S&J Self Drive Hire Reviews 

Even though they were extremely busy they were able to help with a last minute hire. Great service from start to finish. They were even open 20 mins early on the day of collection.

Absolutely brilliant service
Needed a Luton twice in two weeks phoned up able to deal with it straight away. Very professional and will use again if ever needed to hire. Cheap rates aswell 👌
Scott

First class professional company very helpful specifically Andy thanks guys.

Excellent van hire company meets every needs and the staff are so polite professional and always have smiles !!!! Thank you and I look forward to using you again next weekend. This is the ockendon branch

This company is a scam inflicted minor damage to a hire van from them expected some punishment but they told me that in the small print that I didn’t read if I’m honest because of the accident (small dent in the wheel arch) I was to pay an excess of £1000 after the initial shock I just thought ok I’ve been scammed. But to my shock they took £1000 out of my bank account without my permission. It’s a big con that reels you in with reasonable prices the scam is they pray you have an accident so it’s then you get stung. Would never go near them again an if they try to take more money I’m going to the police!

Update: In response to SandJ's response.

- I've downgraded my review to a 1 star after seeing your ridiculous response.

1) I did raise this complaint with the manager upon return of the van, and had concerns dismissed.

2) I did not measure the Vauxhall before collection.

3 You clearly didn't read my review properly. And I can see from your response to other customer complaints, you have a habbit of going on the attack and always blaming the customers, rather than taking any responsibility.

4) With regards to legality. "Just because you wrote something on your website doesn't mean you avoid responsibility". A quote from my solicitor. :)

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Original Review:
The van specifications on their website are incorrect. I knew this because I researched the van type online using the details they provided. So I called and requested to visit and measure the van myself. The guy who answered tried to dissuade me from coming, saying all the details are correct on their website. Eventually he agreed to let me come to measure the van. So I visited their Romford location, and just as I thought, the van was far different from the specs on their website.

When I finished measuring the van, one of the employees told me they have a van which is the same size as the one I just measured, only it's a foot longer.

So I asked inside, spoke to who I think is the manager who confirmed the van was exactly the same only a foot longer. So I booked it.

On the pick up day I didn't realise, but the morning after when I went to start packing, I realised it wasn't at all the same size as the van I previously measured. Intenal sizes were 5cm shorter in height, 22cm smaller in width, and only 6cm longer. On top of this the intenal wheel arches were bigger. So the total volume was significantly less.

It's worth noting that I wasn't able to measure the second van before my rental because they had none on hand at the time. But it is partly my fault, I should have measured it upon collection, since I already knew they provide false dimensions.

I was traveling to the EU with all my belongings as I was in the process of moving to spain. So I meticulously planned everything... At home in my living room I mapped out the size of the van that I initially measured, and added an extra foot in length. I placed as much furniture as I could into this space. I even accounted for the space taken up by the wheel arches, and other areas where the van's chassis bulged inwards. I planned everything, and sold what I couldnt fit. If the dimensions were correct I would have fit everything in and had a little extra space left over for 'bits and bobs'. But the van was far smaller, resulting in me having to throw away £600 worth of furniture, and I had to tightly pack everything else, costing me another £530 in damage, due to two computer monitors and a mirror getting damaged during the journey. I was unable to protect them as I previously planned, because I had less space.

I mentioned the size differences on return of the van, but the manager seemed not to care. And just said 'it was bigger," which I know is false, (I messured both vans).

Also, make sure to video record all the damage on the van. They may try to blame something on you. There was a small piece of plastic missing from the front of the van, no damage at all around it. It looks to have been pulled out by hand. The manager blamed this on me, first insisting I could have hit something. After showing him there was zero damage around that area, he then said someone could have pulled it out when I parked it. The van was parked in two different AirBnbs in France, with very secure parking, (which I also planned, as I didn't want the van to get broken into and belongings stolen), and was never left unattended in public areas. So I knew 100 percent that no one pulled it out on my rental period. And during the pre rental van inspection, I pointed out 2 different points of damage that the manager missed during his walk around. He wasn't very attentive. After much debate I got the final bill to my email without being charged for this.

