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Save/ShareIt seems wrong to gripe on a Friday, but… Yesterday, I had one of those crazy business-travel days with a lot of travel for very little business: I flew from New York City to Albany, rented a car, drove to very pretty Lake George for an hour-long conference appearance, then returned home the same way. Anyway, my gripe involves the car rental. This will be the last time I rent from National unless the company learns to go easy on the air "freshener." I spent the entire time I was in the car trying desperately to breathe (and leaving the windows open didn't help at all). I wouldn't normally whine about this (publicly, anyway), but when I returned the car, the attendant said that I wasn't the only person to complain. Apparently it's a policy to over-perfume the cars. Anyone else have this problem with National? (It's that same smell that trash-bag makers and other household-product companies call "fresh scent" but it's just disgusting—at least to my nose.)
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I've never had a problem with stinky rental cars, however, I've rented two roach infested cars. Ew! Though I'd rather not have a stinky car, I'd prefer one of those over a roach mobile.
Posted By Sheila on May 16, 2008, 9:57 AM
I rent cars regularly and have noticed this problem as well. I've experienced "stinky cars" at National and Avis. I have, however, rented several times from Dollar, the impetus initially was they always seem to be the best value. But moreover, out of probably a half a dozen rentals so far, I have never received a bad smelling car from this agency. Great car, great value and great smell....!
Posted By Chris AlHazzani on May 16, 2008, 5:41 PM
I agree Chris, Dollar and Thrifty both always seem to provide superior service. The one thing Inoticed with them different then other agencies is there concern for the customer. Some times they will do whatever it takes to make customers happy. They also have a free program that gives me free days after I use it for business. National, Alamo, and Enterprise are all now trying to figure out how to work as one. My business is with Dollar and Thrifty.
Posted By Nick on May 17, 2008, 12:18 PM
As an employee of Dollar/Thrifty Automotive Group, I would like to say thanks to those above commenters for those kind words. Also I would like to say that here at DTAG, we are Customer Driven, and due our very best to provide for our customers.
Posted By Christopher on May 17, 2008, 8:50 PM
My last 4 car rentals, which were in March, April and May, have been with Thrifty, and I have been extremely pleased with the price and customer service. My only complaint is the extra charges that are tacked on such as recovery fees etc., which tend to double the price of the rental. These fees are applicable to all rental companies, not exclusively to Thrifty, and I think that they are a total ripoff to thr renting public.
Posted By Martin on May 19, 2008, 12:24 PM
I am currently renting a car from Enterprise. I waited over an hour in line to pick it up (and I had a reservation!) and the car is filthy. Some brown sticky stuff on the passenger seat. I would welcome a little air freshener!
Posted By Denise on May 19, 2008, 12:25 PM
I am a loyal Hertz renter but on one occasion I had to utilize National due to company restrictions and I agree the airfreshener is ridiculous. I was about 15 minutes into my drive when me (and my allergies ) realized I could not make a 2 hour drive with this smell and why should I have to drive with all the windows down just for it to be almost tolerable? I turned around and sneezing most of the way took the car back and asked for a replacement. The rental agent informed me that all of the cars were pretty much the same. In the end I decided not to rent a car from National and walked over to the Hertz counter, explained the situation, gave them my Hertz member number, they gave me a luxury car at the price National was charging my company for an economy car as a "sorry for your inconvenience" perk, curbside service and all. I had to eat the cost of the rental since I did not use the company designated rental company but it was well worth it in the end.
Posted By Stella on May 20, 2008, 12:44 PM
has anyone ever left something in a car and didn't get it returned to them? when I got home I realized I left my keys in a rental car I returned to dollar(both house and car keys)when I returned to dollar the vehicle was still there but had been moved,when I told them I had left my keys, when I was asked about something specific that was on the key chain I was happy but after going back and forth I was told to call lost and found the next day. I changed the locks on all my doors because it took too long to get a response and they were very rude.I live roughly ten minutes from the rental facility.Anyone that has a car with A chip key knows you can only get them from the dealer.After a month of trying to get my keys I gave up.
Posted By sharon on May 20, 2008, 9:16 PM
I hear you, Denise. After my car was smashed into twice last year, I was given an Enterprise rental.
Both vehicles were extremely smelly and the windows
inside had never been washed! Big deal, they vacuum
the interior and spritz off the exterior. Difficult to tolerate that smell!
Posted By SISI on May 20, 2008, 9:52 PM