What Does “Or Similar” Mean in Car Rental — and Why It Matters
October 4, 2026 · 5 min read
You book a rental car, you see a photo of a specific model — and next to it, in small print: “or similar.” A tiny addition that can completely change the car you end up driving. Here's what it really means, and how to make sure you get what you're paying for.
What does “or similar” mean?
When a company advertises “Volkswagen Golf or similar,” it isn't actually promising you a Golf. It's promising a car of the same class — similar in size, transmission and roughly the level of equipment. The photo illustrates the category; it's not a guarantee of the specific car waiting for you in the parking lot.
Why companies use it
From the company's point of view, it's practical. Cars come back late, go into the workshop, or are needed for another customer — and a category lets the company decide which car to hand over without turning bookings down. The parking lot is used more efficiently, and the starting price is often lower. That isn't necessarily dishonest — the problem only arises when the customer doesn't realize they're booking a category, not a specific car.
What can change
The differences aren't necessarily dramatic, but they can be noticeable: a different make and design, a different trunk size, a different fuel type or transmission, different equipment — for example, no driver-assist systems, no parking camera, or an infotainment system you're not used to. If you're traveling with family, heavy luggage, or you simply care about a particular car, that's exactly the detail that decides the trip.
Category or specific car — at a glance
| Category (“or similar”) | Specific car | |
|---|---|---|
| What you book | A class of cars | A specific model |
| What you get | A car from the same category | The car you chose |
| Risk of surprise | Higher | Lower |
| Best when | The model doesn't matter to you | The model, luggage space or equipment matter |
How to avoid surprises
Before you book, ask one simple question: “Am I booking a specific car or a category?” Ask for the answer in writing — in the confirmation or in the contract. Read the terms carefully, and at pickup compare the make, model and license plate with your documents. If the car is different, ask what the differences are before you sign. You'll find more practical tips in our article on what to check when renting a car.
Which to choose — category or specific car
If any car will do for getting around town and price is what matters, a category is a perfectly reasonable choice. But if you're traveling with luggage and family, have an important meeting, want particular equipment, or just don't like surprises, it's calmer to know in advance exactly what you'll be driving.
How we do it at Auto Aleya
With us, there's no “or similar.” Our fleet is shown with real cars — you choose a specific model from our fleet, book it for your dates, and that's the car you get. More about our approach in the article why real cars and transparent terms are the key to trust.
What you get
We work with new Audi and Volkswagen cars, with insurance included and unlimited mileage, and the contract and handover report can be filled in digitally in advance — so at pickup, all that's left is a signature. We can hand over the car at our office or straight at Sofia Airport.
Which car suits your trip
For the city and short distances, a more compact car is convenient. For a family and more luggage, a wagon or SUV is a better fit. For long distances and comfort, a larger car with more driver-assist systems. Browse the fleet and choose based on your real needs — not on whatever is left from a category.
Frequently asked questions
What does “or similar” mean in car rental?
It means you are booking a class of cars, not a specific model. The company may give you another car from the same category — similar in size, transmission and equipment level, but not necessarily the same make and model.
Can I get exactly the car I chose?
It depends on the company. Some bookings are for a category, others for a specific car. The safest approach is to ask in advance and get the confirmation in writing before you pay or arrive.
Is the price different for a specific car versus a category?
A category often has a lower starting price, because the company keeps flexibility over which vehicle it gives you. With a specific car, you know in advance what you're getting, and the price depends on the model itself.
What should I do if I'm offered a different car at pickup?
Compare the make, model and license plate with your confirmation. If the car differs from what you expected, ask what the differences are — in size, luggage space, equipment and price — and accept the change only if it suits you.
How does Auto Aleya work?
Our fleet is shown with real cars. You choose a specific car from the fleet, not an abstract category, and you check it against your booking at pickup.
“Or similar” isn't necessarily bad — as long as you know it's there. The best rental is the one where you know what you're getting before you even reach the parking lot.