Dollar Rent A Car Review

In January, 2008 I made a reservation with Dollar Rent A Car for a week rental in August, 2008.  The reservation made was for a Dodge Charger.  As you know, when you rent a car they will not guaranty which vehicle you will actually receive.

I checked in at the counter and was quickly informed that no Charger's were available.  OK, not a problem.  They were giving me a Chrysler Pacifica.  The woman at the counter said "it is a free upgrade".

The customer service representative asks me if I want to accept the insurance, and I declined as my own policy covers me for rental insurance.  The additional insurance would have cost $167.00 for the week.  When I told her I decline, she became very rude.  She kept insisting that my policy would not be sufficient and continually reminded me that I will be driving an uninsured vehicle.  How can they give me a vehicle is it's not insured?

I accepted to pre-pay for my fuel at the rate of $3.56 per gallon.  I thought that seemed like a fair price, and I was glad I did.  The Pacifica has a huge tank and I didn't see any stations less than $3.68.  She told me if I didn't pre-pay the fuel and brought the car back requiring gas, I would then be charged a rate of $7.10 per gallon!  WHY????

We make our way out to find the car, and what did I see upon approaching the car?  There must have been 25 Chargers parked, all clean and shiny, ready to go.  I thought there weren't any available.

Once we find our car, I notice it has bangs and scratches all over it, along with little stickers saying "REPORTED" and a date.  We get in the Pacifica, and find it to be dirty and smelling of smoke. 

I went over to the rental booth and asked them for another vehicle.  I was told no, they didn't have anything.

I load up the Pacifica, and head out of the airport.  As soon as I get on the 417, a light on the dash comes on "Vehicle Requires Service In 128 Miles".  That's nice, I get a vehicle requiring service.

The next day, I welcomed the new light on my dash, "LOW TIRE PRESSURE". 

By the third day, the car began stalling.

I called the 800 number on my key ring and explained the problems to them.  They said I will have to remain where I was until someone could get to me.  I asked them how long will that take?  The response was, "I don't know, it could be all day". 

I don't think so!  I am on vacation and will not waste a day of my time. I will drive this car until the wheels fall off, or the engine quits; whichever comes first.

Customer Service at Dollar Rent A Car is basically nonexistent.  

I usually rent from Hertz, and have never had a problem.  I went with Dollar this time because I wanted the Dodge Charger.  The upgrade to the Chrysler would have been great if the car was in working condition.

I will not rent from Dollar again.

By the way, the car stalled as I was pulling into the garage to return it and I couldn't get it started again.  We just made it!