⭐ 1/5 Poor experience with Best Deals Rent A Car
1/5 – Poor experience with Best Deals Rent A Car
I rented a car for more than 60 days for a ski trip and specifically requested a vehicle suitable for winter conditions. This was confirmed in advance. However, at pickup I was informed of a battery issue, and the car was delivered later at night, making it difficult to properly inspect its condition.
During the first snowfall, the car proved unsafe to drive due to all-season tires. I raised this concern immediately. I was advised either to return to Sofia (approx. 240 km) or replace the tires myself in another city and pay upfront, with a promise of reimbursement. I chose the second option and replaced the tires at my own expense.
At the end of the rental, the car was inspected and I was told everything was in order. I was informed that my €200 deposit and the tire costs would be refunded the next day. After several days without payment, I received a message stating that there were minor damages and that the deposit would be withheld. These issues were not mentioned during the return inspection.
Overall, the experience involved unexpected issues with the vehicle, additional costs, and a dispute regarding the deposit. Based on this, I cannot recommend this service.
Reply from BestDeals Rent-a-car
Hello,
you had reserved a Hyundai i20, manual transmission, one of our budget options, model 2021, but since the car was not available, we provided you with a Toyota Corolla, 2023, manual transmission with less than 65 thousand km. The car was provided to you at a top price, consistent with the long-term lease. Yes, the battery had to be replaced, but batteries are consumables that are subject to periodic replacement, in case you are not familiar. There is nothing to worry about.
Regarding tires, we provide cars with tires suitable for the respective season - summer with summer tires, winter with winter tires. The car you are using was fitted with brand-new winter tires of the highest class at a service center near your location. You have used the car in a high mountain area in the Rhodope Mountains, where there is snow accumulation, and this necessitated the replacement of the tires with new winter tires. This is not necessary in all other areas due to warmer winters and the absence of permanent snow accumulation.
We work 24/7, and handing over a car at night does not bother us at all. Our colleagues are professionals and know the cars in detail, as they are inspected and described over several days.
Regarding the aforementioned skidding of the car, you forgot to specify that you were at a high altitude, in a mountainous area, and as a driver, you are not very experienced, and the car turned out to be smarter than you, by automatically turning off the wheel lock, which is set by the manufacturer when the outside temperature drops below certain degrees, which caused the skidding. I remind you again, we are talking about TOYOTA, one of the safest cars!
Of course, you didn't pay for the tires out of your own pocket, God forbid, if the customers bought the tires themselves. We paid for them by bank transfer, instantly. You paid for the installation, and your money was refunded.
We assisted you promptly and adequately when you contacted us. The conversations are recorded in our system.
We understand that you find it difficult to accept the withholding of the deposit, but based on the inspection, we have determined that it was withheld legally due to a defect: a perforated driver's door. The paid coverage does not cover such damage.
I regret that a young person like you spends so much of their time and energy spreading lies to tarnish our reputation in revenge. You yourself shared how satisfied you were with the service used when returning the car.