Hertz My Wallet, But Accommodated My Schedule
Written: Dec 22 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Efficient, Fast Attendants, Full Tank Gas Plan
Cons: Expensive
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| seracorde11's Full Review: Hertz |
Upon arrival at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA, I stopped at the car rentals area to secure my transportation for the duration of my five day stay. I was dazed and confused upon entering the terminal area after walking from Concourse C. I did not know this airport and although it was not as confusing and as big as the airport at Dallas, my head was still spinning. I suppose it was from the reaction to the right side of my head nearly imploding on the jet, but that’s another epinion.
Renting The Car
I found the car rentals fairly easily, and Hertz was simple to spot. I knew my boss had pre-arranged a car for me there, so I zigzagged through the waiting lanes until I reached a counter person. The Hertz lady was polite and helpful. Although she explained the terms of my rental, I still did not comprehend a thing until I was able to sit down and study the pamphlet at the hotel.
Tramming To My Car
After receiving my terms package and directions to a “tram” that would take me to my car, I wandered out of the airport. There were trams of all kinds from several car rentals lined up waiting to take a person to the car rental area. I found the Hertz tram and boarded. The driver asked which area I was going to, and I showed him my ticket. He was friendly and polite. After a short wait, we drove to the drop off area, and I found my car.
Initial Car Impression
The car was already waiting for me with the keys in the ignition, and as in my terms, I had a full tank of gas. Since I went with the plan that paid for a full tank, I did not have to refill the car before I returned it. I really liked that option.
I had specifically asked for a compact car since I am already use to driving them, and although my boss raised an eyebrow at that (he had originally ordered a mid-sized car), I stood firm and got my compact car. I did not want to be driving a big car around a strange big city. I thought the smaller a target I was, the less likely I was at getting hit. I was right considering the wrecks I saw while I was there. Atlanta drivers are reckless and scary to say the least.
My car was a silver Mazda Prelude LX. I am not sure of the year, but it was not very old and had only 13,000 miles on it. I opened the driver side door, and it creaked horribly. It was probably a side affect from the dent in the front side from the reckless, scary Atlanta drivers. It definitely had been in a wreck.
On the bright side, the car included:
FM/AM Radio
Automatic Transmission (I am familiar with a standard, so I know I was jack-rabbiting starts)
Power Steering
Power Brakes (I discovered this by accident and nearly projected myself through the front windshield. Thank goodness for seat belts!)
Alarm that sounded when the lights were left on and the engine is off and the doors are opened. This saved me from running my battery down a couple of times)
The seatbelt, although probably a lifesaver and was the law (I always use them anyway), nearly decapitated me while driving. It rudely cut across my throat and left red marks across my delicate skin. This made if difficult for a comfortable ride.
The car responded well to sudden stops and starts (hehe), and since there was only sunlight briefly the whole time I was in Atlanta, I used the headlights most of the time and even in the daylight. The silver car blended in with the asphalt, and I was afraid of becoming a statistic on their local morning news, so I used the headlights, and they did not fail. The car was mechanically sound.
It was fairly easy to maneuver throughout the traffic and getting into tight parking spaces (not quite as good as a Hyundai).
Car Return
The car return was even easier. I found the off ramp from I75, and glided into the car return area. Hertz car return was easy to find, and the attendants directed me in to a stall. I turned off the car, handed the lady the keys, and she rung up my bill and put it on my American Express Corporate card. It was that easy to return. The Hertz people also had a tram to take me back to the plane terminal.
The final bill is what shocked me though. It was higher than my stay at the Hilton! It was over $500 for a compact car for five days! I was amazed at that and was wondering how they arrived at that price for a cheap, boxy car. I’m glad I didn’t rent a mid-size car now.
Fees
*** Rental ***
For my compact car, the rental fee was $50/day unlimited miles, and a late fee of $25/HOUR after the specified return time. The return time was more than adequate for my purposes.
*** Full Tank of Gas ***
To have a full tank of gas already in the car, I paid an extra $20.06, and I was not to refill the tank before return. This was convenient since I was going straight from my class to the airport.
*** Optional Insurance ***
--Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is an optional coverage which cost me $19.99/day.
--VFL Recovery charge was $0.72/day which included AD VAL tax, registration and licensing fee reimbursement plus tax.
--Liability Insurance Supplement was (LIS) $10.95/day and is also an optional coverage.
Hertz rentals are available worldwide and has a worldwide number at 1-800-654-3131. Hertz includes an Emergency Roadside Assistance that is 24 hours/day at 1-800-654-5060. Certain terms may be changed when driving cars into certain countries. The Hertz attendant can explain that when applicable.
My experience with Hertz was decent and smooth. Although I have paid much cheaper for rentals in the past, I must say that Hertz provided me with the best service (not the best car I’ve rented).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
seracorde11
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Location: Rochester, NY
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