Anyone have GOOD experience with Alamo?

[Cbarr]

After reading alot of posts about bad experiences using Alamo rental cars, I'd love to hear from anyone who has had a good experience with them. I made reservations with Alamo for the end of this month (because they were $100 dollars cheaper than other companies I checked), but now I'm a little nervous about using them...

So, if your experience with Alamo was good please let me know

 

[Kevenswife2]

My first car rental experience was last Thanksgiving Day. I rented through Alamo. There was a small line when I arrived, but I expected that. I was asked once if I'd like to upgrade, which I declined. Walked across the street and picked out a car. I got the upgrade anyways as they were out of economys. Very painless.

Returning the car was easy too. Drive up, hop out, someone looks at the car, checks mileage and gas, prints a receipt and you're on your way.

I would have gone with them for my upcoming trip if their prices would go down.

I would recommend them.

 

[gallaj0]

I have. We've used Alamo exclusively for the last 4 years, adn always had great prices, fast pick up, good cars and service.
No pressure for insurance.
We even had some crazy things happen back in Sept with a huricane, and were forced to drop it off in Cocoa Beach before a cruise at a National shop; no problem.

 

[debster812]

I've had 2 good experiences with Alamo at MCO. Both in January (2003 & 2004). No long lines, no extra pressure for insurance, grabbed a car and off we went.

 

[inkkognito]

Our experiences have ranged from okay to good. We're gotten upgrades a couple of times and although they are usually pushy with the insurance, there have been times when they are low key (and even if they ARE pushy, it won't be a problem if you are assertive).
Barb

 

[Cbarr]

Glad to hear your experiences were good. We got such a good deal with them price-wise, I hope the service is at least decent and we don't have to wait too long in line.

 

[Caleb's Mom]

Just a heads up --
We booked & paid for our Alamo midsize rental through our Travel Agent. When we arrived at the airport for our pick up, rental agent asked to swipe a credit card. Told her I had already paid but she replied it was for their back up i.e. if we didn't fill up the car with gas upon return or if we wrecked the car. So I gave her a card #. Two weeks after our trip our credit card statement arrives in the mail and she did indeed charge us again for the car we'd already paid for. Called Alamo customer service and with in about 5 days they had backed out the second charge for us.

 

[Cbarr]

*bump*...anyone else??

 

[ogrugby]

We've had nothing but good experiences with Alamo the last 4 times we've rented from them in Orlando....even before they had the pick-up and drop-off at the airport. Always one of the cheapest rates, cars are clean, hardly ever a line (when we've been there) and service is almost always friendly.

 

[FlavioRJ]

I rented from Alamo last year (march), and was very easy, the counter was empty, I handed the documents I brought from the TA, a credit card for the taxes (that weren´t prepaid at the TA) and for any incidentals that may happen, crossed the street, picked a car among the dozens available. And everything was also smooth when returning the car.

 

[Kaybee]

I swore I would never use Alamo again after the first time experiencing a horrible long wait time, pressure for extra insurance, etc. This past May my TA got me a rental car from them. Unfortunately, I didn't discover it was through Alamo until right before we left. I was very upset and worried about using them and going through a big hassel with them again. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest thing is they now are located at the airport. The line was the longest of all rental car areas, but they quickly brought out more agents as the lines got longer. We waited in line about 20 mins. Picking up the car was no problem. Walked across the street to the ramp and picked out our own car. This time no pressure for extra insurance. Just sign you don't want extra. Returning the car was just as easy. I would go with them again if there price was right.

 

[inkkognito]

Just used them again, and it was great this time around! No line (probably lucked out with that one) and no pressure for the insurance. They just asked, I said no, and that was it. They were out of economy cars, so when my husband walked over to the booth to ask what to do, they gave us a big ol' Caprice! Felt like I was driving a boat...LOTS of trunk space. Alamo gets a thumbs up this time.
Barb

 

[bavaria]

)I've used then on and off for years. Service is much better now that they are onsite. Lines can still be long though. Since it takes a long time for checked luggage to arrive at MCO, I usually pick up my car downstairs and go back for my bag if I have checked anything (Now, for those of you who are worried, it has never arrived before my return!)

I once had the most pushy insurance spiel ever at Alamo (and I rent about 20 times a year in different cities).

Otherwise no problems with cars, and lines are a little shorter than they used to be offsite.

Did have an issue once when I left a small bag in the glovebox when I returned the car at the Wyndham Palace - I called back 30 minutes later and they told me that they car was already rented, was being dropped off out of state, and too bad. Very poor lost and found experience.

Another time the auto shut off didn't work and I had gas spilled all over me while refuelling - they gave me an extra day coupon (they obviously could smell me coming!

Overall tho they are pretty good.

I do find that Dollar has the best service of the MCO 'cheaper' rental agencies, both at MCO and DTD