Car hire costs at the moment outrageous

book direct with the hire company...Centauro, SixT, Costa Calida Cars...

We always book direct with Centauro. Not looked at next year yet, but we are here at the moment, £38 for 17 days, can't be bad.

That looks more like the right figure will have a look at that and check. 

Flamenca Cars, best price around.

they include all insurance excesses, so no unexpected charges for damage to the vehicle.

they meet you outside the terminal building with your car, so no long queues at car hire desk

If you had a 12000 Euro car to rent out would you be happy with £2 a day?

Using an excessively cheap service will always be risky - look at Thomas Cook and Ryanair.

PeterC, sorry but I don't understand what you're trying to say.

Jillybea, just that I think some people’s expectations are ridiculous. 

I have just priced up hire of an Astra in the UK for a month - €851.

That would no doubt be dearer in peak season, but will be a nearly-new car, with full insurance, pick up and drop off at the airport and with a reputable company. A lot of money? Maybe, but good value IMHO.

PeterC, sorry I thought we were talking about hiring a car here in Spain, I must have misunderstood.

I could be wrong but you arent allowed to hire a car in Spain for a period more than a month at a time. There might be some sort of an extra charge there if you do so