Jul 31, 2013, 2:34 am
Last edit by: IAHtraveler
Recently, there has been a run of complaints on Avis charging for partial gallons of fuel after the rental return. I'm merging all similar threads into this forum for future discussion.
Some Avis cars now have a method to determine fuel level to the 0.1 gallons. In these cars, they take (fuel out) - (fuel in) and charge you their posted rate for the difference. Even though you might have filled up 2 miles from the station, you could be on the hook for fuel. The fuel fees typically appear after the rental is closed. It seems only cars with "VR" stickers on the driver's side window have this capability so it might be worth trying to avoid these vehicles.
Update on 9/15: It's called Zibox and the article is HERE.
Note: Some comments might appear out of order since a few threads were merged.
Some Avis cars now have a method to determine fuel level to the 0.1 gallons. In these cars, they take (fuel out) - (fuel in) and charge you their posted rate for the difference. Even though you might have filled up 2 miles from the station, you could be on the hook for fuel. The fuel fees typically appear after the rental is closed. It seems only cars with "VR" stickers on the driver's side window have this capability so it might be worth trying to avoid these vehicles.
Update on 9/15: It's called Zibox and the article is HERE.
Note: Some comments might appear out of order since a few threads were merged.
Avis Fuel Surcharge Master Thread
Aug 2, 2013, 4:56 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
Does anyone know what this "Virtual Reader" actually is?
I did a little googling, and came up with this:
http://www.jv-technoton.com/fuel_level_sensor/
But I'd love to know what AVIS is actually using?
I did a little googling, and came up with this:
http://www.jv-technoton.com/fuel_level_sensor/
But I'd love to know what AVIS is actually using?
Aug 3, 2013, 4:45 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
Does anyone know what this "Virtual Reader" actually is?
I did a little googling, and came up with this:
http://www.jv-technoton.com/fuel_level_sensor/
But I'd love to know what AVIS is actually using?
I did a little googling, and came up with this:
http://www.jv-technoton.com/fuel_level_sensor/
But I'd love to know what AVIS is actually using?
Until they explain it, this is what I think
Sep 15, 2013, 3:47 am
#33
Original Member, Moderator: Hotel Deals and MilesBuzz
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 14,257
Anyone experience this? Avis uses Zibox technology to measure fuel use to the drop
Why is everything that costs customers more money always intrduced with the spin that it is good for the customer? LOL
A new system, called Zibox, will know exactly how much fuel you have in the car at any given time. “This is going to be good for customers,” Frissora says.
LINK TO ARTICLE
.
A new system, called Zibox, will know exactly how much fuel you have in the car at any given time. “This is going to be good for customers,” Frissora says.
LINK TO ARTICLE
.
Sep 15, 2013, 6:49 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
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You do realize that this quote is referring to the paragraph before it which says, "Its new system, called Zibox, is capable of shutting off a car engine remotely and operating car locks from afar. It relays location data, tire air pressure and fuel-level information back to Hertz, too. In other words, it will know exactly how much fuel you have in the car at any given time."
So... engine remote monitoring, car locks, location data, tire air pressure, AND fuel-level data.
Gotta be fair, some of these things will be good for customers.
So... engine remote monitoring, car locks, location data, tire air pressure, AND fuel-level data.
Gotta be fair, some of these things will be good for customers.
Sep 15, 2013, 8:35 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NYC/WAS
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL '90s PM, now FK (Flying Kettle)
Posts: 541
Avis agent: "Yes, but see here (points to screen), after you left the hotel and filled up, you drove to your mistress' apartment, using an extra .3 gallons."
Sep 16, 2013, 4:00 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
A colleague also found this: www.digitalfuelmeter.com
Next is smoke detector and camera to take pictures of those who smoke in the car
Next is smoke detector and camera to take pictures of those who smoke in the car
Sep 19, 2013, 7:30 am
#37
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
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Posts: 2,755
Sep 24, 2013, 10:06 am
#38
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: EWR
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Gold (Current Platinum), United Mileage Plus, Avis Preferred
Posts: 850
Transparency is Paramount
Transparency is paramount here. I have no problem with this system if I have access to the data. The key values are "Gas in Tank - Out" and "Gas in Tank - In". "Gas in Tank - Out" is static, measured when you leave the lot. "Gas in Tank - In" is dynamic, changing every moment until the car is stopped at the return location.
