Thrifty Car Rental Reviews

To make matters even worse, they would not allow my husband to have his name on the rental. He had been blacklisted by Dollar at the same airport 4 years earlier. They apparently are the same company. On that rental, we had a blowout of a bald tire 1 mile after leaving the airport. We changed it and immediately returned the car for a new one. Over 3 months later, we got a bill for the tire damage of $175. Our credit card would not pay it as too much time had gone by. They called and called and finally my husband paid the bill in full but apparently he is on some blacklist to not rent to now.

We drove the Jeep for a week. It was scary with the rough highways in Wisconsin and the bald tires. One night, we were in a rainstorm and of course, the wiper blades were rotted. The entire front end was out of alignment and the back right tire area made a whining noise. I was so happy to get back to the Milwaukee airport alive and without having a blowout. We looked at two other cars in their lineup when arriving and we saw bald tires on the new vehicles too. I would never rent from this company again. Their vehicles are unsafe.

This was fine, but the total chargeable came up to $191.09. I was shocked by this, as the new price represented a near 250% increase on what I was expecting to pay! I asked him why the amount was so much, and he said this amount included the insurance fees (loss damage waiver, uninsured motorist protection and supplemental liability). I understood that these fees were optional, so I informed him that I did not want to take out the extra insurance premium and that I just wanted to pay the originally quoted amount of $77.95.

He then said that under those circumstances, he was unable to offer me a Ford Fusion or any other car but that I could take a minivan if I wanted to. Now, I understand that with a wild card booking, I might get a larger car; but I was not expecting a minivan. The website quotes a "mid-size or larger car." I do not consider a minivan as being a car, and I was not comfortable with the idea of driving something so large.

More conspicuously, if his first offer was a Ford Fusion, why couldn't he have honored that without forcing me to purchase the optional insurance? I fail to understand why one would be allowed to rent a minivan without purchasing insurance but that the reverse is true when wanting to rent a car. It seems to be a policy of double standards.

I have called customer service to complain, but they were of no help. They said the best way to resolve the situation was to return the car and cancel the rental. But they also said there was no guarantee that any cancellation would be honored. From the car rental rate of USD 77.95, I had to pay USD 191.09 due to the optional insurance that was tacked on emotional grief, arguing with sales person who is out to try to make a quick buck and branch supervisor who was rude and equally unhelpful and out to cheat unsuspecting customers.

I feel cheated, as I was put in a position where I had no choice but to take out the insurance premium, even though it was clearly optional. However, he refused to rent me the car without adding on the optional items. I shall never be renting from Thrifty again.

Thrifty did replace the car but because there was a wait for the other car, we weren't able to do anything until about 8 pm that night. I was offered a pitiful $25 refund by the local office on our $224 bill. When we returned the replacement car, the manager told us that they had problems with locals renting cars and taking off the good tires and replacing them with bad tires. So the company knows about these bad tires, yet does nothing about it! I do have pictures of these tires and would be happy to share them.

This time, the request was $450 while at the same time knowing that they had already charged my credit card for $327.60. I requested for a reversal of the credit card charge so that Visa would pay them the correct amount since they had not factored in the first payment on my credit card. The individual, McCarty, referred me to corporate customer service as she was not going to assist. Corporate customer service after I contacted them referred me to subrogation where McCarty worked and said they would not assist. Thrifty has split the claim into this strange arrangement where corporate customer service handled part of the claim and subrogation part of the claim.

Now, subrogation has presented documentation that shows an adjustment on the initial rental agreement where they presented documentation in September that did not have the adjustment, so either Thrifty tried to double collect on the account ignoring the initial documentation and presented me with an alternate copy in September 2008 or they purposely concealed an amount of approximately $70 which is the difference between the $189.90 they are saying that they are going to collect on where the balance based on their initial subrogation documentation in October should be $450 - $327.60 = $122.40. I have told them over three emails starting in December to date that they have their numbers wrong, but they don't cooperate and get the math right.

Now here's where it got crazy. The rental car's front end was damaged to the point of noise, and the oil light came on as soon as I left the rental company. I woke up on the morning of the 6th and looked over my paper work, and found all of the hidden fees. I took the car back because it was not in good condition. I asked if I could get a car that would make a trip out of town, and said I needed a discount for all the hell I went through. Matthew pretended to give me a good discount. I stopped and read the paperwork and find out it was a joke and a lie.

What I asked Matthew was to let me lease it for the week; I only rented it for 3 days and thought it would be wise to extend it because I was going out of town. It cost $174 for 3 days and $209.00 for the week, plus $156 for all the other fees he pretended to take off for my troubles with the damaged car they knew about. At first he told me he had no more cars to give me or switch me in. I was angry with these people, plus they charged me the airport fee of $12.95. I had no clue how to remove it. He finally removed it, but explained that they had charged me airport fees before, and did not credit me for that. I have never rented or called from the airport ever.

