My rental car smells like weed
Oct 31, 2017, 1:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: The LandMass
Programs: Delta - GM, Hilton - Diamond, National - EE
Posts: 65
My rental car smells like weed
And not just a hint of weed. It smells like Tommy Chong had this thing for a week.
Picked up from National at BAN this week and didn't notice it when I got in, but when I hit the interstate and turned the AC on it was a like a flashback to the frat house in college.
Has this happened to anyone else and what should I do.
It's too much of a hassle to go back to the airport and change it out, but I swear I may fail a drug test after driving this thing for a few days.
Picked up from National at BAN this week and didn't notice it when I got in, but when I hit the interstate and turned the AC on it was a like a flashback to the frat house in college.
Has this happened to anyone else and what should I do.
It's too much of a hassle to go back to the airport and change it out, but I swear I may fail a drug test after driving this thing for a few days.
Oct 31, 2017, 1:55 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,570
(1) Search the sh** out of that car. See if the previous renter left any of his stash behind. Under seats, console, glove box, etc. If you find anything, your call as to whether to dispose of it or spark up, but I doubt you want to be rollin' dirty any more than necessary.
(2) Don't get pulled over. Sounds like the smell is strong enough that the cop would be searching the car himself or calling for a canine unit. "It's the previous renter's weed" sounds like something Dewayne Bowe (or any of the other celebs/athletes who've been busted for weed) would say.
(2) Don't get pulled over. Sounds like the smell is strong enough that the cop would be searching the car himself or calling for a canine unit. "It's the previous renter's weed" sounds like something Dewayne Bowe (or any of the other celebs/athletes who've been busted for weed) would say.
Oct 31, 2017, 2:47 pm
#3
Moderator: National Car
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SE MI
Programs: Delta PM, National EE, Hertz PC, Hilton DM
Posts: 2,168
I suppose it is easy for us keyboard warriors to be critical, but if the odor is that bad, how did you not notice when you picked up? Those odors are well embedded in the headliner, carpet, and upholstery. It shouldn't have taken the climate control turning on to notice it.
If you are not interested in doing a swap, it sounds like you have answered your own question. And, as the prior poster mentioned, by keeping it you do assume the risk for any paraphernalia or product left in the car as well, should you run into law enforcement.
If will say that if you do choose to exchange, I wouldn't expect any compensation or anything for it either. At this point you can't even prove it wasn't you who hotboxed the car.
If you are not interested in doing a swap, it sounds like you have answered your own question. And, as the prior poster mentioned, by keeping it you do assume the risk for any paraphernalia or product left in the car as well, should you run into law enforcement.
If will say that if you do choose to exchange, I wouldn't expect any compensation or anything for it either. At this point you can't even prove it wasn't you who hotboxed the car.
Oct 31, 2017, 11:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,703
And not just a hint of weed. It smells like Tommy Chong had this thing for a week.
Picked up from National at BAN this week and didn't notice it when I got in, but when I hit the interstate and turned the AC on it was a like a flashback to the frat house in college.
Has this happened to anyone else and what should I do.
It's too much of a hassle to go back to the airport and change it out, but I swear I may fail a drug test after driving this thing for a few days.
Picked up from National at BAN this week and didn't notice it when I got in, but when I hit the interstate and turned the AC on it was a like a flashback to the frat house in college.
Has this happened to anyone else and what should I do.
It's too much of a hassle to go back to the airport and change it out, but I swear I may fail a drug test after driving this thing for a few days.
Nov 1, 2017, 3:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
Nov 2, 2017, 1:14 am
#6
Used to be bulldoggolfer05
Join Date: May 2007
Location: São Paulo, BR/Miami Beach, FL/NYC/DXB
Programs: HGP DMD, HHonors DMD, SPG PLT, MR PLT
Posts: 2,295
Assuming that you meant BNA Airport (Nashville). If so, take it back to the airport, ask for Carla, and explain the situation. She is a very nice and very understanding person and will get you taken care of.
Nov 2, 2017, 6:53 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: The LandMass
Programs: Delta - GM, Hilton - Diamond, National - EE
Posts: 65
Changed out the cabin air filter and solved the problem. I would rather spend the $12 out of pocket than the hassle of changing it out. Autozone a borrowed took kit from the maintenance guy at the hotel, 10 min of my time and we were good to go.
Nov 2, 2017, 8:10 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 880
What hassle? Takes about 10 minutes to do it....
Nov 3, 2017, 1:35 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
I looked up the Master Rental Agreement and you're right.
Any sort of repair to the vehicle cannot be done without the permission of National:
6. Damage to, Loss or Theft of, Vehicle, Optional Accessories and Related Costs.
Except to the extent restricted, modified or limited by state or provincial law, Renter accepts responsibility for damage to, loss or theft of, Vehicle, Optional Accessories or any part or accessory occurring during the Rental Period regardless of fault or negligence of Renter or any other person or act of God.
Renter shall pay Owner the amount necessary to repair Vehicle or Optional Accessories.
Renter shall not have Vehicle or Optional Accessories repaired without permission from Owner.
Except to the extent restricted, modified or limited by state or provincial law, Renter accepts responsibility for damage to, loss or theft of, Vehicle, Optional Accessories or any part or accessory occurring during the Rental Period regardless of fault or negligence of Renter or any other person or act of God.
Renter shall pay Owner the amount necessary to repair Vehicle or Optional Accessories.
Renter shall not have Vehicle or Optional Accessories repaired without permission from Owner.
Good clause as if someone were to put in shoddy/shade-tree mechanic work on a rental, and the next renter gets injured/accident due to the poor repair job, it will be a huge liability.
Nov 3, 2017, 1:46 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
But still, I would rather go exchange the car rather than having to do the MORE hassle-filled event of going to an auto parts store, paying out of pocket for a part, get it installed, and all the while violating the MRA.
Of course, it is an open secret that the MRA is violated ALL the time. I'm in Honolulu currently, and when I was on the Big Island virtually all the cars on the Mauna Kea summit off-road are was completely filled with rental SUVs and Jeeps.
So most likely not a big deal at all. But just that if I were in this situation, I'd definitely want to exchange a car that smelled strongly of an illicit substance (thereby also risking traffic stop and potential huge legal issues) as soon as I discover it....UNLESS there is emergent reason for me to keep using that car in that condition.
Nov 3, 2017, 1:49 pm
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,570
Well, true, I would have car-swapped before trying to figure out the filter situation. In fact, I wouldn't have even thought of that. (I'm not a car guy.)
I'm still wondering if the OP found any bud somewhere in the car?
I'm still wondering if the OP found any bud somewhere in the car?