Anyone Have Sports/Luxury Car Hire Experiences?

Lbrownsound on 14/02/2020 - 09:32

Hi all,

I am going to tasmania for a week in June and would like to hire a car to get around and explore the island. I would like to hire a sports car from one company (looking at a mx5 or turbo cooper works S) but would like to know if i should reconsider to a cheaper safer car with AWD as the roads during winter may be icey/slippers… Another thing is that the comapny has set a a 200km daily distance for these cars (50cents/km thereafter) which seems limiting?

Can anyone share their experiences hiring sports/luxury cars? Is there something i should be aware of that i have not yet considered? Any hidden fees people have been hit with? Maybe i should just save the "expensive" car for the final drive from Launceston to Hobart airport (~200km) and hire a Subaru for getting around the moutnains? Are there other sports car companies in tassie i don't know about?

Automotive

Comments

  • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 09:53
    +27

    Be sure to review any luxury company and check any other names they operate or used to operate under.

    My horror story in brief - I hired 2 sports cars for my best friends bucks. Great day! Had to leave a $8000 deposit on each car. Returned the cars and company claimed the tyre wall was damaged within 8 seconds of return - the guy walked out of his office and walked straight to the tyre on the side of the car he couldn't see.

    Anyhooo they refused to refund any deposit money until the entire matter was resolved. Spent the next 4 months fighting them and in the end, they were only prepared to refund the money less the cost of repair of the tyre. After 4 months and being out of pocket $16,000, I figured that I'd rather pay an expected $500 for the tyre. Eventual invoice they gave was 18 days of lost revenue for the car, plus tyre cost plus rim damage which required the rim to be sent to Italy (?) for repairs = $9000ish.

    I ended up going in there one final time (I had been there multiple times during the 4 months) and negotiated the cost down to $4000. I was prepared to obviously take them to court but in that scenario, they said they would refund nothing until decided by the courts. At that time in my younger days, $16,000 was a big hit to live without for such a long time.

    When I reviewed that company further, others had similar experiences for claimed damaged too that suddenly appeared. At a party I met a random person and we started talking and they too hired a car from that company and lost the entirety of their $14,000 deposit(!) due to the hail storm. The company was found out to be taking people's deposits to buy more cars to stock their fleet.

    So check company, check contract/conditions, be sure it's a reputable company. I have since had other friends that have hired sports cars and had a great time - but I share the story so they do their research.

      • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 10:36
        +3

        ^^ this.. I think that was them. They changed their name a few times, but when I hired it was Melbourne Sports Car Rental in Richmond.

        However, I think another person came and bought that business and site and renamed it again. I had a friend that still proceeded to hire from the re-branded company with new owner, and they had a fantastic experience.

        EDIT: Reading the article brings horror memories. Funny that the mentioned that one company guy was punched and the store was sprayed with bullets. At the time, my friend cautioned me to not risk an arson charge because I wanted to burn the warehouse down.

    • Ryanek on 14/02/2020 - 10:18
      +3

      That is indeed a horror story. Yikes.

    • bobbified on 14/02/2020 - 10:20
      +3

      Im literally speechless after reading that - these guys seem to pray on the fact that most people can't afford to have that kind of money tied up for a long period of time.

      After 4 months and being out of pocket $16,000..

      How did you end up spending $16,000?

      Eventual invoice they gave was 18 days of lost revenue for the car, plus tyre cost plus rim damage which required the rim to be sent to Italy (?) for repairs = $9000ish.

      Too late for this, but Im sure that any court would've ruled in your favor had it got that far.

      • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 10:39
        +1

        They made me sign a clause to absolve them of everything. It was a dark dingy room which they called their office (pretty sure there was a shotgun strapped to under the table pointing at me) and they said sign it or they will hold all the money and happily see me in court, which they said they'll drag out for the next 6 to 12 months.

        Weighing up the costs, the $4000 just seemed like less pain.

        • blitz on 14/02/2020 - 10:56
          +1

          They made me sign a clause to absolve them of everything.

          Your rights as a consumer cannot be disclaimed.

          • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 11:04
            +2

            @blitz: It happened about 10 years ago - I also recorded the entirety of the discussion on my phone to demonstrate duress. But in the end, the bucks party friends also helped out and split the $4000. It was a extremely negative experience and so we just wanted to move past it, because it was seriously bringing myself and friend (groom), down to the point where it was all we were thinking about and hating them so much - we were the point contacts. Another 6 months or how long it would've taken for legal proceedings was going to be more unpleasant

            • Skramit on 14/02/2020 - 11:11

              @Porker: Sweet jesus.

