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Alamo Complaint - Alamo deceives the Customer and astronomical Seattle Rental Fees - Alamo engages in deceptive practices - Watch out!
Alamo engages in deceptive practices - Watch out! - Complaint
SEATTLE AIRPORT, WASHINGTON -- Alamo took advantage of my inexperience and deceived me by not explaining what their terms mean. When picking up my car at the Seattle Airport they rushed me through the process. One does not have the time to read the fine print while standing in line at the airport. This should be explained on the website when booking cars and this can be explained in 10 words or less at the counter. I was told that I had a choice to fill up the car myself or to let Alamo fill the tank. They did NOT tell me what that meant. . . I was supposed to know that they charge for a full tank whether I used a full tank or not. If they fill the tank for you, they charge $6.99 per gallon! I drove 119 miles - used less than 1/2 a tank of gas and they charged me for a full tank of gas at $78.57!!!!! Rip off!! Fill your own tank! Also, be aware that the City of Seattle and the State of Washington charge the rental consumer astronomical fees for renting in their municipality. I paid to the City and State: Customer facility charge $16, Concession recovery fee $58.38, Vehicle License recovery $2.24, Washington Sales tax of $44.97 and Washington Rental car tax of $49.01. So my fees to Seattle for renting the car in Washington for 4 days was $170.60, plus a tank of gas at $78.57 are astronomical. I paid more in fees and gas than my rental charges. I will never ever use Alamo again and hope you don't either. I will spread the word to everyone I know personally and on the internet to avoid this company.
I could have used a car service for a fourth of the cost to rent this car. I was ripped off totally. After speaking with Customer Service, I am even more disenchanted with their "We could care less" attitude. Screw the customer is their motto.
I could have used a car service for a fourth of the cost to rent this car. I was ripped off totally. After speaking with Customer Service, I am even more disenchanted with their "We could care less" attitude. Screw the customer is their motto.
Comments:
Posted by superbowl on 2007-08-15:
Always rent off site. You can avoid all the add-on's. Lesson learned the hard way, sorry. We have found some great off-site rental deals on some really nice cars, all you have to do is get a taxi sometimes to get there. But what you save more than pays for the taxi. Had a friend come into town, all the airport rentals were at $60+ per day. Two miles from the airport we used an off brand agency for $19.95 a day. All I had to do was give him a ride to their location as they have no airport pick up or drop off.
Posted by leopard on 2007-08-15:
it could have been worse, you could have rented from hertz, they suck! not only do they screw customers, but their employees as well!!
Posted by GothicSmurf on 2007-08-15:
There are always city fees, state fees, local fees, etc. Most places nickle and dime you until it really hurts.
Posted by skrewdnomoore on 2007-08-16:
Everyplace nickles and dimes you until it really hurts. That my friend is inescapable.
Posted by jktshff1 on 2007-08-16:
You have got to take some responsibility for not taking the time to understand their terms.
Posted by brandons mom on 2010-09-08:
They would have offered you the prepaid gas option. On your rental agreement that you sign it shows the tank of gas at normally the gas station or less price and you buy the tank that is in the car and return it empty. If you dont decide to do that then you need to fill it up when you return or the refueling fee is high to have someone else fill it for you.
Posted by FlShopper on 2010-09-08:
You did have the time to read the fine print at the airport..but it sounds like you didn't want to. Never sign anything unless you've read it and understand it. And then make sure you take the time to walk around the car and make a full inspection of it and note any scratches, dings, etc.
As for the fees, that's pretty standard. There's no getting around many of them.
As for the fees, that's pretty standard. There's no getting around many of them.
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