I went through Travelocity to obtain a rental car in Orlando (MCO). I specifically requested to pick up a rental at the airport. I was disappointed to find out that they booked with a company that was off sight. They booked with Nu/Action Car Rental. Since I prepaid, I could not cancel the contract. They provided a number to call once you arrived at the airport to be picked up. It was a recorded message instructing customers where to go in the airport to get the shuttle. The shuttle didn't arrive for at least 45 minutes. Once I arrived at the rental lot, people were standing around and no one provided instruction on what/where to go. I wandered into a small trailer where I met with a rep. He went over the paperwork and tried to sell me travel insurance, a toll package, and a cleaning service for the car. Yup, you read that right. They offered a pre-paid cleaning plan for $25 or $50 if it is returned uncleaned. I declined everything they offered. I did not like being pressured to get things I didn't need or want.
I informed the rep that I had my own Sunpass, to which he informed me that it would not work. He said I had to use their toll service, as it is scanned by the car's tag and not my Sunpass. I reviewed the Sunpass site and found information on adding a rental to your account and providing the days of service. I was able to bypass their toll and use my Sunpass. The rep was either being deceptive or misinformed.
When I was leaving the trailer I was met with a lady who had a stand just outside the door. She asked what I had planned to do while in Florida. I felt uncomfortable discussing my plans with a stranger. She was very persistent. I replied that I had planned to visit family. She asked if I wanted to visit the parks. I said no. I realized she was trying to sell me timeshare. I told her that I was tired and just wanted to get the car. She directed me to a young girl. The girl handed me a table with an illustration of a car and gave me a key and instructed me to circle areas on the screen where I found damage on the car. I asked if someone would bring the car to me. She replied that I had to look for the car in the dark parking lot. I asked how was I to do this, she said to push the panic button on the key.
I wandered around the lot pushing the button with my luggage trying not to fall on the gravel pavement. Luckily, an employee saw me struggling and assisted me. He pointed me in the direction of the car. It was very dark and there were no lamp posts. I drove the car up to the front of the trailer where there was light. The car was badly damaged. The rear bumper had dents and a lot of scratches, the passenger side had dents, and the front right and left fender had parts that looked as though they were put on, but didn't fit properly. It was obvious this car had been in an accident. I was too tired to complain. I marked the damages and as I was walking back to give the tablet back, the young girl remarked, "oh there she is, finally." Wow!
As I was driving the car to my destination, I was at a stoplight to adjust the rearview mirror and it fell off in the middle console. Thank God I was at a light, who knows what would have happened had I been driving. I was able to slide the mirror back on the clap. I continued to drive, as I was only a few miles from my destination and didn't want to turn around. It was late.
The next day I went outside to re-inspect the car. I noticed the back seat on the passenger side had these white stains all over the seat and it looked as though a soda had exploded as it was brown stains inside the interior of the roof.
I have the rental for 3 more days. I plan to take it to the carwash and have it disinfected before I return it. I don't want to be charged $50. I hope I don't have issues when I return the car.
I've read other reviews on Yelp and most people have left negative reviews for Nu/Action Car Rental. Please don't make the mistake I made. I hope that Travelocity sever ties with this company. It appears that most people have experienced the same issues or worse.
