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In the hopes that some corporate executive actually reads this evaluation, I will try to politely explain my grievances' and my firm belief that &quot;BUDGET AUTO RENTAL&quot; located at the Cleveland International Airport, is engaging in an &quot;unlawful&quot; -Bait and switch- program.<br /> <br /> Confirmation #17156922US6 (for compact auto/economy: quoted charge of 453.96 for approx. 13 days of use)<br /> Itinerary #7481868301483<br /> Reservation made (on/about) 5 Sept 2019<br /> <br /> ORDER OF EVENTS:<br /> *Arrived Cleveland as planned, after an overnite, sleepless flight with three heavybags of luggage.<br /> *Took shuttle to rental facility.<br /> *Presented my credentials and of course, credit card.<br /> *Rep behind desk informs me that all she has available is a 9 Pax and a Pickup Truck, if I did not want what was available, then she would upgrade my reservation to full size vehicle @ 150.00 extra. I asked why was I being charged for the upgrade, she informed me it was all she could do.<br /> *Tired from the overnite/sleepless flight, I reluctantly accepted her terms.<br /> *Inspected the vehicle for external/engine performance/damage and I drove the car (Ford Edge), to my first destination on the East side of Cleveland, S Euclid.<br /> *Noticed the Charging System Indicator lite on dash was on.<br /> *Contacted the rental facility automated customer service-911 to get <br /> instruction, she informed me to take vehicle to nearby annex for replacement vehicle or possible repair.<br /> *10 minute drive to annex (per 911 human instructions), the proprietor informed me, he could not help me, if I wanted a replacement, I would have to go back to the Airport (CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!). I had no choice but to drive (on the Highway) 20-40 minute drive with a disabled vehicle, for a replacement vehicle. (note: At this time I was dead tired, angry and hoping the car would make it to the Airport, and not break down on the Highway).<br /> *Luckily, the same Rep was behind desk and still on duty. She gave me another <br /> vehicle, this time a Chevy Impala, same rules - same price.<br /> *Inspected vehicle, as I always do with rentals, for external/engine <br /> performance/damage. (found a scratch on left rear fender), noted/informed the people <br /> at the lot exit, she confirmed my observations and I drove off. Still tired and <br /> frustrated, I finally arrived at my final destination.<br /> *A few days later, the low tire pressure indicator lite and chime came on. (at that moment, considering the inconvenience I experienced with the previous vehicle, I opted to just go to the many gas stations, every few days, that had operational air pumps, and pay to refill the tire; another inconvenience, this time with a price, though the price was insignificant).<br /> <br /> I did not prepare myself for these problems; I tried to reduce the cost of this trip, and then I get hit with:<br /> - a &quot;bait and switch scheme&quot; <br /> - two, not one, two vehicles with malfunctions that should have been is covered before being reissued<br /> - worrying about a vehicle breakdown in the mid of a congested street; or worst, on the highway<br /> - paying for minor repairs and wondering if, when and where the next problem will occur<br /> - when trying to contact, the very confusing &quot;automated customer service <br /> line&quot;, there is NO possible way to speak to a &quot;human&quot; other than the 911 option<br /> <br /> I know some will question; why didn't he just go to another rental agency, or perhaps <br /> borrow a friend or family member's car, or just continue complaining about &quot;price and <br /> customer service&quot;?<br /> My answer to this and any other questions there may be; &quot;I'm tire, angry, and with the inflated price I paid I should not have had problems, period&quot;.<br /> <br /> I realize that this complaint will not be of concern for your operation, but hey; YOU GOT PAID. I can at least promise you this, I will walk before I rent anything from your organization again; furthermore, I will inform my friends/family members of this <br /> experience so they will not fall PREY to your dynamic business practices combined with an inadequate customer service. BAIT AND SWITCH is not legal in this country.<br /> <br /> It should not be up to the customer to drive all over the city to resolve maintenance <br /> issues of your vehicles. Your vehicles should be inspected and repaired when returned to the rental agency before being reissued to the next customer (I know the fast turnaround of the product is very profitable, however, you should consider your customers' situation).<br /> <br /> The name says it all; &quot;BUDGET AUTO rental&quot;, I got what I paid for, malfunctions along <br /> with all other risks and inconveniences. I thank you for a very memorable vacation; first and last time with you as a reliable source for my personal transportation needs (IRONY, in case you missed it...)<br /> <br /> I realize the emotional content of my writing, after proof reading the above, I apologize for the emotional part, not the content. To be fair (giving your company a <br /> benefit-of-doubt), my situation may have been a &quot;one in a thousand occurrence&quot; and I <br /> happened to be that lucky one. But, and there is alway a &quot;but&quot;; it shouldn't happen at all.


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