|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 12, 2016 20:35:22 GMT
I used to love them.
I have an old car, and they often have great prices, so if I am going away for a weekend I rent from them. Ditto for long trips.
6 weeks ago I booked a car for a trip and I needed to modify it. I have the car reserved for 5 pm tomorrow and I really need to leave by 7 am at the latest.
They all know me at my local Enterprise and I have never had an issue changing a reservation. So I called first thing this morning and I was told by the manager that he was just going to call me and see if I could change my pick up time, because they are completely out of cars and they don't know that they will have a car for me at all tomorrow, and they can't get me one today.
I was shocked, and he wasn't even apologetic.
He said he would call around and see if he could find me one for today. 5 mins later he calls back and says nope.
So I had a client meeting when I got back I go online. On line shows cars available at my local site. I call back and the gal kind of rrants about how bad the system is. So No car.
I try to call the airport location and end up at a central reservation number. They find me a car at a location near me but not the one I booked at Tunnel rd for clarity.. She changed the reservation for today, all is good.
Then I can them to see if they will come pick me up and I am told they don't have cars either. I am now pissed.
So I try the airport again. Get through to central res, she says yes the airport has 6 cars. I ask her to call them directly and confirm. She comes back, they don't have any but I just checked and they have a car for me at Tunnel Rd. She says well I spoke to James Patterson he confirmed they have one. I will transfer you to them. She instead puts me through to customer care.
She confirms Tunnel rd doesnt have any she is checking other locations and then she disconnects.
Unfreaking believable.
By this time I am looking at other companies on line I book with Dollar. I cancel the Enterprise reservation. While I am on hold at Enterprise (again) to cancel I see the fine print on the Dollar rental. The car can only be driven in 6 states and I am going to 3 states not on the list. There was no notification of this until after I made the booking. I call Dollar to see what the cost will be to go outside of the zone, and I get disconnected. By this time I find a cheaper car at Thrifty. I double check it says unlimited mileage. (No I did not know Trifty and Dollar were the same company) all good and booked.
So I call Thrifty to confirm and make sure they actually have a car, while on hold I see the same clause. I explain this to the girl, who says she will check and says I can book at Hertz they have unlimited mileage and no geographical restrictions.
My head is spinning from all of this!
So my question is this: Is this a one -off with Enterprise or have I just been lucky in the past?
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Jul 12, 2016 21:02:44 GMT
We usually use National. No experience with Enterprise, but I would be ticked if I made a reservation and then they didn't have a car for me. What if you hadn't called them?
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Jul 12, 2016 21:07:32 GMT
Ive used Enterprise lots of time in the past with no trouble. Maybe this is just a one time headache?
FWIW, I would not use them in the future if I had the trouble you've been having with them.
|
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 12, 2016 21:33:48 GMT
Several years ago we had major problems with Enterprise and refuse to use them any longer as a result. We stick to Hertz for the most part, especially if taking the car across several states. They have never given us a problem with it. DH even put 5,500 miles on a new Suburban once on a cross country trip! If you don't want to use Hertz, you might check National. We used them in CA a few years ago with no problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Jul 12, 2016 22:22:16 GMT
I rent through Enterprise and have had them bend over backwards to accommodate me. The worst experience was I drove off a lot in a Camry that I should have rejected, but it was the only car on the lot in the size I'd booked and they were closing. It was a quick turn around car for them and a corner of the bumper was pulled out a bit. The agent pushed it in, noted it on the agreement and said it shouldn't be a problem. I drove off to fill the gas & it had pulled out again. Given that I hated the cloth interiors and was going to be doing a couple hundred highway miles I decided to drive back to the lot, turn it in and get DD to pick me up. They were technically closed, but still processing the paperwork from the morning and the agent immediately searched for a car at another location for me. Drove me to the location, upgraded the car and gave me double credit for the gas I'd just put in the Camry. We had two cars in for week long repairs earlier this year and the Geico provided rentals were both through Enterprise. I've never run into a problem driving to an adjacent state. Our nearest location couldn't rent me a car to drive from CA to Canada but I could get one through the airport location. I thought that was odd, but assumed it was a paperwork issue. The inventory can be off if it is based on reservations in the system with anticipated return dates. If people keep the cars longer than they originally booked the location may be showing those as available even though they are not. Is there something going on locally that there is such a shortage of cars? Sorry you've had to scramble today - it shouldn't be that hard to rent a car  . |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 16:49:17 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 22:31:49 GMT
I don't rent cars often, but I've used Enterprise for years and haven't had problems with them. I've also had rentals through them on car insurance claims.
