We pulled real feedback from renters who used TakeCars in Montenegro. Here's what they experienced — the good, the honest, and the things worth knowing before you book.

The best experiences

Matej 🇸🇰 was skeptical at first — no deposit, prices way below the big companies. He rented a Skoda Fabia at Podgorica Airport.

"It all almost sounded too good to be true, but it was real. The car looked brand new. Half way through our trip I wanted to add my girlfriend as an additional driver, so I just messaged them on WhatsApp, wrote her details on the contract and it was done, for free."

Sidi Hamza 🇲🇦 compared TakeCars to the big names — and didn't go back.

"All other companies offered the double price without insurance and horrible service. So far the best rental I ever had, and I travel and rent cars a lot in many countries."

Janette 🇨🇦 rented for a family trip — Ulcinj to Tivat with a baby. When COVID border rules changed their plans, the owner drove them to the Croatian border at 1 AM.

"The husband and wife car rental team went over and above to help us out. You won't be disappointed."

Mehmet 🇹🇷 rented a Citroën C3 for a full month. He was nervous about using his credit card on a site he'd never heard of.

"A quick Google search convinced me to use it. It was very convenient to get in touch with the car agent via WhatsApp, as I was travelling abroad and did not have any other means of communication other than airport wifi."

Convertible on the coast

Rustam rented a Peugeot 207 CC convertible from Filip in Tivat.

"Compact, quick, and perfect for two people. Great for driving along the coast and finding parking spots even in busy areas. It's such a fun little convertible to drive!"

His only complaint — no Bluetooth for music. He ended up discovering Montenegrin radio stations instead.

Janis 🇱🇻 also went for a convertible and took it through the mountain passes with kids.

"If roof is down and kids start to vomit in mountain roads, I don't sense the smell and don't join them."

He does warn: avoid anything under 1.4L for mountain routes. Small engines can't handle the climbs.

When things didn't go perfectly

Not every rental is flawless. Here's what renters flagged:

Wrong car at pickup — this is the most common issue. Almost a quarter of reviews mention getting a different model than booked. Usually it's the same class or better, but it can catch you off guard. Katerina 🇨🇿 was contacted beforehand to confirm the swap. Bartosz 🇵🇱 booked a Renault Megane, got a BMW 1 Series — no complaints.

Late arrivals — some owners underestimate Montenegrin traffic, especially in summer. Stefanie 🇧🇪 waited almost 2 hours at Tivat Airport in August. She used the time for a terrace drink. Her advice: don't schedule anything tight right after landing.

Cross-border paperwork gaps — Henriikka 🇫🇮 was told her documents were sorted for Albania. At the border, they weren't. She had to buy €50 insurance on the spot. Lesson: double-check the green card yourself before you leave.

Cash-only surprise — a few renters didn't know the remaining balance had to be paid in cash. Andrew 🇬🇧 arrived without enough euros. Check the payment method on your voucher before you fly.

Owners who went above and beyond

This comes up in almost every rental — the personal service.

  • Antonia 🇬🇷 — her owner Drago called the SIM card company to fix her phone, then picked up the car at her hostel.
  • Łukasz 🇵🇱 — flat tire mid-trip. Owner sent help immediately.
  • Kazimierz 🇵🇱 — pulled over by police, couldn't find the rental contract. His owner sorted it over the phone.
  • Stanislav 🇷🇺 — dashboard warning light mid-trip. Owner Ivan walked him through the fix remotely.
  • Rhidian 🇬🇧 — engine warning light near Perast. The owner explained it was bad fuel (a known issue at some stations) and the deposit refund was handled honestly.
  • Jaroslav 🇨🇿 — child seat didn't fit properly. The driver came back and swapped it for a new one.

What you should know before booking

Based on what renters consistently mention:

  • WhatsApp is your main line of communication. Everything from pickup changes to flat tires gets handled there.
  • You might get a different car. Usually same class or better. If it matters, message the owner to confirm the exact model before your trip.
  • Bring cash in euros for the balance. Not all owners accept cards. Check the voucher.
  • Confirm cross-border documents yourself. If you plan to drive to Croatia, Albania, or Bosnia, ask to see the green card before you leave the pickup point.
  • Budget extra time at pickup in peak season. July–August traffic around Tivat can delay everyone.
  • Check the tires. A few renters flagged worn or mismatched tires — inspect at pickup, especially for mountain routes.