports
One reviewer noted the unfair practice of “reviewing cars in dimly lit garages at pickup but inspecting for damage in direct sunlight at return,” creating situations where minor imperfections invisible at pickup become “damage” at return.
Pricing Structure: Competitive Base Rates with Expensive Surprises
The Attractive Initial Offer
Sixt often draws customers in with competitive rates for premium vehicles. Many customers note they can rent a BMW for prices similar to a Toyota at other companies, making the initial booking seem like an exceptional value.
The Hidden Fee Reality
Despite appealing base rates, customers frequently report unexpected charges:
| Common Additional Charges | Typical Complaint |
|---|---|
| Additional driver fees | High charges even when declining Sixt insurance |
| Cleaning fees | Significantly exceeding quoted amounts |
| Administrative charges | Not clearly disclosed during booking |
| Fuel charges | Higher than local gas prices or unexpected full-tank requirements |
Amanda G. reported on Trustpilot being charged “several hundred dollars more than initially quoted after being promised no additional fees would apply.”
How Sixt Compares to Major Competitors
The Good: Vehicle Quality Advantage
Compared to Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget, Sixt maintains a clear advantage in:
- Vehicle quality and luxury options
- Newer models with less wear and tear
- Premium driving experience
The Bad: Service and Transparency Issues
However, Sixt significantly lags in:
- Customer service quality (averaging 4/10 versus Enterprise’s 8/10)
- Billing transparency and dispute resolution
- Better Business Bureau rating (F compared to Enterprise’s A+)
The damage claims issues that plague Sixt are notably less common with established American competitors.
Protecting Yourself When Renting from Sixt
If you’re still drawn to Sixt’s premium fleet, take these precautions to avoid potential headaches:
Documentation Is Your Best Defense
Multiple reviewers emphasize that thorough documentation is absolutely critical:
- Take detailed photos and videos of the entire vehicle before leaving the lot
- Ensure adequate lighting to capture any pre-existing damage
- Get close-ups of any scratches, dents, or interior issues
- Take similar documentation when returning the vehicle
- Get a signed receipt confirming the vehicle’s condition upon return
As one customer noted on Reddit, “Visibly documenting everything may influence staff behavior positively.”
Insurance Considerations
Evidence suggests declining Sixt’s additional insurance may increase the likelihood of disputed damage claims. Consider these options:
- Verify your personal auto insurance covers rental cars
- Check if your credit card offers rental car protection
- Weigh the cost of Sixt’s insurance against potential hassle
- Document any decision to decline coverage in writing
Location Selection Matters
Based on review patterns, consider:
- Favoring airport locations in major cities, which generally have better service
- Reading recent location-specific reviews before booking
- Avoiding locations with numerous damage claim complaints
Recent Developments: Has Anything Changed?
Settlement Implementation Status
As of 2025, Sixt is implementing the terms of the class action settlement, with final approval expected following a July hearing. Eligible customers have until August 15, 2025, to submit claims for refunds and credit reporting relief.
Continued Customer Complaints
Despite the settlement, BBB complaints from 2025 continue to follow identical patterns to those addressed in the lawsuit. This suggests either the settlement hasn’t yet influenced operational changes or the practices continue in modified forms.
Is Sixt Worth the Risk?
Sixt presents a classic risk-reward scenario for travelers. You’re essentially gambling on getting a premium vehicle at a competitive price while hoping to avoid the customer service and billing issues that have plagued many customers.
Who Should Consider Sixt:
- Travelers who prioritize vehicle quality over service guarantees
- Those willing to take extensive documentation and precautions
- Customers who value driving luxury cars at more affordable prices
- Business travelers needing to make an impression
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Travelers seeking reliable, transparent service
- Those without time to handle potential post-rental complications
- Customers who value peace of mind over vehicle quality
- Anyone with previous negative experiences with damage claims
The Sixt Experience: A Mixed Bag of Premium and Problems
Sixt car rentals offer a paradoxical experience: industry-recognized premium vehicles alongside serious customer service and billing integrity concerns. The $11.07 million class action settlement validates customer complaints but doesn’t guarantee these issues have been resolved.
For your next trip, weigh whether driving that BMW or Mercedes is worth the potential headaches that might follow. If you do choose Sixt, remember that your phone’s camera might be your most important travel companion—document everything, understand your insurance coverage thoroughly, and be prepared for the possibility of post-rental disputes.
Would you trade potential billing hassles for the keys to a luxury car? That’s the Sixt question every renter must answer for themselves.
