Car Rental or similar Help!

GowerJeeper

Hey people any advice would be welcome on how I tackle this one...

I hired a car through Atlas Choice for a skiing holiday in Colorado over the New Year Period. As we were heading off deep into the mountains, I wisely paid the extra money above a normal car for a 4x4. The vehicle I selected and paid for on the website was in their all wheel drive class and was a Jeep Liberty or similar. As long as it was a 4 seater 4x4 we would be happy. :rotfl:

After booking the vehicle I was sent a voucher for it from Dollar Car Rental.

On arriving in a very snowy, cold and icy Colorado I went to collect my rental from Dollar Car Rental at Denver airport. The lady behind the desk, immediately tried to upgrade me to a large 9 seater full size 4x4 for about $800 more. :eek: I told her there were only 3 of us and a normal sized one as per my original booking would be fine. As the booking proceed I was told I had a Ford Escape SUV, not being familiar with this vehicle I asked them to confirm that it was a 4x4 and explained why and the class of vehicle I had rented. She went away to check and came back and told me it was only 2 wheel drive! I tried to explain again, showed my voucher and the class of vehicle etc but she apologized and said the only 4x4's they had were the big 9 seater ones!

After a polite but firm conversation included her manager, I has no choice but to opt for the bigger 4x4 as a 2wd vehicle was no good and I had no other choice (I could have hired a car far cheaper than the Jeep or similar). I managed to get the extra charge down to $600 and took the keys. By now I had been awake for 30 odd hours, and just wanted to get to my hotel and sleep!

I'm pretty use to car rental companies, and just because you pick a Jeep, ford etc it does not mean you get that exact vehicle, but my argument is a 2 wheel drive vehicle is not a similar vehicle to a 4 wheel drive one? If the Ford Escape had been a 4x4 there would have been no argument.

So I'm gonna take it up this week with the booking agent Atlas Choice?

Any help, pointer or views would be appreciated!!!

Thanks

Sam

Hintza

Is the escape not 4x4 (or as they say 4wd)? I have been reading the specs and I think it is (but I am trying to figure out if there is a 2wd variant).

If it is 4wd I think you will have a problem (he said; you said).

Can't really help sorry.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/

GowerJeeper

The Escape is available in front wheel drive only (FWD)

Sorry the website wont let me post a link but if you go into the model specs you can get them either in FWD or 4WD

Hintza

The problem you have is the deal

YOU > Agent/Broker > Hire Company

So there are three parties instead of the normal two. Consumer law would suggest your contract is with the broker so you should be fighting with them and them fighting the car hire company. But you have the added disadvantage that not all are in the UK.

But this is the bit you need. Get a letter off to them asap.

Car Type/Suitability

Atlaschoice are unable to guarantee a particular make, model or fuel type of car. The car shown on your voucher is for
guidance only and may be substituted for an alternative, similar or upgraded car (at no extra cost) at our option.
If it becomes impossible to provide your booked car due to breakdown or an accident, a similar or upgraded car will be
provided.
If you are dissatisfied in any way with the standard of your booked car, you must advise our local car rental partner
immediately and Atlaschoice in writing within 28 days of your return. Failure to do so may result in any claims not being

accepted or settled by Atlaschoice.

http://online.atlaschoice.com/cars/pdf/ATC_car_TCs_200911a.pdf