If This Is a Midsize SUV, My Macaw Is a Bald Eagle
I reserved a midsize AWD SUV for an 8-day road trip through the Brandon Hertz location. When I arrived to pick up the vehicle, I was initially told they had a Nissan midsize SUV available. However, when they went to check it out to me, the employee realized it had not yet been checked in and appeared to still be out on rental.
The employee then offered me a Buick Encore and assured me that it was both a midsize SUV and all-wheel drive. Since I needed the vehicle for a long road trip, I accepted it based on that information.
Unfortunately, the Buick Encore was neither a midsize SUV nor an AWD vehicle. After driving it for eight days, I mentioned this to the same employee upon returning the car. His response was, "Who told you that?" When I reminded him that he was the one who had assured me it was a midsize AWD SUV, he acted as though I was inconveniencing him and simply told me that reservations are not guaranteed and gave me the billing department's number.
I called Hertz customer service, and the representative confirmed that I was "thoroughly correct"—I had not received the class of vehicle that I reserved. They did provide a small credit to my account, which I appreciated.
While I understand that vehicle availability can change and that reservations may not always be guaranteed, customers should not be told they are receiving a specific class of vehicle when they are not. I planned an 8-day road trip around having a midsize AWD SUV, and the substitute vehicle made for a much less comfortable trip.
I appreciate the customer service representative who acknowledged the issue and corrected it as much as possible. However, I hope this feedback helps ensure that future customers are not misled about the type of vehicle they are receiving.