Any Experiences at SLC?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Posts: 176
Any Experiences at SLC?
I'll be flying into Salt Lake City on business the first week of March.
I understand National does not have EA/ES at SLC. Anyone have any recent experience there as an ES? Do you still get to pick your car?
What is their car selection like?
Thanks in advance!
I understand National does not have EA/ES at SLC. Anyone have any recent experience there as an ES? Do you still get to pick your car?
What is their car selection like?
Thanks in advance!
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,008
I would NOT rent from this location. They are extremely anal about even a single molecule being out of place on the cars at return, which is something this location has a reputation for.
They tried to get me for $700 after 'finding' a scratch UNDER the bumper on a car I returned - they literally had someone slide under the car and check under the bumper and bodyframe for scrapes and scratches.
It's basically a scam - they hire Pureco to go after you and collect on "damage" you may or may not have put on the car. They never actually make the repairs unless it's a serious smashup so they can try to nail multiple renters for the same damage.
My Amex insurance rep told me about it and went to war with the location and Pureco, but ended up paying because Pureco just said they would screw me over.
They tried to get me for $700 after 'finding' a scratch UNDER the bumper on a car I returned - they literally had someone slide under the car and check under the bumper and bodyframe for scrapes and scratches.
It's basically a scam - they hire Pureco to go after you and collect on "damage" you may or may not have put on the car. They never actually make the repairs unless it's a serious smashup so they can try to nail multiple renters for the same damage.
My Amex insurance rep told me about it and went to war with the location and Pureco, but ended up paying because Pureco just said they would screw me over.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: ua 1k, hh diamond, spg PLT, marriott PLT
Posts: 617
this place SUCKS, however all the rental car places in SLC suck. I rent every week here and the National is owned by a Chevy dealership in Wisconsin that requires only cars on their lot to be used at SLC. You have no choice in car, they are anal about upgrades and they have no premium cars (they also won't upgrade you to an SUV). unless you are willing to shell out a ton of cash for an SUV, you will be getting an Impala or Malibu with the possibility of being stuck with a Cobalt or a G6. those are your only options.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Houston
Programs: UA LT GS/5MM, DL 3MMGold, HHDia, HyattGlob, IHG Spire Amb, Marr Plat/LTG, SPG LTP
Posts: 195
I'n not too keen on this location either. Rented there last month - no upgrade at all. This month I tried to use a combination of paid and 1-2-free days and was unable to so so. System locked me out. I called corporate and was told that someone from the site would contact me in 24 hours - no one ever did. I ended up renting from a competitor for half what National would have charged for all-paid days!
#7
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Not that I ever rent in SLC (but do go through the airport a couple of times a year) but which car rental company is "good" there? Just want to keep it in mind in case I need to rent there. The National franchise sounds like some place I really want to avoid.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: ua 1k, hh diamond, spg PLT, marriott PLT
Posts: 617
I guess Hertz is the best, but always at least twice as much.
#9
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 85
I would NOT rent from this location. They are extremely anal about even a single molecule being out of place on the cars at return, which is something this location has a reputation for.
They tried to get me for $700 after 'finding' a scratch UNDER the bumper on a car I returned - they literally had someone slide under the car and check under the bumper and bodyframe for scrapes and scratches.
It's basically a scam - they hire Pureco to go after you and collect on "damage" you may or may not have put on the car. They never actually make the repairs unless it's a serious smashup so they can try to nail multiple renters for the same damage.
My Amex insurance rep told me about it and went to war with the location and Pureco, but ended up paying because Pureco just said they would screw me over.
They tried to get me for $700 after 'finding' a scratch UNDER the bumper on a car I returned - they literally had someone slide under the car and check under the bumper and bodyframe for scrapes and scratches.
It's basically a scam - they hire Pureco to go after you and collect on "damage" you may or may not have put on the car. They never actually make the repairs unless it's a serious smashup so they can try to nail multiple renters for the same damage.
My Amex insurance rep told me about it and went to war with the location and Pureco, but ended up paying because Pureco just said they would screw me over.
As for the employees? Far and away worst I've found at any National agency I've been to across the country.
Watch yourself at this location. I've made my corp travel agents aware of this in hopes to avoid them during any future visits to SLC.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
It's unlikely you would actually get a Trailblazer since they have been out of production for ~fifteen months. It's one of three 'typical' vehicles identified for the U.S. fleet that's no longer made.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: FLL
Programs: delta pm, aa exp, hilton diamond
Posts: 411
Interesting reading this. I had a similiar experience on Friday when i dropped off the shitbox Malibu (about all this location has) they gave me (even though I'd reserved an SUV and am an Exec Elite). Guy actually got on the ground in front of the car to look at front bumper. I laughed at first, he wasn't fond of that gave me quite a glare as my receipt was printing.
As for the employees? Far and away worst I've found at any National agency I've been to across the country.
Watch yourself at this location. I've made my corp travel agents aware of this in hopes to avoid them during any future visits to SLC.
As for the employees? Far and away worst I've found at any National agency I've been to across the country.
Watch yourself at this location. I've made my corp travel agents aware of this in hopes to avoid them during any future visits to SLC.
#14
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
I've never had a bad experience at SLC. We've rented there a few times over the years for skiing holidays.
A few weeks ago, I reserved a mid-size SUV and got upgraded to a (full size SUV) Chevy Traverse. The car must have been a only a few weeks old, cause it only had 6-700 miles on the counter.
A few weeks ago, I reserved a mid-size SUV and got upgraded to a (full size SUV) Chevy Traverse. The car must have been a only a few weeks old, cause it only had 6-700 miles on the counter.
#15
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Programs: DL GE
Posts: 1,654
I have a reservation here in a month. If it goes south, it will be the first time in three years with National and given the reputation from others, I am not looking forward to it.
I'll make sure to charge up the camera! @:-)
I'll make sure to charge up the camera! @:-)