National Car Rental Consumer Reviews - Page 4

SAN JOSé DEL CABO. B.C.S. MéXICO C.P. 23400 -- On the 10th January 2010 we rented a car from National Car Rental in Tijuana Mexico for return to Tijuana on the 27th January. The first problems started on our drive down to Todos Santos when the windshield broke. After several telephone calls, which were not returned, we had agreement to take the rental to the La Paz central depot for exchange. On arriving they wanted to change the screen only and make us wait several hours for the work to be done.

Eventually after much arguing and telephone calls to Tijuana, they gave us an exchange car on the understanding that we take it back to La Paz and pick up the original rental. We were staying 60 miles away from La Paz, but had no option but to agree. 4 days later we returned to La Paz and changed the cars over at our expense. We left Todos on the 24th to return to Tijuana with the car, however over night, a storm took out 4 bridges and parts of the road back, the roads were impassable for 5 days.

We were then in Loreto some 4 hours North of La Paz, we telephoned National explaining that the rental could not be returned by the due date, because of the road conditions, and asked them what they would like us to do. They said to take the car back to La Paz for which we could pay US$741.00 as a one way drop off. After 2 days of arguing we agreed on US$350.00 after first agreeing US$250 which they reneged on. As we had deadlines to meet, with regards our return we had no option but to pay these rip off charges. We thought about just abandoning the car in Loreto and let them sort it out, but being responsible people, returned the car.

We are a British family and regularly book rentals from the National Group in Europe. But National Car Rentals Mexico have to be bottom of the league. Their customer services are non existent, and they do not return telephone calls. This rental for 16 days cost us US$1590.00. Beware of Nation Car Rentals Mexico.

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA -- I have used National many times in the past to travel long distances across the U.S., each time taking advantage of the unlimited mileage feature and have had great experiences. Enter Charleston, WV. I am not without some blame here as I made a hurried online reservation, and saw a price estimate that was similar to what I have received in the past and went to the airport expecting that price along with unlimited miles.

The National agent "Donny" printed out the rental agreement for me to initial/sign, however the estimate was $300, no unlimited miles. I told "Donny" that I was expecting a price of around $70 with unlimited miles. He said "hmmm, well I am just printing the reservation. Let me take a look." He then printed a new agreement that indicated a price estimate of $70. He said, "here is what you are looking for unlimited miles and $70 dollars." "Perfect, thanks." I did not review the document closely as I was in a hurry, and neither did "Donny."

Upon arrival at my destination, the total cost was up near the $300 range again. I was told to contact the WV office, which I did. They indicated that it was my error and that I had made the wrong reservation. I indicated that I had relied upon "Donny's" indication that I was getting exactly what I was expecting, a $70 price tag and unlimited miles.

The manager went as far as taking off the miles so that the price was $160 but would not go any lower, despite her agent, "Donny's" indications upon which I had relied. She became agitated with me and complained to me about having to work for an hour on this issue. In all, be weary of National Car Rental personnel, make sure that if you use them that you inspect every document carefully and do not rely upon any indications from their agents. Furthermore, DO NOT RENT FROM THE CHARLESTON AIRPORT LOCATION!

I traveled to England from Canada in December of 2006 for my daughter's wedding. I rented a car at London Heathrow with no problems... My problems only began when I returned the car. During my trip, I was involved in a minor accident when someone reversed into me at a traffic light to avoid another vehicle. The driver admitted liability and provided me with all necessary information about his insurance company.

This information was given to the agent when I returned the car and I received a copy of documentation acknowledging this fact. I was advised that I would lose my damage deposit of 550 GBP but that I would be reimbursed as soon as National heard from the third party's insurance company.

To be quite honest, this is bollocks because for nine months I heard nothing. In the past few months I have written to National on two occasions but they are so arrogant that they choose to ignore me. My question to them was "Can you tell me the status of the insurance claim against the third party and when I can expect the return of my damage deposit."

Now when someone ignores you after you have written twice and have obviously hit a nerve, it suggests to me that the other party has something to hide. Do car rental companies get compensation from both my lost damage deposit of 550 GBP AND compensation from a third party insurance company?

I am sick and tired of being shafted in the back by mega-corporations who see a quick way of making extra revenue at my expense. If someone at National would have had the intestinal fortitude to have replied to my two letters I would not be writing this message now.

They are either downright stupid or totally arrogant in operating this damage deposit system. My summary is that I would NEVER rent from NATIONAL again and no matter who I rented from, I would adopt a different approach towards my damage liability. CAVEAT EMPTOR. They suck big time.

LONDON, UK -- I am a US resident living in the UK for a year. I rented a vehicle from National Car Rental at King's Cross in London October 8 for a period of 9 days for a trip to Scotland. After picking up the vehicle my wife and I drove directly to Scotland and arrived at our hotel as it was getting dark. I then noticed that one of the headlights didn't work. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with non-functioning headlights in the UK, so I phoned National Car rental customer service. They were closed at 6:30 pm on a Saturday, and weren't to reopen their help line until Monday morning.