Avis should allow the VR fuel data to be read in real time via an app. Give me a unique login/pw combo, so I can view all VR data being recorded that can affect rental surcharges. It would be nice to see the volume of gas in the tank at the gas station, so I would know if I needed to "top off" a gas tank after the fuel shut off kicks in.
Most renters won't even bother monitoring the situation as closely, but having information would allow those who do want to manage the situation to have options.
Avis should allow the VR fuel data to be read in real time via an app. Give me a unique login/pw combo, so I can view all VR data being recorded that can affect rental surcharges. It would be nice to see the volume of gas in the tank at the gas station, so I would know if I needed to "top off" a gas tank after the fuel shut off kicks in.
Most renters won't even bother monitoring the situation as closely, but having information would allow those who do want to manage the situation to have options.
Sep 25, 2013, 12:45 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
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Oct 28, 2013, 10:46 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
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I rented at EWR last week, and in NJ its all full-serve stations... So the gas attendant filled it until the pump stopped on its own. We all know you can put a good gallon more gas in once the pump clicks off... so I told them guy to top it off. When I returned to EWR AVIS, the system charged me $11.00 for fuel service (approx 1.25 gallons). I showed my receipt (from 5 minutes ago) to the agent, and they left the fuel charge on the bill, but then gave me a credit for the $11.00 separately.
Oct 29, 2013, 1:00 am
#42
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
Oct 29, 2013, 2:10 pm
#43
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Central FL
Programs: DL Gold; Bonvoy Gold; HHonors Diamond; Avis Preferred, Hertz PC
Posts: 600
You also have to watch out for this if you get gas at MCO: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/orlan...on-ripoff.html
If you're getting gas north of MCO, drive about another block further past the two price gouging stations and you'll find much more reasonable prices.
Jan 5, 2014, 11:31 am
#44
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Central FL
Programs: DL Gold; Bonvoy Gold; HHonors Diamond; Avis Preferred, Hertz PC
Posts: 600
Just resurrecting this old thread with some personal experience. Two visits to MCO since October and have not gotten a vehicle with this device. Next trip is in a couple of weeks.
Also, as far as the gas stations north of the airport go, there is now a new WaWa gas station in that area that has very good prices for gas.
Also, as far as the gas stations north of the airport go, there is now a new WaWa gas station in that area that has very good prices for gas.
Oct 21, 2016, 5:52 pm
#45
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
I don't think we have a more recent thread, but I got my first Avis Now control with "remote car controls" on the app. This does apparently include mileage reporting and fuel gauge status electronically (I think they are using the OnStar communication tools or something related). The agent doing the return does not enter the car at all to check fuel or mileage (only scans the car window barcode), but all of the details are on the receipt.
Of course, I am posting in this thread because even though I had a gas receipt, I was detected for not putting enough gas. I told the agent as she approached the car that I had a gas receipt and showed it (to avoid EZ-Fuel), but didn't realize the car was self-reporting.
Anyway, the agent didn't even say anything and adjusted the cost automatically for the fuel charge before giving me the second generated receipt (which was also common with the auto EZ-Fuel). I suspect this happens often enough. I know articles talk about people not fueling to full, but I actually go to full click stop because I dislike renting cars that say F, but are not really.
Rasheed
Of course, I am posting in this thread because even though I had a gas receipt, I was detected for not putting enough gas. I told the agent as she approached the car that I had a gas receipt and showed it (to avoid EZ-Fuel), but didn't realize the car was self-reporting.
Anyway, the agent didn't even say anything and adjusted the cost automatically for the fuel charge before giving me the second generated receipt (which was also common with the auto EZ-Fuel). I suspect this happens often enough. I know articles talk about people not fueling to full, but I actually go to full click stop because I dislike renting cars that say F, but are not really.
Rasheed