We are Aussies needing to rent a minivan (6-7 seater %26#39;cos 5 persons plus luggage) at Newark Airport (EWR). Can someone kindly recommend a reliable, honest and affordable car rental outfit please?
We have heard horror stories of rip offs like being forced to buy a full tank of petrol at way above petrol pump price plus no credit for any returned petrol on return. We are used to simply being provided with a full tank and returning with the same as shown on the gauge.
Also worse, being charged for ';damage repairs'; on your credit card later although the returned car was checked and cleared as undamaged by the renters on return of the vehicle.
What is the protocol there? Need some advice desperately.
Renting a car at Newark Airport
I used enterprise this past weekend, as they were the cheapest. The staff was efficient and very helpful with directions as we were driving to Princeton. They are pretty far off-site, but there is a shuttle that picks you up at the airport. You need to reserve ahead of time. Go to Newark airport site and connect to the rental cars. We booked thru airportrentalcar, they were cheaper than booking direct with enterprise. I%26#39;ve heard of the horror stories too, just make sure you check out the car with them before you leave for any damage. While in Calif. I even took pictures of all sides of the car as proof, just in case, but did not in Newark. Have a great time!
Renting a car at Newark Airport
All the major rental car companies here are as reputible as they are in Australia. Hertz, Avis, Nationla, Enterprise, and Budjet are some of the ';big'; ones. I live in NYC so I don%26#39;t own a car, but I do rent one at least 10 times a year.
Here you can ';buy'; the petrol (we call it GAS) in the car when you rent it or bring it back as full as it was when you got the car. I have never had a problem with this, and at least one comoany will give a credit if you get the car 1/2 full and return it full (I think it was Avis, but not sure). If you have a gold Amex card, and some other credit cards as well - check with yours - they will cover the Damage insurance, as may your own car insurance at home. Again you should check in advance since your insurance and cards will be from Australia and may have different rules. I have never been charged for any charge that was not valid, and only charged for damage once - the damage was real and the charge was reasonable and AMEX reimbursed me. Some companies are now chaging for excess cleaning, but you really have to bring the car back a mess, not just normal dirt and stuff.
If you are really concerned, just take a photo or two when you bring the car back of the car and the gas gague showing the milage, that should be good enough ecvidence if there is a problem.
a
They will give you the option of (1) bringing the car back FULL, or (2)having them fill it when you bring it back.
ALWAYS take option 1, as you can get gas much cheaper at a gas station anywhere than the price they will charge you. I guess that would seem like a scam if you came back and they charged you a ridiculous price to fill the car......but you are given the option up front!
I used to live in the States, still have a Texas Driver%26#39;s license, and rented cars many many times in the US. I have never had a reputable rental car company (Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, Dollar, Alamo, etc) try to charge me for damages that were previously on the car so you can rest easy. To protect yourself, do remember to walk around the car and note anything you see out of the ordinary.
Regarding gas (petrol), I agree you should elect to fill up the tank yourself on the way back to the airport to drop off your car. The rental company%26#39;s gas is not only more expensive, but they also make you buy a whole tank even if you are returning it 1/2 full so it doesn%26#39;t work out in numbers.
I would agree with all said before. I have rented a few times from Newark from Hertz and others and they are all the same.
The rental location has its own station on the airport railway and all the rental companies are easy walking from the train stop.
I have never however been charged when returning a tank half full - I have been charged for half a tank but I do recommend you take the car full and return it full but make sure they have noted that on your agreement. They work so fast that it is easy for them to hit the wrong key on the computer and you only find out when you are shown the small print of your contract on the way back. Also I agree - do check the car in and out for damage and have them note it.
You will be sent to the car on your own so go and get someone to note your findings and give you as copy of the report to take with you as proof when you return.
Also in the US they have an additional top up car insurance over and above damage waiver that increases the level of cover in case of claims against you; that is worth taking. Check with your travel insurance carrier - some (like mine) offer that for US rentals as part of general cover.
I also live here and don%26#39;t own a car, and we rent occasionally.
I highly recommend using this company, which I learned about RIGHT HERE on this forum:
www.whizzcarrental.com
This is a UK discount car rental broker that sub-contracts with Alamo, National, etc.
1. Their rates are very competitive (i.e. much cheaper)
2. Their prices include all taxes!
3. Their rates USUALLY INCLUDE:
a. ALL extra insurance
b. Second drivers
c. A full tank of gas pre-paid (although NOT in California.)
Please read the whole terms and conditions page after you reserve.
P.S. Rental offices in New Mexico, Florida and California really gave us the hard sell once they realized we were using this cheapo broker. (';Oh, this limits you, you can%26#39;t upgrade, I can%26#39;t add a day, blah, blah, blah'; - all NOT TRUE) Jeez! Freakin%26#39; brain-washed, car culture people who know this is your only option. (Oops, did I say that?)
Rental offices in NYC, on the other hand, didn%26#39;t bat an eyelash when we reserved this way. (The agents were too busy talking on their cell phones to care one way or another.)
Actually, I had discovered whizzcarrental.com a few years ago for family in the UK coming here. But in the end, they found an even better deal for what they call a people mover (minivan) on
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/Carhire/?
It also included all insurance. Insurance for you here can double the cost of the rental so do make sure what you need is included.
You might like to tell us what you%26#39;re planning (itinerary) b/c it may be that you should not be renting when you first arrive, but maybe after you%26#39;ve visited NYC.
As to the damage repairs, I have heard some of those stories but not in NYC and never with one of the ';majors.';
I use Priceline for car rentals in Newark, so I%26#39;ve had cars from Budget, Hertz and Avis recently. I walk around the car and look for damage, take photos of any scratches or dents and then have the gate agent make a note on my contract.
I prefer the onsite car companies--Hertz, Avis, Budget and I believe Dollar. Pile your luggage on a cart, take the monorail to the rental agency--there are elevators (lifts) where you need them, and always a friendly customer service agent to help you with directions.
No worries, really!
Mary
We rented from Avis at the Newark Airport and they were very professional and nice. Everything with very smoothly and they had a garage full of cars and vans to choose from.
