Columbus Car Rentals

Vehicle smelled like dead fish.

Pros: Vehicle was very comfortable.

Cons: Took 45 minutes to get a vehicle and then it was not the one on the contract. It just came out of prep and the next morning it smelled like dead fish. Had to get air fresheners and drive with the windows down.

Budget had no car reserved for us

Pros: Nothing was good. They had no car when I arrived in Columbus.

Cons: No cars available. They turned away many people. I had to go to another agency to rent a car. Awful. Why make a reservation only to have Budget not honor it?

Cons: Vehicle was unavailable at confirmed time.

Pros: Nothing positive to say.

Cons: Car was not available at the location. The employees were not even there in the office, were in the backroom and then when they came out they were rude, not helpful. Was waiting there for about 20 minutes with no update on car and no help trying to get a car at another location. I had to make five phone calls before arriving at the location to confirm the car because they did not call back to let me know about the car status and I had to get a ride to the location. Horrible experience. Would never recommend. Ended up having to go to Columbus airport location and could not keep same rate (even though the employees promised it would be the same rate and even said they should be able to extend a discount for the major inconvenience). I ended up being late to a meeting I had to get to that day. The poor customer service and overall horrible experience ended up costing me time, money, and a major headache (about $8 for Excedrin Migraine, I'm not kidding).

Expectations not met

Pros: I liked the vehicle. I unfortunately, had get from Norfolk, VA to Columbus, OH last minute for a sudden death in our family. My husband is in the military and I started a new job 2 weeks ago so this was not an easy task for me. My sister reserved a rental for a Ford Fiesta through Kayak. What I got was a Subaru Outback from Avis, with all the bells and whistles and safety features. It was even equipped with driving assist which was the only good thing on my nightmarish travel back. The vehicle practically drove me home and I felt safe, especially while driving alone.

Cons: I started my new job 2 weeks ago and was trying to find the most economical way to get home as the only reason I had to travel to Columbus was for the sudden and unexpected death of a close family member and why I chose the Ford Fiesta through Budget. Upon my reservation at Budget, I was directed to the Avis counter and given an Subaru Outback and false information by our agent. As he explained to me and my sister the 24 hour rental days weren't literal and that as long as I had it back by midnight the next day we would only be charged the one day rate. We confirmed this with him twice and he happily suggested we would be "absolutely fine." When I realized I wasn't going to be able to leave when I had planned (another reason I didn't buy a round trip flight) I tried to extend the rental with no luck. After 2.5 hours on the phone and speaking to 3 different people, all who gave me a different answer for every question, it was then that I was informed I had already been on my second day as I had exceeded the 24 hours (but it was not yet midnight). I asked if they would wave the second day if I returned the vehicle immediately (as a plane ticket would have been more economical at this point) but that was not an option. To extend my rental agreement I was charged a 3rd day to make the 10 hour trip back home. I understand it was a holiday weekend and rates are going to be hire as means to travel is in high demand but that does not excuse the fact your employees are misleading with false answers and zero tolerance or regard for their customers. Upon dropping off the vehicle I wasn't given any direction and yelled at from across the parking lot NOT to drop the key I'm the box. I asked what parking attendant would like me to do and he took the keys saying, "We'll email you a receipt." I still have yet to receive my receipt. This is a.very difficult situation in an even more difficult time. It was my first time renting with Avis Budget Group and it will be my last.