Thrifty experiences

[matty624]

We've never used Thrifty before from MCO. A quick question..... I know Dollar and Alamo are now allowing you to choose your specific car from a line of that type, ie you've paid for a standard SUV, so you choose from a line of SUVs. Is this true at Thrifty? I'm guessing not, as I've not noticed it mentioned anywhere.

I'd love to hear from anyone whos used Thrifty recently.

Thanks, Matt

 

[matty624]

Anyone?
TIA,

Matt

 

[PrincesCJM]

I know that Budget assigns you to a specific car. I wasn't real thrilled with that when I rented with them last August. Alamo does allow you to select your own car from the category class you rented from. I can not speak to what Thrifty does but would be interested as I have a rental for them for next year.

 

[matty624]

I know that Budget assigns you to a specific car. I wasn't real thrilled with that when I rented with them last August. Alamo does allow you to select your own car from the category class you rented from. I can not speak to what Thrifty does but would be interested as I have a rental for them for next year.

Yeah, it'd be good to know either way. As I said, being pesimistic, I'm guessing you can't. Surely someone has rented a Thrifty car recently?
Thanks,

Matt

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I rented from Thrifty many years ago, and that experience left me with a very bad taste in my mouth, so I cannot comment on their current policies/procedures, however in the past they assigned you car. They are notorious for high pressure insurance sales tactics, vehicles in worst condition then other fleets (ie. Hertz, Avis, etc.), typically lower end models of cars (less options/features) and lack of inventory, resulting in downgrades that you have to fight to get compensation for.

 

[matty624]

That doesn't sound good jlewisinsyr! I've read similar comments, but was hoping things may have improved in recent years. They seem to be the cheapest out there, but I guess you get what you pay for :-(
Matt

 

[matty624]

Anyone, anyone at all? Would really like to hear from recent Thrifty customers...
Thanks, Matt

 

[dj2]

i sure hope they are not ALWAYS bad. they seem to be the best deal in town in terms of price for the week in december that we're going - like $300 instead of $800, so we need to risk using them. yikes!!!

 

[matty624]

I know what you mean dj2, so far no good experiences from anyone! We've still not booked, but going to have to soon!
Matt

 

[LLS]

I, too, am looking for someone to share their Thrifty experience. I just booked a great deal in July and I'm wondering if it's too good to be true. MUCH less that all the other car rental companies.

I'd also like to verify the location of the Thrifty counter at MCO. Is it indeed onsite? Is it true you don't even take a shuttle from the terminal?

Thanks for starting this thread, Matt. I hope we get some info!

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

We just had a Thrifty rental in PHX this past weekend, and they indeed let us choose from a row of compact cars. They didn't have any Dodge Calibers left, so we chose a Ford Focus. Never had a problem with Thrifty. Good luck.

 

[My3kiddos]

We used Thrifty @ TPA last October with no problems at all. We were assigned a car, but it had alot of options and worked great for us.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

I've used Thrifty at MCO a couple times (value season in both 2005 and 2008). Having to take the shuttle from the airport slows you down a little, but it's not too bad. IMO, the paperwork and processing is no different for Thrifty than other companies. Mind you, I don't rent enough to get privileged status for faster check-in with any company.

January 2005 -- reserved a full-sized car and was assigned a 2006 Ford Taurus. The car was clean, but IMO, all Ford Taurus cars are uncomfortable and have challenging sight-lines. (I'm spoiled by my Honda Civic.) We considered upgrading to a Dodge Magnum, but Thrifty wanted an extra $200 (no thanks).

December 2008 -- reserved an economy car and since they were out of economy cars, we got a brand new 2009 Dodge Caravan Town Car. It was beautiful, easy to drive, and surprisingly easy to park. We got spoiled, not having to fold our bulky stroller for most of our 10-day vacation.

 

[LLS]

Sounds good -- thanks! Can anyone verify that the MCO Thrifty location has moved recently and is now located at the airport and that a shuttle ride is no longer necessary from the terminal?

Thank you!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Can anyone verify that the MCO Thrifty location has moved recently and is now located at the airport and that a shuttle ride is no longer necessary from the terminal?

I didn't know this, but the official airport web site confirms it.
http://www.orlandoairports.net/transport/rental_cars.htm

 

[LLS]

Excellent -- thanks for the info!