Originally Posted by YDJanet

We recently rented a 10-pax van from Thrifty in Johannesburg, SA. Other than a few issues like iffy AC, it worked fine for us. We were concerned about the tires--nearly bald--and they actually marked that they had just 7 mm tread left.

The tires held out, but when we turned the car in, on tire mysteriously had a gash in it--the rubber was flapping loose in one spot. We didn't know of any time where this could have happened, unless it happened on their own lot as we entered (over those spiky things they have). They said we'd have to buy them a new tire. We had them document that this was the only problem with the tires.

After we left, they called and said TWO tires were damaged, and all the tires were worn and that we'd have to pay for four new tires. We disputed it, but a charge for nearly $500 has shown up on our bill.

We've disputed it with the CC company, but I don't know how it will turn out. Have you ever heard of the customer having to pay for tire wear? This seems outrageous.

Is there a place we can call to lodge our complaints here in the US? Any advice would be appreciated.