Please tell me about your experience with Thrifty cars

[molly2004]

I've booked a mid-sized car with them for $13.99 in October. Since they are off-airport, I was considering getting a priceline deal (It seems that the cars you get through priceline usually are on-airport). I did a forum search and found lots of negative reviews about Thrifty so now I'm worried. What have people's recent experiences been?

Thanks.

 

[molly2004]

Bump!!

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I'd like to know this too. We have Thrifty reserved as well.

 

[inkkognito]

Actually, with Priceline you can end up with Hertz, which is off-site and right by Thrifty.
We've used Thrifty many times when we couldn't get anything through Priceline, and they have been fine. Their shuttles are very prompt, and their cars are decent. We've even gotten an occasional free upgrade. The only annoying experience I ever had was one counter person who got really snotty when I didn't buy the insurance. To avoid that in the future, I joined Blue Chip (it's free). Now it's a hassle-free experience all the way around.
Barb

 

[seashoreCM]

Used Thrifty twice recnetly for Disney trips (member of Quicksilver) and at least once in a different city for other trips (not member of QUicksilver) and have had no problems.

Maybe it was because I was not renting near the end of the month when agents were trying to make their sales quotas for collision waivers and the like.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[MaryPA]

Normally, I would not like to say bad things about anyone or any company - but I must tell you that if they called me and offered me a FREE Rental I would NOT take it. I have used them twice I thought the first time was a one time bad experience - my mistake. The agents that take the reservation over the phone are extremely nice. The "counter" people at the agency are nasty! We would not buy the insurance and they were so terrible to us. No other rental agencies have ever been so mean!

We prefer an off airport agency because, honestly, the airport is too confusing and in the past we have returned the car and had to haul our luggage all through to the other end of the airport.

We like Hertz! THRIFTY NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!

 

[Michael623]

I've only used Thrifty once and it wasn't a good experience. When I picked the car up i made a note of a small dent/crack in the bumper. I pointed it out to the agent and made sure it was recorded on the contract. When I returned the car they made a big deal about it. They pulled me aside and made me wait 30 minutes while they discussed the issue. Eventually they let me go but it was a huge hassle. They were also a bit pushy about the insurance which doesn't bother me but others really hate that. With the right combinatien of coupons/codes you can usually get an equivalent rate from one of the on-site locations. Much easier.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I think I have decided to go w/ an actual on airport location instead of Thrifty. I've heard some good things about them and we joined their "club", but I would just feel more secure about being at the actual airport, especially when we are leaving. It just gives me a more confident feeling knowing we will get off the plane, go get our luggage and get the car, all in the same place and then the reverse on our way home. I don't want to have to worry about getting lost going to drop the car off!

Right now I can get a rate for about 50.00 more than my Thrifty rate. I hate to pay the extra, but I will do it for my peace of mind. Maybe I'll find a better deal before we leave.

 

[Michael623]

Keep checking everyday! The prices fluctuate constantly. Did you try the National priceless code/entertainment book combo? That is typically the lowest price I can find on-site.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I got a "decent" rate w/ Alamo w/ an upgrade using a Sams Club code. I never can seem to get any good deals National, but I will keep checking.