National - Happy camper. Not so much anymore. Due to merger?

I have been renting cars at EWR at least once a month over the past year or two. There was almost a no hassle guarantee. The pick up and drop off was usually really smooth. Even after having an accident and calling it in ahead of time: no issues.

After my last rental they almost got out a magnifying glass to go over dings and scratches and 'warning' me that next time they would have to send me to the 'office'. I guess holding me reliable for whatever they think they find.

Is this the new procedure after the merger and milking the customers or just an unusual experience?

That sounds pretty unusual. But do yourself a favor and take some pictures of the car before driving out the gate.

That's never happened to me yet with National but that was sop when I used to rent from Enterprise a few years back (that's the main reason I stopped renting with them).

I've had that a few times post-merger as well. I've chalked it up to Enterprise employees not yet getting with the National program....

I had an issue with a return this week. I had completed a damage form (I noted damage at checkout and was handed a blank form) so I was prepared when I was questioned at return. The annoying part is that I showed the return agent the damage form and her reply was 'Keep that - you're going to need it.' I am not keen on the idea of spending my time to convince National they gave me a damaged car when proof was available immediately.

I don't specifically attribute this (or every other change I don't like) to Enterprise ownership - see the Hertz forum and the investment in automated vehicle inspection systems to increase damage fees.

How about when you pick a car at a station that only offers counter service and they hand you card that is pre-filled stating that the car has no damage. I said sorry I'll need a blank to fill out. Thanks.

I am definitely not a happy camper lately either. Selection of cars is dismal, return is becoming a huge hassle... definitely a trickle down effect from the merger .. and the National employees are just as unhappy about it as we are.

My company's contract is up for renewal with National at the end of the year, and given the service we have received lately (1000+weekly travelers), if this can't be resolved we will be looking elsewhere.

I am definitely not a happy camper lately either. Selection of cars is dismal, return is becoming a huge hassle... definitely a trickle down effect from the merger .. and the National employees are just as unhappy about it as we are.

My company's contract is up for renewal with National at the end of the year, and given the service we have received lately (1000+weekly travelers), if this can't be resolved we will be looking elsewhere.

Where?

For years I was a loyal Hertz customer, I was paying more because I felt the service was worth it.

Now...old cars, rude staff, harrssment. No one to do "express returns", name not on the board etc :(

I guess I can go to Avis, but something tells me it's more of the same.

I am now doing "best deal" to heck with loyalty. National tends to be my best deal with the contracts I have.

Why not keep the discounts for all the rental companies and let each customer decide the best deal that fits their needs?

Ex: Budget might offer a good price both on roundtrips and one-ways, but have issues of rudeness. Enterprise might offer the lowest price, but they don't usually do one-ways and their cars are lower end. National might offer better service, but their one-way rates tend to be relatively bad. Hertz and Avis specialize in one-ways, but roundtrips might be more expensive. Etc...