Thrifty: HIT OR MISS
Written: Feb 13 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Vary by location; clean cars; quick return
Cons: Spotty customer service; long winded automated telephone reservation system
The Bottom Line: Definitely cheaper than most. Be wary of "off airport" locations. Convenience and service differ by location.
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| achflkeys's Full Review: Thrifty |
I have just recently rented cars from Thrifty twice in the past 2-3 weeks. One time was terrible, the other time was perfect. I would say then, that each cancels the other out and forces me to rate Thrifty as a mediocre car rental company. It all depends on the location from which you will be renting a car. Following is a summary of my last 2 Thrifty rentals.
THE RESERVATION
I made my rental reservations for both trips over the phone at the same time since I knew I would be traveling twice in 2 weeks. Once to Tampa and 2 weeks later to Pittsburgh. I checked rates for all the major car companies on the internet and chose Thrifty after they came in noticeably lower than every other agency. I should have then just completed my reservation online. However, I chose to call their 800 number and book over the phone. Mainly because I had an additional discount coupon and didn't trust that it would be honored online. Thrifty has a very drawn out automated response system. It is voice activated but takes quite a long time and gets rather annoying. But, once I stated the specifics to the computer on the other end of the phone line, a "living and breathing" agent finished my reservation. Thankfully, she was very friendly and helpful and really made up for the computerized version of the phone call.
TAMPA
The Pick-Up
Since I frequently travel to Tampa, I was familiar with the companies who have their entire operations right at the terminal. However, to get a cheaper rate, I chose Thrifty, figuring that it couldn't be that bad to jump on their shuttle outside baggage claim and shoot right over to their location. Well, right away, this is where I realized I was being punished for being cheap. I, along with about 7 other people, waited at least 20 minutes (probably more) for the shuttle to show up. When it did, it was already packed inside. I was lucky to get on first because after me, the driver only let on 2 other people and said everyone else would have to wait until he got back. Luckily I was near the door of the shuttle, because I knew it would be a mess once we got to the counter with a shuttle full of people.
At the Office
The location was PACKED! Only 2 agents were working. Thankfully I was 2nd in line. While taking care of my reservation, the agent also was fielding phone calls and was very rude to whoever was calling. He said something like, "You're going to have to call back in at least 1/2 hour. I've got an office full of people." I declined extra damage coverage (which you should almost always do). But I was talked into prepaying for gas. The agent assured me paying Thrifty's price of $1.13/gal. was actually cheaper than filling it up at a gas station before returning it. Hey, $1.13 is not bad and being able to drive the car right back to the location without worrying about filling up sounded good to me. Well, as soon as I left the office and pulled out of the lot, I saw a gas station's sign advertising $1.06/gal. Even though that is only $.07, it still burned me up. He flat out lied!
The Car
I knew I would mainly only be driving from the airport out to St. Pete Beach where I was staying at that would be about it. So, I didn't need anything fancy or big. I chose the compact. It was a Kia Rio. It was actually pretty comfortable inside. There was more than enough room for luggage. The door, however, was light as a feather and sounded like a tin can when I closed it. I probably could have lifted the entire car up with one hand. If a gust of wind came up while driving across the causeway, I would have been history! Oh well, the car was fine and I really can't complain too much about it.
The Return
Bringing the car back was quick and painless. I pulled into the lot. A representative met me and took down my mileage and gave me a receipt. End of story. Exactly how a rental car return should be. The shuttle was waiting for me and whisked me back to the airport. The best part of the whole experience was the return!
PITTSBURGH
I can pretty much sum everything up about the rental in Pittsburgh fairly quick. It was perfect. There is a rental counter right by baggage claim. There was no line. The agent was quick and efficient (she could have been a little more outgoing, but I'll let that slide) and she had the whole process complete in about a minute. She handed me the keys and said the car was right out the door in the garage in the 2nd parking space. And there it was! "On-Terminal" rental car companies are the best! I reserved a mini-van this time as I was traveling with 5 other family members. It was great. A Dodge Caravan. Plenty of room for luggage and people. Bringing the car back was a breeze. Pulled right back in the lot where I picked it up. Someone showed me where to park, printed out a receipt and I was inside the terminal in no time.
BOTTOM LINE
Like I said, my experience was "Hit or Miss". I did save a decent amount of money using Thrifty. In Tampa, I would have paid extra for the convenience of doing everything "on terminal." The whole process in Pittsburgh was flawless. I guess it all depends on location. I'll never use Thrifty again in Tampa or anywhere else if I have to leave the airport. But, I'll use them again in Pittsburgh or anywhere they are right at the terminal.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
achflkeys
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Location: Wayne, PA
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
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