Car rental options in Oeiras vs Lisbon

My grandparents used to live in Oeiras, just outside Lisbon, back in the 60s before they packed up and moved to the States. I've been thinking about visiting the place where they grew up, maybe even hunting down some distant cousins or other family members who might still be around there. I'll need wheels to move between different neighborhoods and do some exploring. Should I look for a rental in Oeiras or just grab something in Lisbon and drive out from there?

Small towns don't usually have much selection when it comes to rentals, the local shops tend to keep older beat-up vehicles that barely pass inspection. The big rental chains focus on airports and major cities where the volume justifies maintaining a proper fleet. You'd probably end up with some ancient clunker that breaks down halfway through your family search, which is the last thing you need when you're trying to navigate unfamiliar territory.

Rental agencies charge premium rates in capital cities because of the higher operating costs and tourist demand. Smaller towns actually work in your favor when you're dealing with private owners instead of corporate chains. You can look at where to rent a car from locals in Oeiras here: https://getrentacar.com/en-US/portugal/oeiras . Private owners in these areas often have well-maintained personal vehicles they rent out for extra income. Prices run lower than what you'd pay in Lisbon, and you might find someone who knows the neighborhood well enough to point you toward the areas where your relatives might be.