I made a reservation online for a vehicle to be picked up on Monday, 3/23/09. I had confirmation with a base rate of $198.54 per day, with a total rental charge of 255.38 per day, including taxes and fees. When I got to the Milwaukee airport, Pam, at the rental counter, informed me that the car that I rented was not available, but that they did have a grand marquis available for $255.38. Since that was the same price I was quoted, I agreed. I circled the price on the rental agreement and initialed that price. I made clear to Pam that was the only amount I was agreeing to pay, and I would pay no more than I was originally quoted. She assured me that was the case, and that my original price would be honored.
When I got to the Toledo airport to return the vehicle, my total bill was $331.11, which is significantly higher than my original quote. I contacted the customer service number, and they were unwilling or unable to resolve this issue.
While the car I reserved was not available, the quote should have been honored, regardless of the vehicle provided, as the vehicle reserved was not available. The same thing happened to the woman ahead of me in line. This smells of a bait-and-switch scheme. I have never had a car rental company not honor the original quote in good faith when the vehicle that was reserved was not available.
This is the first time I have used Avis, and it will be my last.
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