Budget Car rental, returned car 7/8 full?

[PatMcDuck]

I am recently back from a WDW trip with DS. I was sick the night before we got him, DS is in a WC so I dropped off car, stuck receipt in bag without looking at it. I was distracted. MY BAD of course.

Got home, saw price was $22 higher than I expected. As I kept looking, I saw it said I returned it "7/8 full". I filled car, actually tried to almost over fill it, at the gas station next to Boardwalk. I have done that dozens of times, never an issue (usually use Alamo). The needle was to the right of the "F".

I assume I now need to find a gas station closer to the airport. I am not sure how they got the 7/8. Maybe because there is a digital sort of readout as well? Just wanted to warn others. Can't see much point in calling to argue now.

 

[doggydoc]

I have had rental companies do this and with out fail they have removed the charge when I protested. I hope gassing @ Disney is still a viable option. There are some stations on the way to the airport that have reasonably priced gas but they are inconvenient.

 

[katallo]

Between this and the fear of missing a toll or not having your Sunpass work it's almost not worth renting. Friends just returned from 6 days at WDW and used Disney transportion and Uber. We had the issue with gas one time with Dollar but we took a picture of the gas gauge (which was full) when we pulled in. We sent them the picture and they removed the charge.

 

[seashoreCM]

Is there anything in the contract describing showing a receipt from a nearby gas station when returning the car?

You need to plan more time so you can have a rental agent check the gas gauge, at least quickly check for body damage, read the credit/debit card receipt, before signing it, etc.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I had time, I was just distracted, not feeling well, and lazy. And surprised, I just did not expect this to happen, because I almost always fill up at that same station. If anything, it was 15/16 full. I get that I used some gas to get the airport, but only maybe a gallon?

It is all my fault for not being more careful. I never use Budget. I don't like them, will not use them again, I like picking out my own vehicle with Alamo (or National).

 

[Beer Me]

I know it's usually not economical but I always prepay for fuel. I've had too many instances in the past where I couldnt find a gas station near the airport. In an unfamiliar city it can be stressful and aggravating. Not ever having to worry about getting gas is worth a few bucks.

 

[goofy4tink]

I know it's usually not economical but I always prepay for fuel. I've had too many instances in the past where I couldnt find a gas station near the airport. In an unfamiliar city it can be stressful and aggravating. Not ever having to worry about getting gas is worth a few bucks.

Me too! It just saves time and stress about finding a nearby gas station, the day of departure.

 

[bumbershoot]

Can't see much point in calling to argue now.

Do you have the receipt? If so contact them.

Do you have the contract that shows the per gallon charge for not returning full?

Generally that per gallon charge isn't THAT high if you're talking one or two gallons. My Grand Marquis has a 17 gallon tank so 7/8 full means it's missing 2ish gallons. I've never seen a rental car place with $11/gallon prices. And I doubt you had a 2005 Mercury.

So that price is way off for gas from my experience. I'd call them.

I know it's usually not economical but I always prepay for fuel. I've had too many instances in the past where I couldnt find a gas station near the airport. In an unfamiliar city it can be stressful and aggravating. Not ever having to worry about getting gas is worth a few bucks.

You could just fill it ahead of time at normal local rates then pay for a gallon or so that you use in the last 24 hours or so.

Rental agencies I've used have two gas prices. One is for the prepay, which is for a full tank no matter what. The other is for when you don't prepay but don't return it full.

The latter is a dollar or two higher than the former (which is higher generally than normal rates) but it's still cheaper than paying for an entire tank if you don't need that whole tank refilled.


Did you return it a bit too late or even too early? We had a situation with Alamo where our flight was delayed so we got the car (or specifically went out the gates) late and then traffic was amazing and we returned it a touch early. The timing happened to turn out 4 day rental into a 3 day rental, which changed the rate. Was $13 higher. I objected to that so stood in line for quite a bit (we were early as I said, and had the time), got it explained and it was adjusted. A $22 charge sounds more like that situation.

 

[ton80]

Ill purposely driver around in circles to use all my gas. Prepaid.

 

[ktate82]

You could just fill it ahead of time at normal local rates then pay for a gallon or so that you use in the last 24 hours or so.

Rental agencies I've used have two gas prices. One is for the prepay, which is for a full tank no matter what. The other is for when you don't prepay but don't return it full.

The latter is a dollar or two higher than the former (which is higher generally than normal rates) but it's still cheaper than paying for an entire tank if you don't need that whole tank refilled.

We rented from Budget in February and the prepay option was about $3.50 (regular gas was about $2.40) and returning it needing gas was around $13! I told DH that was crazy!

 

[PSUGuy]

We do the Board Walk refill thing all the time including Budget once, never a problem on the return but I do have the receipt in hand.

Bill From PA

 

[seashoreCM]

Ill purposely driver around in circles to use all my gas. Prepaid.

If you really tried to use all the gas then there is great danger the car might run out while at the far side of the circle.