To summarize, understand that when you sign a contract with Budget, it's basically an unholy union between your bank account and their coffers. Study your rental agreement as if it were the SATs because they have no qualms about charging you for any innocent ignorance.
Reserving our vehicle was so easy online, and the clerk staff were great when picking up and dropping off. The van we rented was nice and roomy and accommodated our family quite easily. The drive was wonderful.
My first pang from my rental experience came from the "Under 24" fee that they charge you. The entire price of my rental went up 40% just based on my age despite the fact I've never had an accident or traffic infraction in my life. I cannot blame Budget specifically for that one because all the rental companies do that. Out of the guise of protecting their cars but really so they can further squeeze money out of the people who need their rentals the most.
I truly do appreciate getting some of that money back on gas, that was very accommodating of this company, but I'm afraid that the rest of the experience was nothing short of a nightmare.
Fast forward to two days later when I get a notice that my account had been charged an extra $100. I called budget to ask what was wrong and the woman informed me that they charge $9.80 PER GALLON to refill their tanks in that situation. I was utterly blown away they could be so penny pinching with their customers.
I told the woman on the phone, politely, "I had no idea". She very rudely and curtly responded that I should have as it was written down in the three page size ten font rental agreement.
That being said, my second and greatest problem with Budget came when I returned the car. I was cutting things a bit close when returning the car. It was do back at 12 and I had to drive to and from Detroit that morning to drop off my girlfriend at the DTW airport. By the time I got back to Lansing it was already so close to 12 that I knew if I stopped to fill up is be late and they'd likely charge me a whole extra day. I figured I'd drop the car off and tell them I didn't have the chance to fill up and pay the $30 or so dollars they'd charge me to fill the tank.
Nothing like finding out the day of our trip we need an actual credit card because they changed their policy and wouldnt take my debit card(which can still be charged as credit). And also wouldnt add a driver without them having a credit card as well. Wish i could leave zero stars dont feel like they deserve even one.
The extra fees and charges on a daily business, that's something I can handle, every business that puts money before customers does that. What truly bothered me was the tone used by the service representatives when I had questions about all these frivolous charges. They were dismissal and treated me like some sort of buffoon for not having every aspect of their rental agreement memorized by heart. I will take my blame in not understanding the blood contract you have to sign with these people just to get a Corolla for the weekend, but that kind of customer service has lost this customer for good. Along with anyone I would have recommended them to.
Mind you this car gets excellent gas mileage and I had been filling the entire car for $25. I even gave it back with a quarter tank. I drop it off and it's no problem.
I will say that the car I used for that weekend was lovely, great gas mileage.
I have rented with all the major car rental companies in nearly every state and this is the friendliest staff I have ever encountered. Always a positive experience.
Next time I'll be taking the bus.
After my experince with Budget Rental I have decided that I will never use their rental service, or truly any rental service again. It was genuinely that off putting of an experience.
That's still the most expensive tank of gas I've ever bought in my life but at least now I might be able to afford to eat.
We traveled to Alabama and back. I drove my 84-year-old mother-in-law down in the rental car. She was comfortable the whole way. The car got great gas mileage!!! And the ride was smooth. I didn't think the cost was bad at all for the distance we traveled. I would definitely rent from Budget again. The pick up and return were fast. As a matter of fact, I may need a rental car next week and will definitely go with Budget if I do.
The reason for 3 stars instead of 1 after this ordeal is because after I called to try and understand this extra charge they were able to accommodate me. They have said they'll give me half gas back and only charge me $4.40 for each gallon as opposed to 9.80.
Budget Car Rental is a US Car Rental based in Lansing, Michigan. Budget Car Rental is located at 4300 Capitol City Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906, USA.
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