              Did you get the feeling the whole time they knew they were pulling a swifty but also knew by holding your money they had you over a barrel? Did they smile about it?

              • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 11:22
                +1

                @Skramit: They knew exactly what they were doing. I remember talking to Andrew, mentioned in article below, or someone very similar looking to him and was just shrugging his shoulders and saying 'sorry it's how it is'. I actually asked for the repair bill/invoice for the 'Italy' repair and they couldn't produce it. I made it simple and asked for the tyre replacement/repair invoice, again, not available.

                The had even said that the car was off-the-road due to the tyre danage, but I had another friend go through the entire process of booking 'that' car and then pulling out last minute to demonstrate that 'that' car was still functioning.

                Credit to @jimbobaus for finding this article https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/bankrupt-dupes-l…

                • Skramit on 14/02/2020 - 11:24

                  @Porker: Wow so not just a "dodgy hire company trying to squeeze you for an inflated price on a repair" but a properly run 100% scam.

    • Skramit on 14/02/2020 - 10:28
      +1

      Name and shame the company please. For everyone to avoid it……

      • FireRunner on 14/02/2020 - 10:57
        +1

        It's probably changed name a dozen times since

    • lunchbox99 on 14/02/2020 - 10:31

      Why on earth didn't you take this to xCAT in your state (civil and administrative tribunal) - aka "small claims court". No offence, but they saw you coming.

      • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 10:53

        As mentioned in another reply, they held the entirety of my $16000 at ransom, so I agreed to sign release forms to at least get back the $4000. I had legal advice at the time about timeframes and costs to go through things which was months to a year and more costs.. I just wanted it resolved.

        • lunchbox99 on 14/02/2020 - 13:25
          +3

          That should have been a red flag for a start. I wouldn't give a car rental company $16k of my money to hold for any reason.

          • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 13:38

            @lunchbox99: Agree, but we're talking nearly 10 years ago when there weren't many sports/luxury car hire place, and the main stream rentals (Budget, Avis etc) just stocked the regular run of the mill cars. Redballoon and similar weren't as big as they are today/recent-past.

            The request for deposit also didn't come up until we were literally signing the papers for the car rental. There was no condition or mention of it at any time prior. They presented it as a security bond that would be refunded after lease - I had 8 guys and the groom already drooling over the cars we had booked, taking selfies etc.

            The whole bucks days was around us driving to wineries etc, so agree that in hindsight I shouldn't have done it, but it's what I decided for my friend and group.

      • Ocker on 14/02/2020 - 12:05

        VCAT are toothless. You may well get a judgement in your favour but VCAT has no powers to enforce the judgement, rather you need to pursue payment through the Magistrates Court - a very expensive and time consuming exercise, still with no guarantee of getting payment

    • GG57 on 14/02/2020 - 10:45

      I've seen cars from this company or a similar entity in use over the years. Early on the drivers were let loose to do whatever they wanted, wherever they wanted. It seemed to be a crazy risky business model, and I personally saw a Ferrari go through the middle of a roundabout and end up in a storm drain in the country.
      More recently I've noticed that the 'exotic' rentals are chaperoned by a lead car, which prevents speeding and other erratic behaviour.

      That doesn't excuse the company's behaviour as you have described.

    • Seraphin7 on 14/02/2020 - 16:58

      Thanks for adding your experience. This actually confirms what I've suspected for along time … that these luxury car hire joints are often "less than reputable".

  • GG57 on 14/02/2020 - 10:25

    Do you have an itinerary in mind, as a lot of the roads are of a good standard anyway, and you may not exceed the 200km/day (as an average, this would be up to 1400km for a week).

  • 2jzzzz on 14/02/2020 - 10:26
    +2

    Hired a Mustang from Hertz a few times. Had a huge amount of fun. Paid for zero out of pocket excess and it comes with with unlimited KMs 😁

  • Witchdoctr on 14/02/2020 - 10:27
    +2

    We do a car trip down to Tasmania every year. Things you should probably know before you rent a car.

    It is road kill central, honestly every morning looks like a horror movie. Driving between dusk and dawn is bloody terrifying, our cute but rather stupid animals chill out next to the road just waiting till the last minute to jump in front of your car.

    The roads can just randomly turn into dirt. Almost every year we have been there has been roadworks going on and someone has ended up getting chips in their car. If you like finding nice back roads you can also occasionally find the run out and turn into dirt. Something google and maps sometimes forget to tell you.

