La Mesa Car Rentals

Not impressed with my experience.

Pros: The dropoff process was extremely quick, which was awesome considering we had to catch a flight.

Cons: The process of picking up an existing reservation was light buying a used car. There were so many sales ploys and gimmicks designed to make you spend "just a little more" over and over again. Yes, I know it's normal to be given the option to upgrade, but to be hounded about each option is unreasonable. The best was the option to "prepay" for gas. We were told that gas was very expensive around the airport, and that returning without a full tank would cost us $10/gallon. We could prepay for our gas, before our return, but that would involve paying for an entire tank of gas. So, unless you returned the car on empty, you're paying for gas that you didn't use. No thanks. We filled up before we got to the airport...for a very reasonable rate...and returned the car. I shouldn't feel like I'm getting ripped off when I pick up a rental car. The guy we worked with was very nice, but by the time we left, we felt like he was just trying to take advantage of us. It's probably not his fault...the companies policy forces him to ask these questions/offer these options. Perhaps all companies play this game. I will, likely, try a different company for my next rental.

PICKUP TIME MISSED

Pros: Good customer service and provided updates.

Cons: Reserved car for pickup at 11:00 am from a Hertz location inside a dealership. I arrived an hour early at car dealership and was told that a car was not available at this time. I waited until 11:00 am and asked when the car would be available. I was told that car was not available until 1:00 pm. I left the dealership and was able to get by on public transportation, running errands. As I was nearing the dealership, I received a call that said the car would not be available until 2:00 pm. I ran another errand and eventually picked the car up around 2:00 pm.