I'd be frustrated at the problems you're having, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by disneypal on Jul 12, 2016 22:38:01 GMT
I love Enterprise and use them for when I travel on long trips (my car is 14 years old). They know me there and remember me. The last time I was there, the guy even remembered that I went to the Strawberry Festival in FL (he asked me about it when I walked in the door, hadn't looked me up on the computer yet). Nice folks
I always get a pretty new car and since I am a regular, they often upgrade me (if they have it available) for free. I've had nothing but good experiences with them.
I can see why you are upset - you made your reservation 6 weeks ago, there isn't any excuses for them not have a car ready for you tomorrow. I can understand if they can't change your reservation at the last minute but to put you through that run-around is ridiculous!
|
|
|
|
Post by originalvanillabean on Jul 12, 2016 22:47:26 GMT
Lately, we've used Enterprise (last 3 rentals) and have had no issues. But I've heard some terrible stories.
We much prefer Avis (DH is Avis First member) but those 3 were insurance related and luckily, we had no issues.
|
|
|
|
Post by paperaddictedpea on Jul 12, 2016 23:25:01 GMT
I've had mixed experiences with Enterprise. I mostly use AVIS now because I have a preferred account through work. OP, your unavailable car issue reminded me of a Seinfeld episode. Seinfeld - The Reservation |
|
|
|
Post by vi on Jul 12, 2016 23:32:09 GMT
I've use Enterprise for years and have had no problems. They usually upgrade my car too. I just rented from them this last week and they upgraded. I've been happy with them. I even bought my last car through their sales office. You must have had some incompetent people at the office where you tried to rent. I'd complain to a higher-up and I'll bet you'd be compensated. Enterprise is privately owned and they bend over backwards.
|
|
|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 13, 2016 0:39:01 GMT
We usually use National. No experience with Enterprise, but I would be ticked if I made a reservation and then they didn't have a car for me. What if you hadn't called them? He said he was just getting ready to call me.. and say what F'off?  |
|
|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 13, 2016 0:43:49 GMT
I rent through Enterprise and have had them bend over backwards to accommodate me. The worst experience was I drove off a lot in a Camry that I should have rejected, but it was the only car on the lot in the size I'd booked and they were closing. It was a quick turn around car for them and a corner of the bumper was pulled out a bit. The agent pushed it in, noted it on the agreement and said it shouldn't be a problem. I drove off to fill the gas & it had pulled out again. Given that I hated the cloth interiors and was going to be doing a couple hundred highway miles I decided to drive back to the lot, turn it in and get DD to pick me up. They were technically closed, but still processing the paperwork from the morning and the agent immediately searched for a car at another location for me. Drove me to the location, upgraded the car and gave me double credit for the gas I'd just put in the Camry. We had two cars in for week long repairs earlier this year and the Geico provided rentals were both through Enterprise. I've never run into a problem driving to an adjacent state. Our nearest location couldn't rent me a car to drive from CA to Canada but I could get one through the airport location. I thought that was odd, but assumed it was a paperwork issue. The inventory can be off if it is based on reservations in the system with anticipated return dates. If people keep the cars longer than they originally booked the location may be showing those as available even though they are not. Is there something going on locally that there is such a shortage of cars? Sorry you've had to scramble today - it shouldn't be that hard to rent a car . I'm not driving to an adjacent state.. I'm driving half way across the country.. NC to Oklahoma!! But I had never heard of being limited to x number of states. I don't know what is going on when I got to Hertz the guy was completely stressed out, he only had 3 cars left one was a huge truck, and he had a van full of people coming from the airport! He had rented to two other Enterprise people who had the same issue as me. He asked me if I would wait while he called around begging other locations to bring him cars! He had a long night ahead of him! He was so nice and helpful I hope he got the cars he needed. |
