Junky towncar-WWYD?

[karliebug]

I hired a towncar to take us to Sea World from Pop on our vacation last week. I chose a towncar company because I thought it would be convienent, and a lot cleaner than schlepping in a taxi. I also considered using the bus but chose a towncar because I thought it would be a lot nicer experience. The car was right on time at 8 am to pick us up and at 6 pm to pick us up a Sea World for our return. The driver was friendly and courteous. Here is the problem-the car! I was expecting a clean,shiny towncar. It was a 2000 lincoln towncar which was dented in the back and had numerous other dings and scrapes (not at all like the one pictured on their website). The inside leather seats were not just worn, but ripped in several places. The car had 538,000 miles on it. (how is that even possible?). Should I write and complain or just forget about it? I was so disappointed that the car was in such terrible condition. I could have just taken a taxi. WWYD???

 

[Detailor]

It sounds like the company gave you the service that you contracted for with them - picked you up on time at both ends of the trip and got you where you needed to be both times, too. And the driver was pleasant (which isn't always the case with some of these companies). So I'm not sure that there's anything to complain about. You didn't buy the car so the appearance isn't an issue unless there was some safety concern that you didn't mention (I think that sounds a little snide, but isn't really meant that way). The fact that this car has a half million miles on it suggests that the company has been taking care of the most important part of auto maintenance by ensuring that the mechanical condition is at a high level.

If you do decide to complain to the company there is little chance that it will have any affect. They'll likely think that you won't ride with them again anyway, so there's no real need for them to change anything.

I wouldn't bother with contacting the company.

Dick Taylor

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

First I'd write a letter to the company. Next, I would know I'd never use them again. Then I'd let everyone on the dis know about it. I've taken lots of limos and van service in Orlando and to Philly airport and never had such a beat up looking vehicle.
I've never heard of a car with over 500,000 but when I was a kid my dad had a station wagon with over 300k. He swears that with proper preventative maintenance and being kept in a garage, vehicles will last much longer than the amount of years most people keep them for. Funny how now that he's older, he gets a new company car every 4 yrs.

 

[goofy4tink]

It sounds like the company gave you the service that you contracted for with them - picked you up on time at both ends of the trip and got you where you needed to be both times, too. And the driver was pleasant (which isn't always the case with some of these companies). So I'm not sure that there's anything to complain about. You didn't buy the car so the appearance isn't an issue unless there was some safety concern that you didn't mention (I think that sounds a little snide, but isn't really meant that way). The fact that this car has a half million miles on it suggests that the company has been taking care of the most important part of auto maintenance by ensuring that the mechanical condition is at a high level.

If you do decide to complain to the company there is little chance that it will have any affect. They'll likely think that you won't ride with them again anyway, so there's no real need for them to change anything.

I wouldn't bother with contacting the company.

Dick Taylor

I have to disagree. When someone hires a towncar service, they are hiring something a bit more special than a cab. They have the expectation of a clean, up to date car, with a pleasant driver. If the car is in ratty condition, then those expectations aren't being met. If the condition of the car didn't matter then they could have gotten a car from Rent a Wreck (so to speak).
I would notify the company your contracted with, and let them know your entire experience...the good as well as the bad. They deserve to know why you won't be using them again and why you feel that you can't recommend their company to others. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.

 

[kaytieeldr]

But it doesn't sound like the car was dirty, it sounds more like it was 'shabby', or physically worn in the ways it would not be unexpected that an eight year old car with over a half-million million miles might look (especially if the vehicle owner was more concerned with keeping the vehicle in good/safe mechanical condition).

It should be remembered that, in most cases, the driver owns the vehicle and contracts with the car service; the car services likely own outright, few town cars.

And, ruadisneyfan2 - c'mon, you KNOW your dad would accept an older, high-mileage car if the the company let him

 

[bavaria]

The car had 538,000 miles on it. (how is that even possible?)

My first reaction was how do you know this? I take a car service all the time and have no idea what the mileage is. I wouldn't be able to see it from the back seat nor would I ever ask the driver.

I use a towncar service in the DC area quite often and recommend it frequently. It is owned by a husband and wife; he is the primary driver but sometimes she will drive if they are busy. They have a towncar and a Mercedes; neither is new but are well maintained.

The cost, service, and safety are most important to me.

 

[karliebug]

After seeing the condition of the car, my precocious 12 year old asked how old the car was and how many miles were on it. The driver told us 538,000, which I could also see from the passenger seat. He said that he had replaced the engine once. It's not the fact that it was an older car but that it was really beat up both inside and out. I think my child asked that because I had told the kids that I had hired a towncar so they wouldn't have to ride in a dirty,old cab. We were surprised to find out our "luxury ride" was dented,dirty and had torn seats.

 

[kirbsam]

it is not worth the energy that you are already putting into it. just forget it, and use a different company next time. no need to be vindictive, like some posted. it really is a nonissue, in my opinion.

 

[canwegosoon]

You sound dissappointed to me(like it was a non-event taking a TC-my boys 10yo are really into the whole thing), so I can understand how it can be disappointing. Unless the company's website specifically mentioned- newer fleet, etc...I am afraid you are stuck(who knows, the alternative might have been a no show). You got there, it sounds like the driver was efficent, the car was just not what you expected.

Next trip as pp have mentioned-try someone else.

Did you get recommendations from this board?