Alamo anyone?? Complaints? Opinions? etc..

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

Anyone have an opinion on renting a car from Alamo????

My parents had a bad experience (they charged them over $500 from their original quote since the airlines changed their flight time - and it lessened the time they needed the car by a few hours, not added), and they don't want us to rent from them......but they are by far the cheapest. (and maybe thats why? )

Any opinions, complaints or good things for Alamo?

 

[travelgirl06]

My mom just rented from them to drive from LAX to SFO. Unfortinately, and through no fault of Alamo's, we got a flat tire. They were very quick to fix it, but did make us pay for the repair and the new tire... I don't know if this is common with rentals or not, but it seems kind of crazy since I'm assuming they have insurance that pays for all that. Other than that though, they always have decent service (as do most major car rental companies). If their quote is a lot less it's worth a shot...

 

[tracys2cents]

Sounds like your parents got scammed. They should fight it with Alamo's national customer service people. Whenever "desk" people try to give you the business....it's best to just get on the phone to Alamo's 800 number and just book a new reservation. They might not have gotten a rate as good as they first had, but it probably would have been less than half of that $500 that they charged 'em. Threaten to notify the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General of the state rented. At the very least Alamo should offer them some free future days or something.

I haven't had any problems like that with Alamo, but in some cities they do try to push the insurance on you. Read the paperwork before you sign it! I've also heard people complain about them charging after-the-fact for repairs not caused by the renter. Like maybe there is a dent in a car, and they charge all of the last 5 people who rented that car, hoping that 3 or 4 of them will cough up the dough? Who knows? I know that National is owned by the same outfit. When are you renting? How much cheaper are they?

 

[PrincessAbby'sMom]

My parents are fighting it, they already wrote a few letters I know.

We are flying into San Diego Dec 6th & would want to return it to Downtown Disney either late Dec 10th (after Universal) or 1st thing in the AM on Dec 11th.

I am finding that all other rental companies are anywhere from $315-$450 nd Alamo was $216. So very much cheaper, thats another thing that kinda worried me - you know, the too good to be true thing......

 

[travelgirl06]

Have you tried calling the other companies to ask if they will match the rate? You could also ask about special discounts (i.e. AAA, business-related, etc.)

 

[tracys2cents]

Book the alamo since it's cancellable...but I think you'll find the other companies rates will come down. It's just too early to book for December. About 45 days before travel is when the "deals" and special rates start popping up on their websites.

 

[Lissete]

I have never had any trouble with Alamo. Knock on wood. In Vegas we rented for an extra day since we were flying out on the red eye and didn't want to hurry back early from AZ. We returned the car early and didn't have any problem.

In LAX they have the machines that you just self check. Then just go to the lot & pick out a car. Easy peasy. Unless you get there at 11PM and there is only one car left in the class that you chose and that car just happens to be PURPLE!