Thrifty at MCO - Just Returned

[TwoAtDisney]

Just some info in case anyone needs -
1. Paid $132.92 total including all charges/fees.
2. Pickedup Sun 12/1; returned Sat 12/7.
3. Mid size - got Mazda; don't know model; never looked.
4. Line not too bad; arrived at line about 10:15-20am
5. Hubby wanted to return without filling gas; cost was $51; we said that was too much for such a fuel efficient car; ended up putting $19 in tank; just drove around Disney area. Agent did not advise us to bring a gas receipt within 10 miles of airport.
6. Agent's printout of our cost was more than we had on our printed ressie; asked why; turned out our pickup/return was 10:30am; he printed it at 10:29am - costing us more - so watch for a change in price. Didn't notice that he reset our pickup/dropoff to 9:30am - but it didn't cause any problem since we dropped off earlier than 9:30.
7. In garage, cars are on ground level - convenient.
8. Keys are not given at the counter - go to garage; take any car in area marked "Midsize" with trunk up. That was nice; got to select our car by mileage, plus one car reeked of smoke.
9. On returning, we gassed up at World Drive & 535. The employee taking our car only looked at the gauge (still full) & did not ask us where we bought the gas or for a receipt.
10. Our returning receipt was accurate - $132.92.

NOTE - I asked for the number we should call if the car broke down. The agent said we are responsible for the car - we get tow truck - we pay for tow truck. Is that true? Are customers then reimbursed for the tow? Tow it to anywhere, or where? I didn't care. If something had happened, would have called & handled it. But, just thought the answer was strange.

 

[seashoreCM]

6. Agent's printout of our cost was more than we had on our printed ressie; asked why; turned out our pickup/return was 10:30am; he printed it at 10:29am - costing us more - so watch for a change in price. Didn't notice that he reset our pickup/dropoff to 9:30am - but it didn't cause any problem since we dropped off earlier than 9:30.

NOTE - I asked for the number we should call if the car broke down. The agent said we are responsible for the car - we get tow truck - we pay for tow truck. Is that true? Are customers then reimbursed for the tow? Tow it to anywhere, or where? I didn't care. If something had happened, would have called & handled it. But, just thought the answer was strange.

I would expect that the rental agency is responsible for breakdowns not related to accidents. But check the fine print on the back of the rental papers.

 

[loveswdw]

NOTE - I asked for the number we should call if the car broke down. The agent said we are responsible for the car - we get tow truck - we pay for tow truck. Is that true? Are customers then reimbursed for the tow? Tow it to anywhere, or where? I didn't care. If something had happened, would have called & handled it. But, just thought the answer was strange.

I know when I rented last time here at home from Enterprise they told me that roadside assistance was an extra $3 per day per rental. I could opt out of this if I preferred to use AAA or other roadside assistance. Thought it was crappy that they didn't offer roadside assistance for free any longer. It is THEIR car.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

I know when I rented last time here at home from Enterprise they told me that roadside assistance was an extra $3 per day per rental. I could opt out of this if I preferred to use AAA or other roadside assistance. Thought it was crappy that they didn't offer roadside assistance for free any longer. It is THEIR car.

That is so strange to me. I never thought about it until I just happened to ask that question on this trip. I just assumed they are responsible for their car if it breaks down due to no fault of mine. Why should renters be responsible for their malfunctioning cars???

I have AAA, so I guess that is what I will use if the problem occurs - but I will call the rental car company first & follow their directions, just to stay out of a financial liability.

But, I wonder - what happens to the car after I have it towed somewhere? Shouldn't they bring me out another car & then follow thru on the repairs of the original car? Afterall, I rented a car from them, so don't they bring one that works? Surely they don't think I will stay & get the car repaired & be responsible for the bill!!!!

I'm sure if one rental company does it this way, they all do.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

yes you are responsible for the car if it breaks down unless you purchase road side assistance from the rental company. If you do not purchase the roadside assist you are responsible for the car and any repairs and no they will not bring you another car. Its a new way for them to get more money out of you.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

yes you are responsible for the car if it breaks down unless you purchase road side assistance from the rental company. If you do not purchase the roadside assist you are responsible for the car and any repairs and no they will not bring you another car. Its a new way for them to get more money out of you.

OMG, Shelly! Is this really true! Where can I find such in writing? How can someone rent a car that doesn't work & why would they even maintain the cars, knowing the customers would have to repair them?! This freaks me out!

Are there some companies that treat the customers fairly regarding this issue?

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Just read on another travel board that a tire blew on a woman's rental car & she had to pay for towing & a new tire. Also that tires are not covered under the insurance purchased from the rental companies! I wonder what else is not covered.

We have AAA, so not worried about towing, but repairs can be very expensive - new engine, new transmission - yikes! Guess I'll start buying that expensive insurance from the rental company & hope I don't have to give them new tires!

Also, don't like that I lose part of my trip while sitting on the side of the highway & in a car repair shop!