Rental car luck
gSteph
The view from the other side of the room
I've rented a car less than many people, probably less than 10 times.
One time a few years ago, went up to the rental counter at the airport (real busy time) to pick up my reserved "Camry or equivalent". Kid at the counter frowns at the screen, mumbles, "I don't think we have any cars left". Manager comes over, clicks on the keyboard for a bit, and says, 'Sorry Sir, we've only two choices, a minivan or a Dodge Charger.
Guess which one I chose? The Charger had 11 miles on it. Clearly I was the 1st person not paid to transport it somewhere. An hour later I learn the Charger shifts in 5th gear a 118 mph.
Do you have any good luck (or bad luck) car rental stories?
One time a few years ago, went up to the rental counter at the airport (real busy time) to pick up my reserved "Camry or equivalent". Kid at the counter frowns at the screen, mumbles, "I don't think we have any cars left". Manager comes over, clicks on the keyboard for a bit, and says, 'Sorry Sir, we've only two choices, a minivan or a Dodge Charger.
Guess which one I chose? The Charger had 11 miles on it. Clearly I was the 1st person not paid to transport it somewhere. An hour later I learn the Charger shifts in 5th gear a 118 mph.
Do you have any good luck (or bad luck) car rental stories?
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A couple of months later I got a bill from Hertz in Spanish stating that I owed them an additional amount in pesos which turned out to be $1.25. I was pissed. I wrote them a letter and itemized what it cost me to respond to their letter. Translation, conversion, paper, envelope, postage and my time. I told them they owed me $5.87 but since they were a struggling company I would forgive them.
They did reply that they consider the account paid in full.
I avoid the Malibu and most of the Toyota and Nissan sedans due to lack of features. Malibu is too underpowered.
I was once offered an upgrade to a Mustang convertible. It was a darn fun ride - until I drove under a huge flock of birds.
They maintained their bowel control, but I was nervous as hell!😵😏
That was the first and last time I rented from Hertz. Funny how they had to file bankruptcy
This was about 20 years ago - and I was traveling to Florida for a business trip. Several teams from my bank were having a series of meetings in a large hotel.
I was drinking a lot and clubbing - but still holding it together most of the time. But I didn’t like renting cars on business trips - as I was avoiding temptation to club and drink and drive.
I was traveling solo - and I got through my first day of meetings - and the first nights dinner. I should have gone to my room - and gone to sleep. But, I wanted to club - and I know it’s stupid but I don’t like taking cabs to strip clubs.
So, I know there is another group from my bank there - all straight laced types. I walk down to the valet and ask for the ABC Bank rental car. The valet goes in his closet and grabs the keys - and pulls a Dodge minivan around for me. I tip him a few singles and head off to the club.
This was Orlando, and I went to Rachel’s - as I had seen it on the ride from the airport. The girls were all pretty amazing looking - compared to what I encountered in my favorite NJ whore houses. I couldn’t get any filthy action going - so I drank a lot. I was there until closing - and I got tossed for propositioning several dancers before they finished their shifts.
I got back to the hotel and dropped the car back at valet - and luckily I didn’t get too much glitter or stripper perfume on the minivan seats to cause any issues with the legit renters of the vehicle. It was a definite stupid thing to do.
Upon return of the car I asked if the prior renter of this vehicle had called about a lost item in the vehicle. They said no so I held on to the $ in good conscience. I wasn't too worried about it actually though. The car reeked of weed when I picked it up so I figure that someone was dealing out of it before me for a few days and likely had money stashed all over.
Nowadays I find using Uber so much more convenient. In almost any city I travel to I never wait more than 10 minutes for a car and often no more than 5. I doubt that I'll ever rent a car for business trips ever again.
Rented a car in Phoenix to take one of my kids around to explore schools and living quarters. Arrived without him a day early so I could explore...some of the local clubs. The person at the counter said due to state law my own insurance would not cover the car and recommended that I buy their insurance. I should/shouldn't have, but did. A drunk gang banger sideswiped the car while pulling out of a club parking lot. (I had just parked and was not moving.) I had to chase him down. Later the Sherriff said I was an idiot for doing so, because if he had been sober, he probably would have shot me. (I was so pissed that I didn't think about it.) He was arrested for being drunk in public. They found a loaded .45 in the car. Later, the rental company sent me a letter demanding that I pay $5K for the repairs. I replied politely with a copy of the contract showing the insurance payment. They apologized and rescinded the demand.
Past two years my job required that I frequently rent cars. Now I have VIP accounts and getting good cars at a fair price has been easy.