I arranged to rent an economy car from Budget using their website to place the reservation. The quoted cost was $157 (total, 3 days), or $37 per day + fees. When I arrived at the airport, the rate was changed to $210 but the service agent could not explain the increase; she said I should contact customer service to discuss the difference and an adjustment. The agent asked if I wanted an upgrade but I declined and received a Nissan Versa. I signed the rental agreement with the understanding that I could later request a refund if the charges were found to be incorrect.
After a careful review of the bill, it was clear that the price charged for the car was higher than the quoted amount by $54 or $18 per day. From a survey of the Budget website for a similar rental period, upgrading from a compact to a full sized automobile (class E) would cost $34 (total) or about $10 per day. The car I received was, at best, an economy model (class B) rather than the requested compact (class A) and the website quotes an increase of $6 or $2 /day for this type of upgrade. Clearly, the additional charges were excessive and without merit.
I contacted customer service (1-800-621-2844) and they opened an inquiry. I eventually spoke with a manger who agreed these charges seemed excessive. She offered to split the fees and provided an adjustment of $35.60. Better than nothing but still out of line with their published rate had I agreed to an upgrade, which I did not.
A note to prospective customers: carefully review the contract and make sure the charges are consistent with your reservation and don't sign it if they aren't in agreement. Also read the fine print - if the car comes back even 1 hour late you will be charged a full day's rental fee. I previously rented a car there without issue...let the buyer beware.