Undisclosed car rental fees have customer overheating

Question: In August 2007, I contracted with CarRentals.com for a car rental in Croatia from Sixt, a rental agency there. The rate was just under 27 euros a day for 11 days. The confirmation estimated taxes and fees to be zero for a total charge of about 297 euros.

However, after I returned the car, my credit card was charged an additional $171. CarRentals.com told me to contact Sixt, and Sixt told me it was for value-added tax (VAT) and other charges.

CarRental.com's website states it always shows the total rate. I disputed the extra charge with my credit card company to no avail. Any help would be appreciated, because I feel CarRental.com should pay for false advertising.

-- Kenneth F. Oehrle, Pawcatuck, Conn.

Answer: CarRentals.com's website clearly states its prices include "all known rates, taxes, fees, surcharges and applicable drop-off charges." Its rental quotes list daily rates and estimated taxes and fees separately with a detailed breakdown of the latter.

But Oehrle's booking confirmation estimated taxes as zero. This should have been a red flag, since VAT is added onto car rentals in most of Europe and can raise estimated ... // 63% Remaining