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October 27, 2007
Unethical business practices
Thrifty Car Rental - www.thrifty.com
I was quoted an excellent rate of $19.66/day for a mid sized vehicle for business travel in the LAX area. I arrived very late at LAX and the Sales Rep who checked me in asked me about additional coverage. I explained I had protections from my personal automobile insurance, credit card company, and corporate travel agency and was NOT interested in anything that was not mandatory. Furthermore, as a part-time employee of Hertz during college, I am well aware of the [poor] value of these products.
I did not think my final bill was unreasonable, but I did call to verify a charge that looked suspicious. LDW1 appeared ion the rental agreement quoted at 9.99/day but ballooned to $14.99/day on the final bill. I rented a mid-sized vehicle. There were no mid-sized vehicles available and I was given a minivan. The person on the phone explained that was why I was charged extra for this optional service
I was furious to discover I was charged for optional services when I specifically stated that I had no interest or need for these services. The codes on the rental agreement are very cryptic I do not know what LDW1, PPP, SL1 or JMP mean; and I find it unreasonable to be charged for them when I wouldnt even know what coverage they provided even if I did need them.
It appears to me that I am the victim of a highly unethical employee who, wishing to gain commission incentives, slipped these charges into my bill without my informed consent. (I did initial/sign where he told me next to the cryptic letters) The net result was my $19.66/day rental costing $47/day.
I would gladly pay higher rates somewhere else and deal with an ethical company than be treated like this.
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August 31, 2007
Fraud & cheating!
On 8/12/07 I arrived at Manzanillo airport in Mexico, the Thrifty agent told me that the Orbitz rate of $71.98, under which I have reserved the car through Orbitz was wrong, it should have been $201. Left with no real choice at that airport, I agreed to the increase and signed the rental contract.
I picked up a Dodge Stratus with 54,000 Km, it had a loud, clearly audible rumbling noise emanating from the front ends, and it felt excessively spongy and lethargic when it bounced over the many speed bumps on the road in Manzanillo; a strong indication that the shocks and struts were in very poor condition. Also the back seats were broken and sunk in when sat on. Nevertheless, given that it was Mexico, I assumed that it was nothing out of the ordinary to have a rental car in poor condition and high mileage. Besides, the 45 minutes drive between the airport and my hotel made me decided to just stick with it.
During the 7 days, from time to time, the car's lower right front panel would come unattached, I would just push it back in, to its mounting clips on upper panel, until it came off and just hanging loose again.
At the end of my trip on 8/20/07, I drove it back to the airport, the AC stopped working, and a black rubber/plastic, about a foot square flap came off the hanging lower front panel, flapping in the wind and against the right front tire. Anyway, I was able to make it back to the airport and returned the car.
After checking the car upon my report of the problems, the Thrifty manager told me that the oil pump was leaking oil because, she determined, that I must have run over something. She also mentioned dirty muddy water (which was from the rain in the previous several days and the muddy sections of some roads) -- and I will be responsible for the repair cost. I told her that since I was not offered to inspect the oil pump prior to renting, there was no way for me to know what was the condition of the oil pump, for all I know, the car could very well had an oil leak long before I picked up the car, therefore I would not pay for it. She had since charged $1,425.23 on my credit card which I have filed a dispute with my credit card company.
So there you have it -- Thrifty at Manzanillo airport used deceptive, low rates at Orbitz to lure renters, then charged the higher, normal rate once they showed up. Provided a beat-up junk that had numerous pre-existing mechanical problems through years of traveling the bumpy roads of Manzanillo. And, if something goes wrong as hoped and expected, then charge the renter for the repair costs. Sounds like a classical third world fraud to cheat the tourists.
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August 17, 2006
They don't like Dutch people!
August 4, 2006 10:30 pm. Had a confirmed reservation with a dutch address and passport at Thrity St Louis Airport. At arrival the agent Joshua refused to honor the reservation and contract saying I did not have a valid drivers license. He would not help, offer any advice, or assist in any way. Thrifty and Joshua was content to leave me stranded all night in St. Louis after they had promised me a car. Finally carried my suitcase to Enterprise and had no problem, but paid 3 times the price. I think THRIFTY and Agent Joshua might have rented the car had I made a larger price for the reservation. But I think they don't like Dutch people coming to Thrifty in St. Louis.
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