|
|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 13, 2016 0:46:07 GMT
I've had mixed experiences with Enterprise. I mostly use AVIS now because I have a preferred account through work. OP, your unavailable car issue reminded me of a Seinfeld episode. Seinfeld - The ReservationOMG that was completely me this afternoon!! Glad I can chuckle about it now. |
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Jul 13, 2016 2:04:54 GMT
I'm not driving to an adjacent state.. I'm driving half way across the country.. NC to Oklahoma!! But I had never heard of being limited to x number of states.I don't know what is going on when I got to Hertz the guy was completely stressed out, he only had 3 cars left one was a huge truck, and he had a van full of people coming from the airport! He had rented to two other Enterprise people who had the same issue as me. He asked me if I would wait while he called around begging other locations to bring him cars! He had a long night ahead of him! He was so nice and helpful I hope he got the cars he needed. I'd never noticed the limit either and asked a friend in insurance if they had any insight. He said there are two main reasons he could think of and one is it puts an indirect limit on the "unlimited miles" that are standard in the rental agreements and the other is it reduces incidences of having to deal with out-of-state breakdowns or accidents, repair and retrieval of cars. I hope you've been able to get a car. |
|
|
|
Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 13, 2016 2:17:52 GMT
I'm not driving to an adjacent state.. I'm driving half way across the country.. NC to Oklahoma!! But I had never heard of being limited to x number of states.I don't know what is going on when I got to Hertz the guy was completely stressed out, he only had 3 cars left one was a huge truck, and he had a van full of people coming from the airport! He had rented to two other Enterprise people who had the same issue as me. He asked me if I would wait while he called around begging other locations to bring him cars! He had a long night ahead of him! He was so nice and helpful I hope he got the cars he needed. I'd never noticed the limit either and asked a friend in insurance if they had any insight. He said there are two main reasons he could think of and one is it puts an indirect limit on the "unlimited miles" that are standard in the rental agreements and the other is it reduces incidences of having to deal with out-of-state breakdowns or accidents, repair and retrieval of cars. I hope you've been able to get a car. Thanks I have! It is odd Thrifty and Dollar both have it... but Hertz doesn't and they are all owned by the same company. The gal who helped me switch to Hertz said Hertz has negotiated unlimited including the whole US and the other two don't . The odd thing is it covered only states south and west of NC... it didn't cover VA or Maryland both which are closer than Alabama and parts of Florida. I now know to avoid them ! The guy at Hertz said they will cover you it just costs another $20 a day! He said when he asks people where they are going and he has to tell them about the charge they are pissed! He said I was lucky to see it most people don't! I learned a lot today!  |
|
Nink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,947 
Location: North Idaho
|
Post by Nink on Jul 13, 2016 3:11:30 GMT
I've rented from just about every car company there is, and the only time I've been limited in travel is through Enterprise. Are you sure you wouldn't have been restricted with them as well? I live in SoCal and when I go through Enterprise I'm only allowed to drive in CA, AZ, and NV.
