An invitation to a family wedding, an hour’s drive from Newcastle, provided the opportunity for a ‘test-drive’ while taking advantage of the partnership RACQ has with car hiring service SIXT. 

Initially, my husband and I were looking forward to trialing an electric vehicle as SIXT was offering RACQ members 20%* off premium and electric vehicle rentals at participating locations until 30 April 2024. However, having a family of five, we needed the space for people and luggage, so we opted for a Kia Carnival. Additionally, we have been interested in test driving the Kia Carnival, so we saw the opportunity for a ’try-before-you-buy’ experience. 

SIXT emailed a reminder two days before the booking with all relevant information in addition to the documentation required on collection and an alternative vehicle if the Kia was not available. 
The collection process was simple and uncomplicated. Unfortunately for the SIXT staff member who served us, the internet was down but this did not phase her – we handed over our licences, a deposit, she wrote out a manual receipt and off we went.

Our trip took us from Newcastle to the Caves Coast, around the Hunter Valley and back to the coast before returning to Newcastle airport.

The car was fantastic – spacious, comfortable, easy to drive, great on fuel consumption; everything you want in a family car, plus there were no complaints from those in the back seat.

On return, we simply filled up the diesel tank at a petrol station close to the airport, parked the car in the allocated SIXT parking spot and dropped the keys to the desk. I received a tax invoice confirming the vehicle return before I got the chance to check-in for the flight home. 

It was a simple, yet efficient process.

We saved ourselves a headache and 15%^ off the rented vehicle by using SIXT. 

SIXT has over 160 locations across Australia and vehicles for all occasions. RACQ members save up to 15%^ off car, truck, EV and bus rental all year round. Learn more at www.racq.com.au/sixt

*Terms and conditions apply. 20% discount applies on daily base rate for premium and electric vehicles and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. Offer is applicable for bookings made and picked up from 2 February 2024 to 30 April 2024. Offer is available at participating locations and is subject to vehicle availability. Click here for a full list of participating locations. Offer is subject to change/withdrawal without notice. Must quote RACQ membership number at the time of booking and collection. Visit www.sixt.com.au/racq for more information.

^ Discount applies on daily rate and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. Australia and New Zealand rentals receive 15% off daily rental rates across the passenger and commercial range. International rentals (excluding New Zealand) receive up to 15% off daily rental rates across the passenger and commercial range. Offer is subject to change/withdrawal without notice. Must quote RACQ Membership number at the time of booking and collection. All rentals with SIXT are subject to Rental terms and conditions.  For full terms and conditions please visit www.sixt.com.au/auto-clubs-tcs