By Monday morning we were at our rental cottage in the wilds of Scotland where we couldn't get cell service. So, I didn't phone back, and didn't do any night driving (wasn't really a problem). I returned the car to London October 15 and upon check-in told them about the headlight. I got a slip from them stating no new damage to the vehicle and they said no worries about the light and halfheartedly apologized for the problem.

The next week I get a letter saying they have charged my credit card for £117 for a 'missing headlight'. I called customer service for an explanation, faxed them the no damage statement I got, and they said they will investigate and get back to me in 7 days. I told my credit card company I am going to dispute the charge if it doesn't get resolved. 10 days go by with no response so I call again... They will investigate and call me back the next day I am assured. 14 days the same response.

On the 15th day I call again and they tell me they have had no response from the manager of the branch, and finally agree to refund my card. Overall a complete runaround and poor customer service from National Car Rental in the UK.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA -- I have been renting from National Car Rental for 2 years with no problems or complaints until now. I've never really paid attention to my final receipts because I always thought the totals would be the same as the final receipt I receive when the car is returned. After going over charges on my credit card statements I noticed that on my last 2 rentals I was charged an additional 13.98, which the company explained to me were for adding 2 additional gallons of gas at 6.99 a gallon.

Outraged, I first contacted the company by email, which in turn told me I needed to contact the Shreveport, Louisiana Airport location. Even after speaking to the Manager I got nowhere fast, according to the explanation I was given: just because the pump clicks and no additional gas is allowed into the tank does not mean the car is full even if the hand reads FULL. What??? So, apparently even if you try to force additional gas into the tank and it spills out all over the ground according to the Manager it does not indicate the tank is full again if inside the hand is clearly on or above F...

This is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. The Manager refused to reimburse me or even accept my gas receipts from the station located less than 1 block away from the drop-off location. Basically, it was my word against the serviceman who inspects the car after it's returned and measures total gallons with a gas gauge. Needless to say I am upset especially since I've been a customer for 2 years and also an Emerald Club member, to think, the hundreds of dollars I've invested into this company and they refuse to reimburse me for $27!!!

LOS ANGELES, TEXAS -- FRAUD! FRAUD! FRAUD! I upgraded to a Mercedes, enjoyed the car, returned the car. I paid for the vehicle with my credit card, got a receipt and everything was fine. 2 DAYS LATER: I check my account this morning and National has charged me an additional $500 FOR NO REASON! I received NO CALL, NO ALERT, nobody mentioned any problems when I returned the car and I have a receipt that shows we paid the balance and left without a problem.

Now I call and there is not one person who can tell me what this mysterious charge is for!!!!!!! "MAYBE IT IS WRECKED?" is what the person tells me on the phone. MAYBE IT IS WRECKED!!!!!!! Are you kidding me? Yes, I am sure I would be allowed to leave the car with it being wrecked. I am not being helped, all I hear is "we will have to find a supervisor, no one is available." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????? I am calling my bank and reporting fraud as soon as I get finished with this review.

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!! These people charge you and refuse to help. There not one piece of information related to an additional $500 charge that anybody can find. As of now, I am waiting for a call back.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- Not only did they not have the van I reserved, they refused to find one. You can't tell me that in the whole combined car rental place in the world's busiest airport, there wasn't one minivan to rent. "Sir, if I could build you one I would." said the manager. "It's not my fault." Well, who's fault is it? I don't want you to build one, just find one. She was totally non responsive, which is shameful for a company that says "total commitment to customer service." **, you should be ashamed. No service, no resolution. Nothing. Calling the toll free number didn't help either. I rent cars a lot, I'll not be returning to National.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- Band of thieves at National Car Rental-Las Vegas, NV. I rented the above van for 6 days, when I turned the van in, I left the above Exedy bag in the van, back section, lower right hand corner, my RA **. I contacted the rental agency within 1 hour, after checking in the van. A couple of days later, I was informed that their cleanup crew had found nothing, even though the van had not been rented, after I turned it in. The agent in lost and found gave me the BAD news, nothing found - BS. The band of thieves have my items and management is covering their butts.

Perhaps this group of thugs thrive on stealing other people's belongings and go to sleep at night, believing the items belong to them. Justifying their crimes. I believe that TOP management at National Car Rental - Las Vegas, NV supports the band of thieves. Can't get **, manager, to return my phone call, what is she hiding. Shame on National Car Rental. I am an Executive Member, what the hell does that buy me? I still don't have my stolen items. Help!!!!

ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- I booked a full-size car with National via the link from AARP. The booking website asked about the primary driver, so I entered my partner's name and info. I also indicated that I - not my partner - would be paying for the rental. When we arrived at the rental desk, the agent at first said I would need to pay an extra $50 per day for the "additional" driver. I pointed out that only my partner would be driving, and I had indicated so on the booking website. After a few spirited but polite exchanges, she waived that extra-driver fee. I had zero issues with the rental. Upon return, 2 friendly National employees greeted us, and one of them walked us to the terminal.