I tend to use what I believe to be local firms. Alianthos have been OK in the past. At the end of season the cars have been a little tired. Mike's Tours have also been fine, although picking up a Panda late night at Heraklion with only half a tank of petrol was a pain when trying to get to Anopoli (but that's Heraklion for you, not just Mike's - they all seem to do it) - I did get superb dawn pics of the Askifou plain, 'though!. I used to use Zakros, but found I rented the same car twice - 3 years apart and the second time it was in dire condition and I had serious brake grab problems on the Imbros-Hora Sfakion road. For the last two years I have been using Rental Centre Crete and found them great - good condition cars, cheap prices and underbody insurance.

With petrol prices the way they are now 'though, do check the tank before the renter slips away. I'm sure it was a mistake, but last time 1/2 tank full actually meant filling up soon after leaving Heraklion, so costing an immediate extra £20!

I, too, have a paper licence which is almost falling apart. I have never had a problem with hiring cars using it.

I'm not sure how widespread this is, but the last two cars I hired from Heraklion airport (different firms) supplied the cars with a half tank of fuel. Arriving at 11.30pm, you will not find any fuel stations open (well I didn't on main road to Rethymnon...

The girl handing over the car at 11pm on a trip a couple of years ago misheard me and said 'You'll be fine for Plakias" ... I was going to Sfakia... Having driven to Rethymnon and asking at kiosks, I ended up o/nighting and in a Panda that is uncomfortable, even for one!