Thrifty Car And Van Rental Basildon

The Basildon branch are Con artists... BEWARE!

I was hired a black transit connect van from this branch on behalf of Vanarama, due to a delay with my new van being delivered.

I had this Van delivered to my place of work in Rochford on a Wednesday and was due for collection on the Friday morning from the same place. However come Friday Thrifty did not have any drivers to collect it which was an issue for me as my new van was delivered that day too, which Thrifty knew. Thrifty realised I lived in Basildon and asked if I could drop the keys off to the Basildon depot and they would pick it up from outside the house I was working on in Rochford on the Saturday morning, which they did.

Almost four weeks later I have just received an invoice for nearly £350 worth of supposed damage to the Van... This van was barely used and well looked after, when I asked where exactly the 'damage' was, I was told it was multiple places, wingmirror casings, tyres, back bumpers and even inside the back of the van, the back of this van wasn't even used whilst I had this van, the only time the back doors were opened was by the guy who dropped it off to me!!
Prior to this hire vehicle I was driving a larger version of this van that was one of Vanaramas fleet hire vehicles for nearly three weeks, no issue with damage at all, the vehicle went back as immaculate as it was given to me, but according to Thrifty I've managed to cause multiple damage in multiple places, including inside the back cab, in a smaller vehicle I've had less than two days!? And conveniently from a vehicle that I was not there to sign off or witness due to Thrifty not being able to collect on the date that was agreed by them... It stinks!

There is clearly a little racket of money skimming going on this branch, beware people! Avoid this place like the plague. Vanarama are currently investigating this on my behalf.

Excellent service.

Best place to hire new cars and vans

After reading some of the other reviews I nearly did not rent from Thrifty because of the feedback. My experience with them was great and I would definitely use them again. I needed a car for 10 days. The lady at reception was very friendly and took us round the car pointing out damage. We did spot some not on their sheet so she updated it, we were not rushed in any way. When we dropped the car back it was just under full but the man serving us suggested popping to the petrol station to fill up as their rates are understandably higher. I dropped it at 5:20pm and they close at 5:30pm. I said I would not be able to do it in 10 mins and he said it was not issue and he would wait which he did. (though for the £5 of fuel it needed, I should have just paid the £2 per ltr they charge.
He then checked the car, no damage was noted (as I'd done none) and that was it.

My experience, Great car at great price,, great staff, great company.

Not recommended cost a lot never a car when need it
Not flexible either

Friendly service. Hired a lovely car for the week. For first experience with car hire was very pleased and would use again. Only negative is there only seems to be 1 member of staff dealing with the customers and reception is tiny so we was waiting outside for quite a while whilst he was dealing with another customer. Would recommend a bigger waiting area or another member of staff. Otherwise happy with the experience!

excellent experience especially considering you are always scared someone may rip you off.

Friendly and well organised staf

Great rates. Friendly staff. Just don't damage anything or forget to fill the car! You will be charged a fortune!

Awful!

Rent a car that has never been provided and no relevant elements provided by the guy in reception to explain the reason why. I had to go through the customer service of the website I booked the car throught to get a refund (rentalcars, very helpful). They contacted the branch that was not able to provide a reason for refusal the...

To avoid by all means.
Europcar, Hertz are not that far, no bad surprise and much better service!