The case is registered with EconomyBookings under case number B91919388. They have full description including pictures. They can't solve the case even after more than 2 months. I keep getting emails telling me to be patient. It is clear that EconomyBookings is not proactive enough in dealing with this case and unfortunately exposes its clients to a similar dangerous situation as I experienced on my holiday.
I travelled a lot in the past and always without any issue with car rental. Cars were always clean, inspected and fully in line with technical and safety requirements. But In this case I feel cheated and in addition I was exposed to danger due to the car condition while driving.
Since this car situation has put me through a very frustrating and dangerous time spent traveling in the car, costs during the trip and the arrogant attitude of the City Rent a Car employees I request a refund of the entire amount for renting a car to my account.
This is the responsibility of EconomyBookings, they are my partner in this case not only their subcontractor City Rent a Car.
The case B91919388 description:
1. Meet and Greet Service - nobody from City Rent a Car was at the airport waiting for us - we had to find the station of that rental car. There was only one person and he shortly stated that they are not providing such a service.
2. The car - Volkswagen Polo - we were told that they don't have such a car.
3. The only car available at this moment was a white Škoda Rapid. However, at first glance this car was very dirty not prepared and in a desolate condition. I refused to accept this car. The man was not willing to solve this situation and we were told that we can go to another car rental. He clearly said that we are not in any contract with him or City Rent a Car but with Economy Bookings and therefore I should contact Economy Bookings (at 2:30 AM? – hardly). Under all circumstances I decided to take a risk and asked the operator to prepare the car, preferably some in better condition.
The attendant insisted on taking over the white Rapid until the moment he convinced himself that the headlights were not working and therefore I was offered another car that had just been returned and not inspected after return. However, this car was badly damaged, but due to the time of night, the downpayment involved, our time schedule and the current situation, I was forced to accept this car. After paying a €200 deposit, I received the keys to the car. immediately after starting and passing under the lights, I discovered serious defects on the car - error messages on the panel, previous damage to the body, speedometer status 340538km. Please see pictures enclosed at the end of this document.
- During all traveling time were orange warning lights on control panel on – especially Airbag warning light – what means that something with this very important safety feature is wrong (UNACCEPTABLE).
- The left rearview mirror vibrated excessively at higher speeds above 60 km/h and I was concerned it would fall off.
- The right front wheel was losing pressure, I had to fill it up for the first three days. Then I looked for a tire repair shop where they fixed my wheel. It wasn't a defect, but a rusty wheel disc. I had to pay €30, unfortunately they didn’t give me any bill.
- The tank cover could not be opened, the operator at the gas station had to call a mechanic who arrived with a special tool and opened the cover. I paid €20 for arrival and opening.
4. When returning the car to the rental company, I complained about everything to the operator and asked for at least reimbursement of my expenses (€50). I was refused - he showed me that the tank lid can be opened with a credit card ( 😊) and that I should have solved the problem with the tire by using the spare wheel (of course I considered this solution, but continuing the next trip with an unusable spare wheel would be a huge risk. I would have to go to the service anyway to have the wheel fixed)
Pictures enclosed
Desired outcome: - refund of the entire amount for renting a car to my account- apologize- n the interest of client safety - cancel cooperation with City Rent a Car in Albania – Tirana
This complaint has been resolved automatically due to user's inactivity.