CAR RENTAL REVIEWS ON BUDGET IN PHILADELPHIA

I've been renting cars abroad since 2008, and have rented about 20-30 vehicles from various companies. Besides a few with really bad reputations, I've rented from most major companies. Budget in Philadelphia had the worst service I've ever experienced. This summer, I rented from them three times, and each time was a hassle with different problems. I chose Budget mainly because of the low prices, but you get what you pay for. The first time, I came out of Philadelphia airport in heavy rain with a long queue of people waiting for cars. Two attendants were slow and impatient, making me wait over an hour. When it was finally my turn, I specifically told them not to add any extra services. In my rush, because of the rain, the late hour, and having my child with me, I didn't carefully check the contract and later found out they added a $60 road assistance service. Previously, other companies I've rented from would pitch additional services and insurance, but would respect a refusal. This was the first time extra charges were added secretly. Calling customer service didn't help; they said it was common practice and advised me to be more careful next time. During my second rental from the airport location, I again had to wait at least half an hour. I reviewed the contract before signing and found a $50 charge without explanation. The attendant claimed it was for arriving 20 minutes early. I argued that I could return the car 20 minutes early instead, and only then was the charge removed. When picking up the car, I discovered another issue — the car given to me was already occupied. The attendant had to issue me a different vehicle. Nearing the end of that rental, I visited a nearby Budget location to inquire about an extension. They said I could simply place a new order online and finalize it at their branch without waiting for the current one to expire. A few days later, with two days left on my current rental, I placed a new order and went to that branch to extend my rental. Upon completing the paperwork, I noticed a $300 fee and questioned it. The attendant explained that since my current order hadn’t expired, he canceled my existing rental and rented a car for two days at their branch rate, which led to the $300 fee. I inquired about my remaining two days on the original contract and was told they were voided. The attendant claimed that, despite initial assurances, I needed to select their branch when making the new order, not the airport location. When I decided to cancel, they informed me it was too late as the system had already processed the cancellation. Without my signature or agreement, the cancellation was non-reversible. The attendant and I had a heated argument; she insisted I pay the $300 or leave without the car; otherwise, I couldn’t drive away. This was the worst service I experienced during my two months in the U.S., feeling like I had encountered a scam. I called customer service, who tried to mediate but ultimately failed. The manager stated the order was processed and couldn’t be changed, so I was left with two choices: leave and rent from another company or pay the $300. Customer service suggested filing a claim post-rental for any additional costs. Needing the car urgently, I had no choice but to pay with the promise to claim later. Eventually, rental customer service helped me recover $100 from Budget. I noticed that Budget is the only company in Philadelphia with bad reviews, and I now understand why. Their service is the worst I've encountered. If you have options, avoid Budget, and if you must rent from them, check every single charge before signing.

Good

They charged me 45.05 USD for tolls, despite I used my own e-pass.

The lady who checked me in upgraded me without my concern and didn’t realized until I got the charge for it.

Great service

The car received was different from the one booked; they provided a lower-spec model.

Thanks for the great car

Was a great team

The first vehicle had a puncture in the tire. The replacement vehicle was in good condition, but a little dirty. The usb jack for my cell phone didn’t work so I couldn’t charge my phone in the car.

Very satisfied, the vehicle was clean and very new.

The whole process went smooth from the time I booked the car to the time I returned the car.

Price drop protector is a wonderful tool. It did save me some money on my car rental. Good job!

i was charged extra $100 for sideroad assistance and insurance which i HAVE NOT requested. At the pick up counter they have not asked me about it and signed me on paperwork that aparently says in small letters i agree to those extra services. it is the first time i am not being notified verbally about this option, i always decline. I feel i have been hijacked into that. It is wrong and un proffessional on the rental company side.

The car was fine but there was surprise charge of $12.97 added to my bill and I'm still trying to find out what it was for

I've requested a car without an e-toll device as I was going to pay all tolls in cash, which I've done. Weeks after returning the car I was charged for two tolls that I've paid in cash. Send the receipt and company did nothing. Very Poor customer service. Will not use this again!

All process very easy.

Not bad

At Philadelphia Airport, Budget feels like a small car rental company. The shuttle buses are small and infrequent. I waited for half an hour, and no bus came. Other companies like AVIS, ALAMO, and Hertz had their shuttles come by three times, but Budget's bus never arrived. I ended up taking the AVIS shuttle and walking to Budget.

Quite good. The staff wasn't there when we first arrived, and we had to wait for a while. We were a bit worried since we're foreigners, but everything went smoothly in the end.

Pretty good. When we first arrived, the staff wasn't there, and we waited for a while. We were a bit worried since we're foreigners, but everything went smoothly in the end.

The car was relatively new and in good condition. Several rental companies' stores are located in the train station hall. There was only one Budget staff member, so I had to wait a bit, and the processing speed was somewhat slow. Both pickup and drop-off are in the underground parking lot, which is easy to find.

Happy with the service

Great service and price

Both picking up and returning the car were very convenient. There was no extra insurance upsell. However, from Philadelphia to New York, the toll roads do not accept cash, only electronic tolling and mail payment options. This requires the rental company to pay on behalf, and they charge a higher processing fee.

Quick efficient service

Worked well good easy orocess