Great cars great service

It's okay

This was my first time renting a car abroad through QEEQ (specifically near Los Angeles Airport, as there are no car rental agencies within the airport). The process was quite smooth. There are car rental shuttle buses at the airport that provide free transport to the rental agencies (make sure to get on the right shuttle for your agency). The frequency is high with shuttles every few minutes. ALAMO is one of the larger rental agencies. During the check-in process, they asked if I wanted additional insurance such as collision damage and passenger insurance. I opted only for third-party liability insurance with a coverage of 1 million dollars. There are three fuel return options: 1) Prepay for a full tank and return the car empty, which is the cheapest per gallon but only worth it if you return it empty; 2) Have the rental agency refuel upon return, which is the most expensive per gallon; 3) Return the car with a full tank, which is what I chose.

I picked up the car at the counter, and the staff kept trying to sell me additional services. Fortunately, I couldn’t understand him!

Overall, I was satisfied with Alamo's service. After landing, there was a free shuttle to the rental point. When returning the car, the staff quickly handled everything and then took me to the airport or hotel. The staff were very nice. However, one vital issue disappointed me: I had planned to drive an American car and reserved a Grand Cherokee or similar model. When I arrived at the office, I was told the last one had been recalled and was unavailable. At the parking lot, a staff member directed me to the fourth row where all the cars were midsize. I noticed larger SUVs like the Explorer in the first row, so I went to the counter to ask for the Explorer key. I was told it was a higher-level model and required an upgrade fee. Reluctantly, I took the key for a Highlander. Later, I found out that the Explorer is indeed in the same class as the Grand Cherokee and many others had gotten the Explorer when they couldn't get a Grand Cherokee. This made me quite annoyed and speechless.

Economy car booked at LAX. On arrival counter clerk tried to get me to up-grade to a Compact car, saying it would be roomier and more comfortable over long distances at an additional cost of only so many more dollars per day, which I declined and said I would stay with the Economy car booked, asked about cruise-control and was told that only Full-size cars had cruise and would do well to upgrade to one [ at extra cost of course. ] I again declined and was then given a Compact car, at no extra cost. Why ? Because they did not have any Economy cars, having previously tried to get me to pay for an up-grade which they were bound to give me gratis anyway ! Nice try Alamo. On checking 5 different makes of Economy cars, I found that they ALL had cruise control, making the counter-hand, at best, woefully ignorant of the features of the vehicles Alamo rent out, or a deliberate liar at worst. Commission-hungry rental agents who are prepared to tell customers anything to boost their income do little to maintain the reputation and integrity of Alamo. I have taken the matter up with Alamo and am waiting for their response, but thought I should advise you of the dubious methods being practiced there.