Also, beware if you're taking their vans into the EU. They provide you with EU insurance and a safety kit, and that's all. Their vans don't have the Uk sticker, France Crit Air sticker, or the correct headlights for driving in the EU. All of these are required by law

I've just spoken to a solicitor, and now waiting to here back to see if it's worth taking legal action to claim for the loss and damage. If this goes ahead I'll update this review.

Amazing service from the team at Romford branch. I regularly hire from S&J and their always welcoming and helpful to myself and my young son. Today I dropped back the van and I was unable to carry my sons car seat to my work. I asked if I could leave it with them until I finished work for me to collect as I only worked round the corner. The gentleman I spoke to was understanding and keep my car seat in the office. The gentleman behind the deck offering to drop it off to my work to save me walking it back to my work.
Thank you so much really appreciated see you again in the 13th and 14th February. JULIANNE

I have used S&J Ockendon many times over the years. I have always found them to have a good selection of vehicles at a great price. Their collection/drop-off process is quick and easy, and their staff are always friendly and helpful - even dropping me at the local train station after a booking.

Hired a van on 24th October 2023. The booking process very simple and straightforward, the van was in great condition, and the staff very professional & friendly! I would definitely use S & J again and I highly recommend these guys if you need to hire a van of any size. p.s the price is good too!

Hired a LWB van on 26/9/23. From Basildon.
Excellent all round service again from S & J.
Simple booking on line, good range of vehicles.
Easy to collect with clear guidance on what documentation is required. Vehicle was ready to go and brought out to the gate. Check over was quick staff suggested good option to take my own condition video. Full tank of fuel is better as it’s easier to return with the right amount. Return easy and fast with no problems. Very pleasant staff, great experience.
This is my goto company for van hire such good value no point looking elsewhere. Thanks.

Great service, great value,
Couldn't fault them .

We hired a van from Romford. The staff were very helpful. Van was very clean. Very competitive rates. Would definitely hire from them again.

Outstanding. I managed to order my van for the wrong day! S&J (Basildon) went the extra mile (no pun intended!) to sort me out a replacement at very short notice. It was larger than I needed or wanted but was pleased to have a substitute. Then, they proactively called me when another smaller option became available. Professional, reliable and friendly to deal with. Will be using again.

The S&J team recently helped me with two vans for a local Community day. Both vans weee nearly new, very clean and well specified. From booking to collecting, and dropping back was seamless and efficient. Many thanks to Steve Wilson and to Nick in the office for his help.

Two members of staff i.e Nick and Dean very helpful Great service and help. I highly recommend them also i wish the owners to know how good these two members of staff are. Brilliant

I wasn’t actually a customer but they came to my rescue! I had a flat tyre near to their HQ and two gents came to help, repaired my tyre and blew it up! Lovely people who refused to take any payment in thanks.
Many thanks to Dean and Nick ( the owner) it was very much appreciated.
If ever I need a van, I know where to come!

Do not use this company they have scammed me for over a £1000 the day after I took the van back they took the deposit twice, four days later they managed to take £1000 from my account on the day I was paid. When I phoned they were abusive and threatening. Ever since then they have refuse to reply or enter into any communication with me.

From start to finish a great easy process. Sean at Basildon was fantastic and kept me updated throughout.
Both tipper trucks were in great condition and made our day so much easier.
Drop off is also very easy, even out of hours. Just park up and drop keys through letter box.
Would definitely recommend and will use them next time. Thanks Sean and team

Always excellent customer service with S&J special mention to Fred who helped me out today

A great company offering an excellent service!!
All the staff at S & J are friendly, professional and ultimately focused on making van hire as stress-free as possible from start to finish.
I have hired from S & J 3 times now and each time the service has exceeded my expectations.
I've had to move house several times in the last year, and we all know that moving can be very stressful... so when the whole process runs smooth and S & J manage to lighten the load (pun intended) with their reliable, friendly and professional service... ITS INVALUABLE!!
Thanks guys... from a very happy customer!!