Avoid LAX Thrity Rental Cars (Long)

[*rl*]

I was somewhat angry about this issue and I am now fuming, so I have decided to let everyone know about the terrible experience I had with Thrifty Rental Cars at LAX on my trip to Disneyland two weeks ago.

I was traveling with my pregnant wife, my sister, my cousins, and their two kids (3yrs and 8months.) I picked up the van at Thrifty and did a quick walk around. It had a number of scuffs and scratches, but nothing that I had never seen on a rental car in the past.

By the time we got on the freeway twoards our hotel we noticed that the van was pretty dirty on the inside. I opened the front cup-holders to find a milky goo at the bottom. Given that we were already on the highway and navigating to the hotel we decided that we would get to the hotel, drop everything off and head back to the rental place to pick up a new van.

When we returned they noticed a scuff on the bumper. The issue was raised to the claims manager who agreed that it was old damage. As a result, I did not pursue it at all. I know that you should look around a rental vehicle before you leave and I did; however, based on extensive experience renting cars, scuffs and scrathes on plastic bumpers have never been an issue. That and the van was covered in them, so it did not stand out.

The lady I spoke to at the returns desk was quite pleasent and actually went off to find a van that was clean enough to a baby and a toddler to ride in. She did not find one, so I asked for them to cancel the rental so that I could go to another rental place. The manager refused, saying that the problem could be solved with a quick clean-up.

Note that the carpet was covered in stains, most surfaces were sticky, and there was a puddle of red fluid under the back seat. I would have noticed this had the pick-up bay been better lit, but I did not. Also, it didn't take long for us to notice the fowl odor.

Not only did the manager not agree to simply cancel the reservation, he charged me $50 for the day and was very rude about it.

Okay, after all that I was somewhat upset and planned to file a complaint with Thrifty. Now that I am home from my trip, I find that in addition to the bogus rental fee, I have received a letter stating that they are now filing a claim against me for the damage - damage that they admitted was old.

If they had not told me that they would mark the damage as old, I would have taken photos of the damage which was covered in dirt and dust and was *obviously* old damage. Also, the bumper had similar existing damage that they did not try to pin on me, meaning that they are likey trying to charge everyone for this for this subsequent to the person who had the van when the damage actually occured. Quite a lucrative business.

I can only hope that no one on this board will be suckered into using this particular Thirfty. They do have the best price, but they can afford to do so by giving out old vehicles, scrimping on cleaning, and by ripping you off with claims.

I've rented many cars in the past and at a minumum I have always been treated in a professional manner. If something was wrong, they would fix it. These guys are out to rip people off, plain and simple.

Pay the extra and go with Avis. I've used them 3 times out of LAX and had nothing but excellent service. A good reminder that you get what you pay for.

[awinner]

personally i think that enterprise rent-a-car is the best. not only are the cars new, clean and checked thoroughly, but the staff is very friendly, and they will even pick you up...the prices are very competitive, and i know that they price match

[Andrew]

Originally posted by awinner
Getting ready to kick some butt on October 19th!!!

This has nothing to do with the topic, but I'm just wondering what you're doing on Saturday the 19th?

[awinner]

i was just seeing if you were paying attention!!!

[socabch]

Originally posted by awinner
personally i think that enterprise rent-a-car is the best. not only are the cars new, clean and checked thoroughly, but the staff is very friendly, and they will even pick you up...the prices are very competitive, and i know that they price match

I wish I would have known they did price match. My car is in the shop and I rented a car so I could go to the Potluck this weekend. The shop offered to set me up with Enterprise but I had a better rate with Hetrz. I got my car thru AAA at Hertz. When I got to Hertz and I was 1/2 hour late, my car was not ready. It wasn't filled with gas and it wasn't clean. They asked me did I want to wait for it to be cleaned. I said "Absolutely, I am not driving away with a dirty car." The guy who helped me at the counter was from the downtown office and was totally embrassed by the way this office was run. He apologized for the situation.

[jslivinski]

Originally posted by *rl*
Okay, after all that I was somewhat upset and planned to file a complaint with Thrifty. Now that I am home from my trip, I find that in addition to the bogus rental fee, I have received a letter stating that they are now filing a claim against me for the damage - damage that they admitted was old.

It would seem to me given the limited amount of time you had the vehicle that they are blowing smoke, but none the less it still stinks. Thanks for the warning.

[awinner]

rl....tell them you want them to "pull prior", that means you want to know who had the car before you and if the damage was noted on the vehicle contract.

[spookrepitus]

All this reminds me, I have a question for Orlando travelers: does any one have personal experience with L&M car rental? It's suspiciously cheap for being in the airport terminal, but I can't find anything negative about it on the internet. I figured out their little collision damage waiver scam and I'm all over that. I'm wondering if that's the only catch. Help? My inner cheapskate really wants to take the deal.

[awinner]

Originally posted by spookrepitus
I figured out their little collision damage waiver scam and I'm all over that. I'm wondering if that's the only catch.

and what scam is that?

[spookrepitus]

If you read the fine print on the rental terms, the company requires proof of adequate insurance or you are *required* to get their collision damage waiver for $18 a day! For someone from my state, this would mean bringing a copy of your policy with you. I don't think this is Florida law (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

[Morrigoon]

This is really silly and OT but I had to post it: every time I see this topic I read it as "Avoid LAX Thirsty Rental Cars"

[awinner]

Originally posted by spookrepitus
If you read the fine print on the rental terms, the company requires proof of adequate insurance or you are *required* to get their collision damage waiver for $18 a day! For someone from my state, this would mean bringing a copy of your policy with you. I don't think this is Florida law (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

you are not legally required to purchase any protection, (at least in ca), most car rentals companies are self insured, so if the driver does not have insurance (which of course is not legal) and the driver got into an accident, ultimately the companie covers the car for the minimum state requirements, then the company would just go after the renter of the vehicle....but at least w/ enterprise if you do take the basic protection which is 11.99, that covers the vehicle and you and your passengers...and that would not involve your ins. co.