After years of package deals and more recently organising my own transfers from the airport and renting a car in resort, I am thinking of renting a car from the airport in September. As Algarve Driver sponsor this site and have mainly good reviews, I think I'll use them.
The information on their site is quite comprehensive and I know they are based in Car Park 4. However, although they say their office is at the car park, I notice that YOR (the company AD use) advises customers to find their representative inside the arrivals building.
Anyone picked up an Algarve Driver car recently? Is it as simple as walking to an office at Car Park 4 or did you have to search for a representative inside the airport? As no money changes hands until you arrive to collect the car, how commited are they to having a car waiting?

Oops! Forgot to ask. Does it make any difference whether I log onto Algarve Driver via the link at the top of the page or just do a normal Google search? Does this site benefit if I log on to Algarve Driver from here?

The last few times we've used them, they have been based in a minibus on P4. To be safe, I would use the link on this site. Never had a problem with them having a car ready and waiting. Thanks for reminding me, I have some bookings to make for this winter

cant fault them althought last time there in june they didnt have any cars i used another company

I have used them several times a year for the past 8 years and never had a problem. They even helped when I had 'forgotten' to book and remembered 10 min s before I borded the plane!!

Great company you can't go wrong.

Yep, fully recommend them. Car park 4 is now to the left of the front of the airport, they have a mini bus near their area, (just opposite the roundabout/garage in park 4) or if you are out of hours then in the building in park 4. They will advise you re the motorway and check your car with you re and dings etc. We have used this company for over 8 years now and always had very good cars from them.

Enjoy your break.

Great set of replies. Thank you all. Looks like Algarve Driver for me then!
I am familiar with the location of P4, we were out in May and our transfer minibus was parked close to P4, and of course there is a large sign visible from the airport entrance. We are not (hopefully) arriving out of hours. Pick up is Friday 12 noon and drop off Friday, two weeks later at 10.00 a.m.
AD say that if you don't use the A22 there is nothing to pay, but they mention a daily charge (from memory €1.84) for for a maximun of 10 days, for administration connected with the tolls. Does this apply even if you don't use the A22.
Do I have to find an extra €18.40 on top of the hire fee?
Once again - thanks for the excellent responses.

Nope, not with Algarve driver. They don't charge you if you don't use the motorway.

Thanks for that L.J.

Just arrived home to damp and dull weather. Have used Algarve Driver loads of times and always found them very good. Had 3 week hire beginning June and a further hire beginning 5 July, originally until 13th. However, because of awful weather back home decided to extend stay until today (16th). Email to Steen who got back following day with extended car hire agreement with YOR.
Usually return car with fuel gauge as when collected.
In Car Park 4 look for the bright yellow VW Camper Van, that's where rep is based.

Thanks smudger - now I even know the colour of their van! Unless they use different ones now and then.

This website is brilliant for coming up with answers - everyone is so helpful.

I did noticed elsewhere on the site that you return with same fuel gauge reading as when picking up the car.

We are booking for beginning of September, so hopefully cars will be less scarce.

Won't be long now!