I recently rented a car from Budget.  I felt like I was buying a used car instead of simply renting one.  These people must work on a commission.  It seems obvious that this company really makes its money on the extras (GPS, gas service, insurance, etc).  Not only did Heather ask all of the standard questions (insurance, gas, etc) but she went on to ask how many people would be in the car and how much luggage we had.  Some may think that the rental car company is concerned for their vehicle but once we gave her our answers she went on to explain to us that we should probably get something larger than the compact we reserved.  Really!?  Isn’t that a little underhanded? 

Heather also worked hard to push the insurance.  The conversation went something like this:

Heather:  And you’d like full coverage right?

Me: No thanks?

Heather:  So you understand that you’ll be fully responsible should anything happen to the vehicle?

Me:  Yes that’s fine.  I understand.

Heather:  Just so you know, if you did decide to include our insurance you’ll have no financial liability at all.  We’ll take care of everything.  But, if you don’t, you are completely financially responsible and will be immediately charged the full amount.

Me:  Ok (I said with a somewhat frustrated tone).

Heather:  Well, ok…if that’s what you want to do.  It’s up to you.  Please sign here saying that you accept full responsibility for all damages.

This went on a little longer but you get the idea.  You’d think I was taking this thing on a race track and had a lot to worry about.  She also tried to convince us that we really needed to purchase a full tank of gas from them.  Her story was that the closest gas station was about 10 miles away and that there’d be very long lines there since it’s really the only one around.  (Come on even if some of this is true…she was pouring it on pretty thick!)  I can’t stand it when they try to convince you that they are only suggesting what’s best for you.

And the car Heather eventually talked us into was kind of junky anyway. 

There are a lot of other car rental companies at the Denver airport.  Traveling is stressful enough.  You don’t need the added aggravation of a ‘slick’ sales person at the rental counter trying to scare you into things you don’t need.  I’ve had great experiences renting a car from other Budget locations but trust me, stay away from the one at Denver airport.