|
|
tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
|
Post by tduby1 on Jul 13, 2016 3:44:51 GMT
I'm not driving to an adjacent state.. I'm driving half way across the country.. NC to Oklahoma!! But I had never heard of being limited to x number of states.I don't know what is going on when I got to Hertz the guy was completely stressed out, he only had 3 cars left one was a huge truck, and he had a van full of people coming from the airport! He had rented to two other Enterprise people who had the same issue as me. He asked me if I would wait while he called around begging other locations to bring him cars! He had a long night ahead of him! He was so nice and helpful I hope he got the cars he needed. I'd never noticed the limit either and asked a friend in insurance if they had any insight. He said there are two main reasons he could think of and one is it puts an indirect limit on the "unlimited miles" that are standard in the rental agreements and the other is it reduces incidences of having to deal with out-of-state breakdowns or accidents, repair and retrieval of cars. I hope you've been able to get a car. I seem to remember years ago rental cars could only be used in the state you rented them. while on vacation last week a gentleman was renting a car and happened to mention the state he was going to. We were in Las Vegas. And the lady said, "oh no, these cars can only be driven in Nevada, Arizona, California and Utah." So he said, oh then I am going to Utah. She said, "sir, they have GPS and shut down as soon as you cross the state line". Technology! I hadn't thought leaving the state would be an issue, luckily we were going to an approved state. |
|
|
|
Post by alissa103 on Jul 13, 2016 4:22:03 GMT
We hate them.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many issues we've had. No cars available with a reservation, only compacts when we have reservations for a mini van, dirty cars that smell like smoke, etc. Plus I feel like it takes a thousand years to check out and get out of there. Just give me the freaking keys already!!! After our last issue DH said never again.
We've been renting from National. It's lovely. totally different experience. In and out in minutes. Lots of available cars. Have never not gotten what we reserved or better. Freebie days. Easy returns where you just jump out of the car and hand them the keys. In Hawaii they upgraded us from a compact to a Mustang convertible. That was so fun!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Meri-Lyn on Jul 13, 2016 16:07:25 GMT
One time I used them through Geico, I had issues. I pay extra for rental coverage, and when I asked the reservation person what type of car I was getting, she said something like a Dodge Stratus. (mid-sized sedan.) Guy shows up at the collision place with a Nissan Sentra. Dh is a big guy, 6'4", and there was no way he was going to fit comfortably. I made a fuss, and they said I could get something else, but it would cost me something like, $1.98 out of pocket a day. I said okay. I ended up with a choice between a Dodge Avenger or a Volkswagon Jetta. I took the Dodge. Now, this next part isn't all Enterprise's fault. My car was supposed to be ready on XY date (let's say the 10th). I made it clear that I was going out of town on the 11th to the collision place, and if it wasn't ready, I would need a comparable car (SUV), to what was being worked on, for the trip. The manager at the collision place agrees. The 11th comes and no car. So he calls Enterprise (a different office then one I dealt with previously.) They come up with a Honda Pilot. That works! But it was like the staff couldn't even be bothered by me. He gave me the keys, and I told him I had to unload the trunk. No offer to help or anything. I had to unload all my stuff, which included two big presents for two one-year olds' birthdays (my bff's) and luggage, from the parking lot (which is where I was told to park), in the drizzle to the underport, where the new car was. And they just kind of stood there and watched. Really? It really left a bad taste in my mouth. My dealership uses Enterprise, too, but that was only a one day rental, while waiting for a part to come in, so no issues there. (Had a Ford Fusion, that time.) |
|
|
|
Post by Meri-Lyn on Jul 13, 2016 16:11:34 GMT
Dollar/Thrifty was in the news recently. Apparently, they were jacking up rates to people who were using pay by plate toll roads. Most toll roads here (and I'm sure other states, also), don't really have toll booths anymore, they just send you a bill for the amount, plus a small admin fee. Dollar/Thrifty was charging anywhere from $20 to $50 in their OWN admin fees to the toll bill, and then charging credit cards for the fees without knowledge.
I know Enterprise did charge my card, because I left the stupid Sunpass in the center console, but the admin fee wasn't more than about $5.
|
|
MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
|
Post by MizIndependent on Jul 13, 2016 16:19:21 GMT
Actually, I've used Enterprise pretty exclusively for the last few years. Never run into an issue like you're describing.  |
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Jul 13, 2016 16:31:46 GMT
DH and I wanted to rent a car at the last minute and Enterprise is the only one in our town unless we went to the airport or another city. I just can't believe how much of a hassle it is just to rent a car these days. I can't remember all the details but they said we had to provide one of our utility bills, and some other things.. We were like forget it.. we ended up just driving our own car (it's older but reliable) but another thing was she didn't even have a car for us. It had to be a five day rental. We only needed it for 2 days. They had no cars for a 2 day rental. They had some for a five day... so finally we were like thanks but no thanks.
|
|
.
