This rental was a nightmare, NOT worth saving a few dollars here!
Written: Aug 01 '09
Product Rating:
Pros: There aren't any, even the few dollars price difference in a significant pro.
Cons: OLD DIRTY CAR, NEEDED MAINTANENCE, UNSAFE CAR! Rude agents, bait/switch cars, high pressure insurance pitch
The Bottom Line:
Stay away from Advantage rent-a-car (or is it rent-a-wreck?). Definitely not worth saving a few dollars to rent a dirty, unsafe car from rude people who bait/switch cars.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
gshakley's Full Review: Advantage Rent-A-Car
I rented from the Orlando location. Car had 37K miles, bad vibration at 60 mph, loud noise when making turns, spongy brakes. THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. Substituted a Honda Civic for advertised Mazda 6 or equivalent, and said it was an UPGRADE. As soon as declined the high pressure for insurance, the agent got very rude. I am sure this is what resulted in me being downgrades and getting an old car. When I asked to speak to the manager, he was just as rude, it was like they had the act choreographed. When you get to the airport and call for pickup, the recording said a shuttle bus comes every 10 mins. A group of us waited 27 mins for the first bus. This driver said we would have to wait for the next bus, that he was full. HE HAD 2 PEOPLE ON THE BUS. We waited another 21 mins for the next bus. When I got to the car and open the door, I was greeted with 6-8 cigarette burns in the seat. The car had a strong chemical smell probably to cover-up the smoke. In hindsight, I should have immediately gone back and demanded another car. After waiting nearly an hour for the bus, I was late for an appointment and could not return the car. As I started down the highway, the car developed a significant vibration at 60 mph. My first stop from high speed was thrilling, as I found the brakes were extremely spongy and had to stand on them to get stopped. The first turn in city traffic revealed a loud grinding noise in the front left wheel. Fortunately, I only had the car for 36 hours. I was holding my breath until I returned the car.
One significant disadvantage with this company is they have very few outlets. Since I had driven to the Daytona Beach area, I thought I would switch cars. Since there is no rental location there, I was stuck. Had I rented from a reputable company, I could have gone to a local location and swapped cars. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but I will consider this in all future rentals if I am traveling any distance from the rental location.
The one positive, the bus drivers to/from the airport were very courteous and helpful.
Recommended:
No
