Other locations may be ok but avoid Payless in Orlando!
Written: Apr 02 '07 (Updated Jul 12 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: One of least expensive rentals in Orlando. Very near airport. Quick shuttle service.
Cons: Rude rental agents; cars not maintained properly; watch out for hidden charges!
The Bottom Line: Choose someone other than payless! They're a rip-off!!
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| geels2484's Full Review: Payless Car Rental |
Update to Payless Car Rental Review (4/7/2007):-(
I am now "duking it out" with the Payless rental agency over the exorbitant additional charges to my Visa card. I happened to be pulling up my recent Visa data online and saw that Payless had charged my card almost $50 more than my original rental confirmation. I was able to identify twenty dollars of the extra charges as the addition of my husband as a named driver. Who knows what the rest is for, but I suspect it will be gas. We didn't have time to fill the tank back to the "half-full" mark on our contract; however, the car was returned with tank between 1/4 and 1/2, and I took a picture of the gauge and odometer just before exiting the car upon our return. The
Ford Taurus has a fuel capacity of 18 gallons. I think getting charged $9/gallon to get it to the half-way mark is highway robbery.
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We rented a Ford Taurus in Orlando, FL (near MCO) for Spring Break, last week in March 07.
Our rental details were completed online, so as soon as we arrived at MCO I used the courtesy phone to call Payless about a shuttle (they're a mile or so off-site; however renting off-site most anywhere will save you $$$).
The man answering the phone was rude! Told me not to call back til we had our luggage in-hand or we'd miss the shuttle! This could have been communicated more politely.
The shuttle picked us (and several others)up to take us to the rental office. The driver was courteous and unloaded our luggage at the rental office. I rushed in to get a spot in line to get our keys. There were 3-4 rental agents in a dirty, cluttered office. I think I got stuck with the worst one! He gave me a real argument trying to convince me to take out damage waiver insurance *(see below - this is important for you to know!) but I stuck to my guns and declined. The agent also stopped waiting on me, several times, to do other things, such as give an unhappy customer a different set of keys because he'd been given a dirty car.
Our car was ok but I'm used to a better ride. The tires on were garbage - there was a serious vibration that my husband was concerned about due to possible tread separation (a.k.a. blowout).
We weren't told that our vehicle would only be furnished with 1/2 tank gas but after calling Payless I was told this should appear on the rental agreement (it was). Meaning if you return the car with same amount of gas you won't be charged more. I took a digital snap of the gas gauge and mileage just to be sure...better anal than sorry!
At least our return back to the rental agency was quick and painless, and once again the shuttle driver loaded our luggage for the return to MCO and also unloaded. My husband learned to slip them a couple of bucks and they take better care of you.
Bottom Line: Overall, I may consider renting from Payless again, but not for a dollar or two difference - there's just too much competition out there!
* DAMAGE WAIVER INSURANCE: This is insurance for LOST RENTS if a car is damaged in a chargeable accident. Be aware, it is different from regular insurance (check with your auto insurance agent but you should be covered under your regular policy if you have a chargeable accident). This type of insurance covers what the rental company would charge you if they can't rent the car for the period of time it's in the shop. Visa Platinum Customers: See www.visa.com/benefits for damage waiver protection or call the 800# on your card for more info. I believe this protection also exists with American Express (be sure to check!)
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
geels2484
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Reviews written: 6
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