Budget - No budget in yvr ever again

When first arriving, they played bait and switch, I had a CONFIRMED rate for three days and they tried to deny the rate and charge me 20% more, even though I had a printed copy for the confirmation.

Then, after explaining to the manager paying more would not be acceptable, he finally agreed but would not draw up a new contract with the rate. Just said it would be fine. Yeah, I was one who had to make the notations on the contract before the copies were divided out.

Check out of the garage even took an extra 30 minutes because of the chimpanzees they hire have their finger up their noses so far its scraped away any viable brain matter.

Upon return, garage monkey printed out the full charge, had to go into the office again and get them to adjust it.

Then finally, now Budget says they are just a seperate licensed contract location, so Budget wont honor the airline partner bonus miles I should have got for the booking. Need to take it up with the Vancouver Budget office to get them to okay the miles. Vancouver office said I wont receive any miles because I got a 20% discount.
WTH! Its the actually rate from the Budget online system, not even discounted.

Never again!

I am pissed off to say the least. The next time I'm through there picking up a car from another agency, Budget is going to see what really pissed off gets them.

I called Budget customer service and confirmed with them that the location i am renting from does give FF miles. After my rental is completed now they are saying its an off airport location and we are sorry if someone told you that you get miles.

I am never going to rent from them again.

Same location wanted me too pay for new windshield due to a small - 1 mm - nick in the lower passenger area about 1 inch from edge in the black area! And also to pay for slightly bent front plate. This is normal wear and tear! These are things that would not be marked on a normal inspection. Will never rent from these inspection zealots again.

I think this could also be a YVR thing rather than just a Budget thing. I've had lousy experiences at National and Avis there as well.

Years ago a friend of mine rented from Budget in Vancouver (or could've been Victoria) and was accused of damage he didn't cause and billed over $600 from something relatively minor. When they told him he had to come to the office to inspect the damage and pay for it, he said "If I'm coming there, it'll be with a lawyer." Never heard from them again... :D

Regarding FF miles, from what I've read here the problem is renting from licensee locations (like YVR). They don't seem to like awarding FF miles and trying to get them credited, even when related to nationally-advertised promos, can be a nightmare. I guess it's the whole "at participating locations" from the fine print hard at work. One way to spot licensee locations is to try and select the "Rent More, Save More" rate; I've yet to find a licensees that honors it.

Certainly not trying to come off as a Budget apologist; I'm far from it. The rate has to be pretty darn good for me to even consider them in most markets.

Wow! They are still running this scam!! I was out there 6 years ago for a ski trip to Whistler. I returned the car and they found a stone chip smaller than a BB. Hit my credit card for over $650 to repaint the hood. I lost my mind. Called Budget and they offered no help whatsoever. I have NEVER rented from them again. CC took care of the charge but it was a royal pita. That outfit is so crooked.