Originally Posted by
RocketGoBoom
We reserved a Premium Van in Germany. All of the advertising on the Hertz website was for a Mercedes V Class (or similar).
The Mercedes V Class is a 45,000 to 65,000 Euro vehicle, depending on how it is equipped, and is really a luxury van.
So we arrived to pickup our vehicle and they substituted a Peugeot Traveller. They claimed it is a similar class and is also "Premium".
This Peugeot van is very plastic heavy on the interior and everything I can find online indicates that it is a 30,000 to 40,000 Euro vehicle, depending on how it is equipped.
I paid for a 3 week rental with a Premium Van and got this plastic cheap substitute that is definitely NOT a Mercedes quality premium van.
Very ticked off about the situation and considering disputing the final bill.
I don't care what they classify as "similar class". Vehicles that are 20%+ difference in price are not a similar class.
What class does your key say? That is the best way to determine what class you actually received. If it's not on the key, it's definitely on the paperwork. I'm sure you are aware, you are not guaranteed the listed model. You may get a vehicle of similar size and model...so a large minivan, which you got. V-class and Traveller seat 8 individuals and the Vito can seat 9.
If you were expecting the Mercedes Van to be luxury as a rental, I believe you would be disappointed if they gave you the Mercedes van as well.
Also, a Mercedes V is a Full-size van, not a premium van. Oddly, the premium van is a Mercedes Vito.
Also, price doesn't have anything to do with how a vehicle is classed. But to continue down that route...
The Mercedes V (Fullsize Van) starts at
37.032,27 € and tops out at 93.453,08 €
The Mercedes Vito (Premium Van) starts at
22.028,40 € (cargo van) and tops out at 65.007,56 €
The Peugeot Traveller starts at
£36,930.00 (40800.26 €) and tops out at £49,950.0 (55184.76 €)
Next time, reserve the Fullsize and maybe you'll end up with the V-class.
Anyway, who cares what vehicle you received? A vehicle should in no way affect your vacation.
And, as stated above, if the class of the van matches (or is higher than) the class you reserved, you have no legitimacy behind a complaint.
Enjoy your holiday!!