Worried about National

[maciec]

Ok folks only 3 more days until we leave and I am getting really nervous about National. I just read recently about someone looking over all of the cars that were in EA and that they were filthy. If all we find on the lot are dirty cars is it commonplace to insist that they clean it? I would imagne so, but who knows these days. Customer service is not what it use to be. I also keep hearing other negative things about using them. Should I start looking for someplace else to rent from????? Also is an intermediate sized car going to fit myself, husband, and our 1yo .... plus our luggage, stroller, and car seat? Any clue as to what kind choice I'll have of cars on Sunday at 1pm? Is it worth it to check out both sides National?


Help me before I send myself into a pure state of worriedness!!!!!!!!

Melissa

 

[ducklite]

I've always had good luck with National in both Orlando and all over the rest of the country as well. We rented from them in August and had no problems whatsoever, there were a few cars that looked a little dusty, but the insides were clean and they certainly weren't what I'd call dirty by any means.

Unless you are bringing along the kitchen sink, you should have no problem fitting in in intermediate.

Anne

 

[erikthewise]

I am doing EA in 10 days and have also been a little concerned, but we have to keep in mind that EVERYTHING gets complained about on these boards. I will be thrilled if I actually get the full size I reserved for the rate I'm paying, but if not, we'll get by. The odd are we'll both have good experiences.

 

[hercamore]

Melissa,
First of all, if you have a toddler and all his belongins, not it is not worth it to run all over the airport between the National desks


I used National twice this year and had no problem with anything. Everything clean, no complaints. You should have enough room in an intermediate size car for three people. Back seat should hold baby and stuff.Cases in the trunk.

Have a good time, and ask for a Orlando mapl

I usually pickup our cars between noon and l p.m. There has been a good selection at that time of day.

 

[kityrussell]

We did EA in Sept 01 and got in really late around 9 pm. They still had some full sized and we even lucked out and got a premium car. We are going again in two weeks and I asked for Intermediate but am pretty confident we'll at least get a full size.

As for the dirty part, some did look a little dusty on the outside but our's was immaculate but then again, it was a brand new car. Like I said - we lucked out!

Hope it goes well and I woud definitely fuss at them if the car is dirty. There's no excuse for that.

 

[Esmerelda]

Hi,
first off, you have NOTHING to worry about with National. I have used them at least 10+ times in the past at the Orlando airport and have NEVER had a problem with them. I always be certain to take a print out of my reservation, coupons and have my DL, CC, and my EA card in hand when I am ready to drive away.

I have only once (yes, thats once) in 10+ rentals found maybe a cigarette burn on a seat but that was many years ago. (and I only probably notice it because I do not smoke) I usually have gotten very very nice, clean cars with very low mileage on them. I remember once walking out to the EA in the mid afternoon to find no cars. After looking somewhat disheartened, a National worker came over and told me to take what I'd like as they were a little slow on moving the cars that day due to volume. I think we took an SUV as I recall.

You should have NO problems and if you do, ALWAYS ask for a manager and get the name of the person you had a problem with. This is my rule of thumb on any vacation, at any place.

don't worry...and most of all..have FUN..afterall, you'll be in Disney within 20 minutes once you make it to National....

E

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I have yet to have a problem with National. The interior of the cars has been just fine.
Besides, even if it has a stain on the seat or the floor, who cares, you are not buying it.
We have managed to get exactly what we rented on two occassions and a premium ( I think a Bonneville is a premium) the next time. Both the full size ( Impalas) and the premium were spotless and absolutely flawless on the outside and both had "hide a body" size trunks.
You will be fine. Relax and enjoy.

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

We've rented from National a number of times and have never had any complaints about them. One time we weren't happy with the car we were given (after we had driven it for a while) so we stopped at National at WDW the next day. They were very accomodating and we ended up with a red convertible!!! We had rented a Standard vehicle. This was about 3 years ago. Another time, our flight was about 5 hours late because of weather and we arrived at MCO after midnight. The only thing they had left was a Lincoln and we were given that at the same rate as the Standard. We've rented after that and I always go back. With coupons, discount codes and such, you can get some real good rates. I've never noticed that any of the vehicles were dirty or in poor condition. The only problem I ever really have with National is that the radio is NEVER set on C&W music!!! LOL

 

[Pluto4President]

Just back - don't worry - rented three cars in the past 2 weeks and all were fine!

 

[robinb]

The only problem I ever really have with National is that the radio is NEVER set on C&W music!!! LOL

Well, you don't get the car I drop off then .

I'm glad that others are having good luck with National re: cleanliness. {{shrug}} Maybe I'm just a little more fussy than others, but since renters take such poor care of the cars they really look trashed inside to me. My husband rents from Hertz for business and their cars are always clean inside and out.