Emerald Aisle Disappointment -- Update

[robinb]

I was really looking forward to a cool car from the Emerald Aisle. We didn't get one. Our choices were also pretty slim at about 2 pm on a Saturday. There were a few intermediates, a Boneville (sp?) and a couple of Buick Regals. We picked a Regal since I had rented one in California (visiting DL). I remember that it was comfortable and it was the only model with leather seats. It wasn't until we were in the daylight that I noticed how grungy the interior was. Let me tell you, light gray is not a good interior color for a rental car. The carpets were filthy ... literally black. The dash was grimy and there were pen marks on the steering wheel and on the drivers seat. I couldn't believe that they allowed that car out in the condition it was in. Since there was nothing better in the Full Sized Aisle (I looked), we kept the car and did not complain. I will be writing an e-mail to National about the condition of the car and will include pictures.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Many have received excellent cars on the aisle. Or, at least they have reported great success here on the board.
We selected a lovely Impala, low mileage, great shape.
If you were not happy with the car, you should have returned it. You might have been able to return it at WDW. I would have definitely let it be known at the onset of the rental.

 

[robinb]

Gail,

I had considered returning the car at WDW after I noticed how dirty it was. However, my sister tried to return her Full Sized car there the day before because the CD player didn't work. They told her that they didn't have anything to give her, so I didn't even try . AT least the car smelled OK, which is more than I can say about my room at the Travelodge Maingate East.

 

[CarolA]

Next time you might try complaining at the check in counter when you return the car. I have often gotten a small discount for car problems when I did that. It is easier than writing a letter.

 

[sgtdisney]

CarolA is right. We once rented a minivan with National at MCO and had to drive to Atlanta in it right away to pick up someone up there and visit some family there for a couple of days. (It is a long story why we didn't just fly into Atlanta and drive to Orlando.) Anyway, almost to Atlanta there we discoverd the van was full of Ants!!!!!!!!!!! The van was trashed, full of sand. You could tell that the previous renters were absolute pigs. The ants were on the dashboard and by the sliding door! My wife couldn't believe it. We killed them and made sure not to have any open food in the car and didn't want to try and swap the van in another state. After a day or so we didn't see anymore... Anyway upon our return to Orlando we had planned to switch at the WDW location to a smaller car as we didn't need the van or it's price anymore. I complained at the counter about the Ants and the agent was very appologetic. They deducted 100.00 off of the price of the rental right there. Bottom line, the squeeky wheel does get the grease...

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Robin,
Makes sense, but, I believe I would have been VERY persistant. That, btw, is one of the uses for the EA hotline (or whatever they call that special number for us).
Remember, they trade on the customer satisfaction platform.

 

[Niagara2]

On Ea we have always had choice of 10 to 50 vehicles. If I saw one with any of the above complaints I would go to the next car. In 15 rentals we have had great luck. Go car to SUV to van to whatever you can live with.

 

[FergieTCat]

I would make copies of the pictures you took (or scan them and print them on a piece a paper) and write a strongly worded letter to National Car Rental. Maybe they'll give you a discount on your next rental.

Donna

 

[robinb]

National comes through ... with an apology and a $25 credit to my credit card. They will also contact National in Orlando to have the car removed from service for cleaning.

 

[lady400]

Good to hear you got this resolved to your satisfaction.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by robinb
National comes through ... with an apology and a $25 credit to my credit card. They will also contact National in Orlando to have the car removed from service for cleaning.

That is really good to hear. It is nice when a company tries to make the customer happy.