    So if you are going to do it, get rental vehicle excess insurance. Sometimes your credit card will provide this or you can get something like domestic travel insurance. Both often work out cheaper then getting it with the rental company. But note that sometimes you may still be up for the excess till the second policy pays out.

    Good luck, have fun, drive safe. Tasmania is bloody fantastic driving (and viewing… and eating…and drinking…. actually its all darn good)

  • bahgsy on 14/02/2020 - 11:20
    +2

    After considering the same thing last month and opting for the 4WD, recommend going for something low to the ground. The roads seem like they would be a good fun drive, but the body wobble of a Nissan X-Trail definitely ruined it for me.

    Unless you're planning on spending a lot of time on dirt roads, I really don't think it's worth it.

    +1 for domestic travel insurance/credit card insurance over paying rental car company insurance.

  • GG57 on 14/02/2020 - 13:37

    Re the "…the final drive from Launceston to Hobart airport…", I assume you mean via the Midland Highway, which is a pretty boring drive (apart from the ongoing roadworks). I wouldn't waste money on a more expensive car rental for that alone.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 14/02/2020 - 14:06
    +3

    Great Car and Boat Rentals, Richmond over a decade ago made me never want to hire a luxury sportscar again. Security deposit was taken and took months return because:
    * Phone lines were down
    * Returns person not in
    * Bank made a mistake
    * Returns person made a mistake
    * Phone lines still down
    * Bank said it was returned
    * Family issues
    * On business trip
    * Returns person quit, hiring new person
    * Will send cheque
    * Cheque didn't arrive?
    * Phone lines still down
    * My bank didn't allow the refund
    * Endless unfulfilled promises of returned phone calls

    Every single lie & excuse was given & then they hit me up to invest in their business. They said that they get great deals for boats well below market value so I would make income from the boat & then reselling it for more than I paid a few years later.

    I'd rather get less of a sportscar from a bigger chain than ever go with one of these types of businesses again.

  • Islund on 14/02/2020 - 14:25
    +4

    Most importantly - walk around the car and video the condition of the car before you pick it up - especially below door sill level.

  • Oz8argain on 14/02/2020 - 16:08

    I rented a car from Launceston last winter! Couldn't find any 'sporty' cars available :(
    BEWARE OF ANIMALS, it is very very likely you might hit something on the road, there were A LOT of dead animals on the road and a lot of damaged cars. Buy insurance ! FULL COVERAGE! —Look at the damage: https://imgur.com/a/ldGm110 (not my rental)

    I have rented a 2019 v8 mustang in qld before through Herts. No issues, no extra fees, they just walked around and didnt really check damage closely. I bought insurnace when I booked but it was a different company and was more expensive, I should have got their one when I picked up the car.

    Enjoy you time with the car! the fastest car is a rental. Driving in launceston up and down the mountain was fun even in a hyundai, trying to handbreak drift around the corner, failed to get over 7L/100km :P but stay safe.

    • GG57 on 14/02/2020 - 16:13

      In Launceston up and down the mountain??

      • Oz8argain on 14/02/2020 - 16:20

        mostly around on the North and East side

        • GG57 on 14/02/2020 - 16:30

          I have no idea where you mean, and I know Launceston extremely well.

          • Oz8argain on 14/02/2020 - 16:43

            @GG57: sorry mate cant remember, we were following the rally, it was a few places in the mountain

    • Porker on 14/02/2020 - 17:00

      Does anyone know if Travel Insurance works for domestic travel?

      The reason I say this is most travel insurance includes up to $4000 vehicle hire excess in the event of an accident. I figure that the $90ish travel insurance is cheaper than potentially paying the rental excess reduction fee (depending on how many days you hire).

      As such, Full Coverage may be cheaper with Travel Insurance assuming it is applicable.

      • mskeggs on 14/02/2020 - 18:21

        It is probably the main reason left to buy domestic travel insurance, but check your PDS.

  • Melb69 on 14/02/2020 - 18:52

    Avoid EuropCars IMO. Go for the MX5 if you don't have any luggage. The boot is small. It will be a hoot to drive around Tassie especially if the weather is mild and sunny.

    Just be aware of the excess if damage, so look at the car very carefully and tell them to write it in the pre pick up report and give you a copy. Your all excited and drive off. Then they come back at you and say that little dent wasn't there. Go to a reputable car hire place. Read reviews.

    By the way I took out tyre insurance with EC and it meant nothing.

