Thrifty Rent A Car

This was my first time renting from thrifty. The price was affordable (although they should offer discounts on the insurance like Hertz). The service that I received from the representative was GREAT!!! The choice of vehicles was EXCELLENT!!! My only complaint is that it should be specified during the reservation that you have to have $ 350.00 available to be placed on hold if you’re using a debit card. I will definitely use them again and will also recommend to family and friends.

This was my first rental with Thrifty. The price was significantly cheaper than Budget and Enterprise (who I normally rent from). My car reservation was made the same day as pickup. I did not sign up for the blue chip program which apparently helps expedite things (I am assuming something similar to Fastbreak for Budget, but I do not know for sure). Note both the counters upstairs and downstairs operate for Thrifty and Dollar.
When I «checked in» for my reservation, I went to the 2^nd floor. There was not clear signage indicating that non members needed to check in on the first floor nor could the Thrifty counter be seen from the entrance to the area where all the checkout counters are. After coming back downstairs to checkin, there were 5 or 6 people in front of me. All three of the staff members behind the counter were very friendly, helpful to the customers, and appeared to work efficiently. However, the checkin process for Thrifty/​Dollar is time consuming and needs to be made more efficient. After standing in line for 20 minutes, I received my contract and proceeded to the 2^nd floor. On the second floor they process Blue Chip members and those that have checked in downstairs.
I waited 2 – 3 minutes to be told where to pick up a car. I was not assigned a car but rather told to go to a certain labeled section (in this case «Mid Size») and pick the car that I wanted in that section. After picking the car and loading my luggage, I drove to the exit. At this point they do the pre-​check inspection. 2 cars were in front of me when I got to the exit that still needed inspections. So I ended up waiting another 4 – 5 minutes.
The initial return of the vehicle is quick and easy. However, I again had to wait 5 or so minutes to get my final receipt. Also, there are 2 windows to get a final receipt/​blue chip member sign in. One window has a Thrifty sign and one has a Dollar sign. That being said, there is no sign that indicates that both windows can help customers renting from Dollar or Thrifty. As such, I basically cut in front of 4 customers that were in line in front of the Dollar window.
TLDR; the car was in excellent condition and operated quite well. What ever fragrance Thrifty uses is very strong and takes a couple of days to subside. The smell was not remotely pleasant to me and significantly affected my allergies. Be ready to spend 20 – 30 minutes picking up a car if you are not part of the blue chip program (wait still may be the same if you are). You may also have to wait 10 – 15 minutes to get your final receipt when returning the car.

Too bad there isn’t a zero star! Long wait at counter, another wait for car. Windows were down so I didn’t immediately notice the strong air freshener smell. Obviously a previous customer had smoked (as also evidenced by the burn holes in seat). It was not convenient to return car so I suffered with this sickening smell for a week. Never again!

If I could put a 0 stars, I would. The WORST customer service I’ve EVER received. I was misled and overcharged. I called to customer service only to get a rude answer and the person would not give me her name. Whoever reads this review please NEVER — EVER rent from Thrifty.
RSK Seattle

the worst customer service ppl ever on the phone @800−334−1705. i was told by a manger at the memphis airport. i would be charged for a compact car which what was given to me but, yet once i return the car. i ws charge for $ 201.58 when a compact is really only $ 151.31 before the aaa discount is applied. spoke to customer service only to get a rude rep who refuse to help me anyway!!! they overbooked and did not have the car i put in for once i arrived!!! i will never rent a car from thrifty again in life… i just wanna pay for what was rented to me a compact car!!!

The WORSE experience ever! I waited over 45 minutes at the counter to check out my car then had to wait an additional 20 minutes for the car to be ready. Then when I returned the car I was given a receipt that said the balance was $ 67.00; to later find out that my card was charged $ 317.00. What made me the most upset is there was no email notification of the extra charge of $ 250,00 it just showed up on my credit card. When I followed up with Thrifty to figure out what the charge was for all I got was an email 45 days later saying it was a «cleaning fee» I’ve been renting cars for business trips for over 7 years and have never had such a horrible experience.

Was at Memphis airport, GF had reservation with Thrifty but wanted me to be driver since I know the town, desk clerk could not change reservation to my name so had to call Thrifty 1 – 800 number. Thrifty 1 – 800 number said they changed reservation. Waited ~20 and only result was GF reservation was canceled but no reservation in my name. Then they tell me no walk ups. So I walk over to Alamo. Get car for $ 90 cheaper AND they upgraded me. Couldn’t have been happier to tell Thrifty person what a grand F*up they are.

Run in the opposite direction. Though Thrifty-​Memphis offers a very good price, they simply do not deliver. After waiting in a slow line at the reservation desk, I proceeded to the garage to pick up my car. There I was met by the surliest woman I’ve ever met, who merely pointed a vehicle and grunted, «there, that’s your car.» When I asked if a different car might be available, she told me I was lucky to get what I did… So I resigned myself to the vehicle offered. However, when I got to the garage exit, I was told by another employee (much nicer but still useless) that there was a «hold» on my vehicle, and I would have to return to the garage office. There I encountered the surly woman once again. I explained the problem to her. She shrugged, got in my vehicle and drove away leaving me standing there. She did return several minutes later and proceeded to work with other customers (I can’t say she helped anyone) — at least one of whom was trying to exchange a car that was in poor working order. She never once acknowledged that I was still standing there. A few more minutes passed and asked if she might have a car ready for me and she said, «I ain’t got no new car for you.» At this point, I tore up the contract and marched over to Enterprise.
I cannot imagine how this Thrifty location stays in business. They do not know the meaning of customer service.

I rented a car for my son shortly before he arrives at the counter in Memphis. I had confirmation number. When my son reaches the counter, they inform him there are no cars. They simply say check back ever 30 minutes or so with no eta of an available car. My son is on short time line to see his aging grandmother, so I called Thrifty and said what gives and they said — oh go over to Hertz and they said they should honor the rate. I asked to speak to a manager and they said none are available. Terrible customer service. Never use this company.

I am 21 years old and have never rented a car ever in life. My dad rented a car from this company. My dad had to work when the car was due for return so me and my mother returned the car not knowing about the 13 dollars fee if you are not the person who rented the car. So the so called «customer service rep» named Eldridge was very nasty and rude with me and asked me have I ever been there before. I explained no. And got very narcissistic with me because I wasn’t suppose to be driving the car. He was very unprofessional and because we were of African American descent he figured that he could play with us. To make a long story short my mom had to go off on Eldridge and had to talk to the manager because he disrespected me. We will never ever in life use Thrifty Car Rental. We should’ve just stick to Enterprise. Messed up our whole day.

I used this car rental place off Priceline to rent a car for a few days while in Memphis to visit my son…
I found several very shady issues with this location;
First off, they do not tell you in ANY manner that you will be charged a 93 dollar «hold» on your debit card for your rental.
They simply have you sign your computerized receipt which only list the car rental itself… then prints the extra charge after you’ve signed it!
Second; the «smoking clause» in your contract says that if you smoke in the car you can be charged 250 dollars.
I got in my rental & noticed immediately it smelled like smoke & there was a fresh pack of smokes hidden in the middle console of the car!
Coincidence?
I called them on it right away by calling customer service.
It seemed very shady to me.
I would not use this service again.
This place is as shady as it gets!