What type of business is these people running that allow adding charges to you that they never told you about? I learned from an honest employee that this happens all the time and customers come back to return the cars and really are so upset. So a company that allowed their employees to be put in front of angry people and get yelled at and threatened, while he rakes in the stolen hidden fees from the people who try to trust them. I will check into some legal advice. I would like to see this company put out of business. Matthew is so not into his work. One of Thrifty employees told me that Matthew is on some type of drugs and was taking them the day I was there. I will never lease from this place again, and will do my best to send emails to all my friends and others about this rip-off

When I returned the car, they checked it like I've never seen a company check. Underside, under the hood, each tire, each window, and details inside - something they did not do when I picked up the car. Then the guy checking stated the spare tire was stolen. It was obvious that the previous renter had taken the car out of Germany to France and by the tools, they had tire problems and perhaps the spare was not put back. No one checked this when I picked up the car. Who checks for the spare when you rent? On the contract, it did not state it came with a spare. They then wanted to keep the 2,000 euros for the loss of a spare tire. I did not want a 9-seater from the start; thus, I was forced to take a bigger and more expensive vehicle.

In addition, I am frustrated by other aspects of the rental experience. I initially requested a compact or economy car (I'm not sure which, but I imagine it's in your records, as I reserved online). After waiting in line for an inordinately long time in Orlando, the rental agent convinced me to upgrade the car class by telling me that in addition to having more amenities on the car, I would be able to have my colleague, Mr. **, as an additional driver without incurring charges for this. He specifically remembers her saying this as well.

While I realize I reflected my understanding of this by initialing the appropriate place on the agreement that is definitely contradictory to her explanation and very frustrating, we were only traveling together for a portion of the week, and I certainly would not have paid $9.99/day for an additional driver for an entire week had I understood that to be the case. It also appears that I was charged for an extra day on this weekly rental ($12.34) when I only had the rental for 7 days, and in fact returned it in the morning of the seventh day. This whole experience was frustrating, culminating in the $25 charge for failure to pay a toll which was definitely paid. I would like to hear from someone at Thrifty as soon as possible to clarify these issues. At this point, I am very disappointed with your customer service.

After it was reset to zero, I put the nozzle in the gas tank and proceeded to pump 46 cents of gas, at which amount the pump shut off. When I again went inside to ask her to reset it, there were several people waiting in line and the cashier was clearly overwhelmed. She insisted that I had pumped the $29.60.

She would not give me the $30 gas that I had paid for, and she would not give me my money back. She gave me the receipt for the previous customer's $29.60 purchase, and later I asked for the receipt for MY 40 cent (it actually pumped 46 cents) purchase. I tried calling the police department and was told it was a civil matter. I was told by the cashier (Pamela?) that I would have to speak to the manager, Darrell G. Whenever he happens to BE there? I have been buying gas for many, many years, and this is the first time a gas station has STOLEN my money!

I was unable to buy gas. Or food. That $30 was all the money I had. I am very poor and on a fixed Social Security Disability income. I have to choose between food or gas. This incident has raised my blood pressure so much it could give someone a heart attack or stroke.

I called Thrifty and they took that charge off. My big concern is that I was charged tax on the total amount of the bill including the pre paid gas. The tax was already paid on the gas why should they be charging it again. Also should they be charging tax on the 6% RI rental car charge and other service charges.

When I called thrifty they did agree to remove the loss damage waiver charge but insisted the other charges should be taxed and refused to remove them.

We got on our bus to the airport and I noticed that the charges were very confusing and did not make sense and a final charge of $470.44. I knew that could not be right since I had my copy of original charges with my initials on the quote of 166.00. I received my American Express bill with the charge of $470.44. I was MAD! I immediately contacted DTG Operations DBA Thrifty Car Rental and spoke with Janiece who was at first as lost as anyone could be concerning these charges. Finally after asking for a supervisor she came back with giving a credit of $259.76. After hanging somewhat satisfied I realized I was still out $44.00.

I then contacted them again and they said they cannot refund more than that because they have to see what the taxes...fees...etc. was going to be which would eventually...might be...credited also. At that point I said thank you and hung up. I then called American Express and opened a dispute for the $303.76 overcharge since I will not wait to see if I am credited or not. I will not deal with this unscrupoulous company again!

Overcharged $303.76 on my credit card.

I drove the car to the hotel a few miles away,parked it and took of for a few meetings around Miami and returned the car around 5pm same day. At no point was I in any accident or caused any damage to the car. I was quite surprised when I was informed that there was some minor damage (scratch) on right front of the car and I had to go into the office with the slip he handed me indicating the damage.