  • backpaqer on 15/02/2020 - 11:16

    I registered for a Hertz gold membership and I've rented some really nice cars from their fleet. Probably the most fun car was a golf gti, a glorified go-cart. Unlimited kms, the best experiences at airport (no queuing). I've also had a BMW X4 M-series twin turbo in the UK and a land Rover Discovery sports in Italy (both times in Europe I'd ordered a Nissan x-trail and they upgraded me to these). Every time I've turned up to a Hertz counter, the "normal" queue is horrendous and responsible for most of their one star reviews, the gold membership seems to be the common denominator for their 5 star reviews (and here I am telling you it's worth it). Heading to NZ soon and I've only rented a Corolla, but as I bought my daughter a new one a year ago, they are a fantastic drive and handle really well (though a little gutless as they didn't install that little cable that connects the accelerator to the corners of your mouth).

  • Mark1159 on 15/02/2020 - 12:53
    +1

    I’ve driven Tassie - done the whole family/Prado/car Ferry/10 days thing.
    Also owned MX5s and currently Mustang GT convertible.

    Very pretty, place but apart from north south Hiway, no big stretches. Smaller car be perfectly adequate. You don’t want too big a suitcase for Mazda boot. Two overnight bags are fine. There is no rear space either.

    Any twisty road, Mazda would hold on better than most cars.

  • Brooklyn on 15/02/2020 - 20:22
    +1

    Dude lived in Tassie for 10 years watch out the cars do not need rego checks so the roads can be slippery (due to oil from an aging car fleet) as esp in winter. Rent a small car like a corolla or similar and drive to the conditions. Oh and tasmanians tend to cut corners and the logging trucks will not give way. It is not a place to go to in order to have a good hoon. Once you have been there then sure go for it. It would be like skateboarding without a helmet… Wait until you hit some black ice. Enjoy your trip it is an awesome place.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2020 - 21:06

    Also check the rental excess insurance cover. I remember years ago it was around $3k but in recent years have gone up to even $5.5k for some rental companies. Your travel insurance may only cover only $3k and you'd be out of pocket for balance. I think the rental co realise customers are getting travel insurance to cover the excess and have therefore jacked up the excess. They know this because when I picked up the car, they offered an additional fee to cover the difference.

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 16/02/2020 - 00:56

    As a member of NRMA, I rented a Toyota Camry, but got a free upgrade to Holden Commodore V6, it had Sports extras and HUD, which made driving in the mountains very easy. Would highly recommened it.
    This was in 2018 Jan. I took comprehensive insurance coverage for peace of mind, although am a very safe driver, and the staff was very friendly at the airport. No problems whatsoever.
    Have fun mate! Tassie is a beautiful place.

  • mikljon on 16/02/2020 - 01:36

    I wouldn't call either car a sports car when yeah Commodore is faster more power

    • Euphemistic on 16/02/2020 - 09:16

      An MX5 is not a sports car? Power and speed isn’t everything, especially given our speed limits and the police penchant for checking your speed.

      You can have a lot of fun in a low powered but good handling car and you are much less likely to fall afoul of the law.

  • DiscoJango on 16/02/2020 - 09:53

    Thanks to all those who posted details about the dodgy car loan companies. Its just crazy how these guys blatantly steal from people, shut up shop and do it all over again, while all the authorities do nothing about it.

    • Euphemistic on 16/02/2020 - 10:40
      +1

      If you think of these companies being funded by drug money or criminal enterprises then it makes more sense. After all, not many legit businesses and people have enough money to go and buy a. Inch of exotic cars and then rent them to randoms.

      • Heaps for Cheaps on 16/02/2020 - 11:59

        Also, as in my experience, the cars were not actually always their cars, but owned & profit shared with the owner.

  • Vanderhum Doriemus on 16/02/2020 - 12:56
    +1

    200km/day won't get you very far in Tassie.

    I strongly recommend you stay away from any small companies that rent out sports cars. Go with a bit one like Hertz etc. You won't get good value but at least you're not funding a dodgy enterprise.

    Honestly, sports car rental is extremely poor value in Australia. If you are ever in Germany go to the Porsche museum in Stuttgart and rent a new 911 4S for about A$500/day all inclusive. Take it on the twisty roads of the Black Forest and open it up on the Autobahn. Your mind will be blown so much more than any rental you get in Australia.

  • TheSmegger on 17/02/2020 - 13:21

    Logging trucks WILL force you off the road on the way up a windy road, in the north. They don't give a rats arse, don't slow down and follow their own line.
    Be aware, alert and ready to pull off the road.

    Also, it's beautiful and the food is(mostly) amazing.

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