I have just received the documentation from Thrifty where they have actually added more damage to the form after I left their office (different handwriting etc.) I have been presented with a bill for $630.88 which I will fight. I tried to reach the rep who signed the letter, but she was not available. Anyway, they have included some of the same pictures as I took, in some damage is clearly old as plastic from bumper is faded from the sun, hardly something that will develop in a matter of hours. I rented this car for about 16hrs, parked in hotel and corporate parking lots, still they claim I have managed to sustain damage on the rear bumper, front right side and left door...

I will most likely report this to the police as well as I don't take this lightly. This is nothing less than a attempt to defraud a customer.

I never drove the car and Roger drove it the whole time we were there. the charges for the extras that they assured me was approximately $163.08. I booked the rental. The total price including $109.89 for a second driver which I did not ask for came to $291.59 which is far more than they quoted. I realize there is tax etc but did not know until we left that they charged us for two drivers which is rediculous when I would not have told them there was more than one driver they just assumed because we were together that I would drive too.

I know they asked for my license but I just thought this was routine. Please tell me what can be done about the overcharge? Overcharge, got lost trying to find them back to return the car as they told us it was at the airport not in tim-buck two. We were charged for a second driver and did not ask for a second driver when we originally booked this rental.

Dixon ment to say something and she screams Clear and Loud : SHUT YOUR MOUTH NOW, in front of the costumers, in the midle of the store. My wife, not used to these kinds of situatons, tried to say to Mrs.Williams that she was a frequent client,why was she doing that, Mrs, Williams was rude and said she could not rent the same car or model and that's it. My wife, took the option they have given her and left the store.

I have arrived today from a business trip and my wife told me about what happened, I imediately returned the car and went to another company for another rental. Bottom of line,I have a company myself, I am an employer, I treat my staff with dignity and I don't think a costumer(such my Wife) nor an employee(such Dixon) deserves that kind of treatment. Above all, I believe that most of staff from Trifty are working hard to rise the Flag of their company, and a person such Valerie does not deserve to be in the place she is. I am a very busy person, my wife is an Attorney, we have lots of more important matters to take care of,however, we tought was right to inform this situation, a company name could be harmed hiring people like this lady. Thank you so much for hearing our complaint, I am sure you're one of the persons that likes things fair and right. Best Regards.

Trifty must be advised

Before leaving the site I asked if I needed to extend the rental it would be a problem and was told no - just call and let us know. So on 4/11/08 I called and was speaking with a person in the phillipines who told me that there was a 10.99 per day late fee in addition to the daily rate for the extention. When I pointed out that there was a paragraph printed on the contract I signed that said that the late fee applied if the car was returned after 4/12/2008 1900. the call was disconnected.... Called back and spoke with Cali who seemed to be pretty nice bugt started with the same you will have an additonal fee speach. After a few moments she said she would get the late charge waived but wanted me to know since the car was due for a routine maintance she could not extend the agreement..

Seems as Thrifty doesnt want to acknowledge the contracts they use

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 flap about a foot square 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.

They charged me $1425.23 on my credit card which I'm disputing.

and refuse to discuss any credit.

They blame Travelocity and Travelocity

blames Thrift. I've appealed to my credit card and disputed the charges.

We were overcharged over $100 above the quoted rate. We had to wait over

For a trip to Romania in June 2006, we made a two week reservation with Thrifty for an Opel Zafira from the USA, for the amount of $1,497.94. We were looking for a minivan with seven seats, and we were not familiar with the Opel Zafira car make. So we called Thrifty and made the reservation by phone, and we were assured that this minivan? will fit seven people and luggage.

We went to the Thrifty counter in Romania, at the Bucharest Otopeni airport, and once again asked about the car size, only to receive the same response. Big mistake not to check the car before signing the contract and giving away the credit card information!! We had the very unpleasant surprise to find that the minivan? was more like a station wagon, with 5+2 seats, if you pulled out the two small seats in the luggage area, there was aboslutiley no room left for any luggage at all. So we went back to the counter, returned the contract, and refused to rent, as they could not offer any larger minivan.

So WE NEVER RENTED THE RESERVED CAR from Thrifty. We were misinformed TWICE by Thrifty about the size of the car. The Thrifty counter employee told us we would see a refund within days. Thriftys misleading manner about the car size has caused us great inconvenience, as we found ourselves at the Romanian airport after a long flight, with three small children and two elderly parents. We had to pay for two taxis to take us to the first destination, then look for another car to meet our needs.

Upon our return from Romania, there was no refund to our credit card. We called Thrifty multiple times, and although the American Thrifty employees tell us that we are entitled to a full refund, the case opened at the end of June was never resolved. We opened a dispute case with the credit card company, but that has not helped either until the time I am filling out this complaint. Once again, they sent us the copy of the contract and credit card receipt as mailed by the Romanian Thrifty franchise.

credit card charge of $1,497.94 without receiving any service at all from Thrifty.