Zoe Alvarez
When it comes to renting a car in Hawaii, travellers have a variety of options to choose from, including well-known companies like Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, National, and Alamo. Two other popular choices are Thrifty and Dollar, which are subsidiaries of the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group and are often considered to be more affordable options. However, opinions vary on whether renting from Thrifty and Dollar in Hawaii is a good idea. Some travellers report long wait times, issues with additional charges, and poor customer service. On the other hand, others have found that these companies offer great rates and smooth rental experiences. So, are Thrifty and Dollar good options for renting a car in Hawaii? Let's explore the experiences and insights shared by those who have ventured to the Aloha State.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wait times | Long wait times have been reported for both Thrifty and Dollar. |
| Customer service | Thrifty has been described as "absolute garbage" by one reviewer, while another reviewer had a positive experience with their customer service. |
| Pricing | Thrifty and Dollar have been described as offering "cheap" rates, but some reviewers have reported unexpected charges and billing issues. |
| Vehicle availability | Some reviewers have reported issues with vehicle availability, including long waits for vehicles and vehicles not being in stock. |
| Vehicle quality | Thrifty and Dollar offer a range of vehicle options, including economy, compact, mid-size, premium, and luxury cars, as well as SUVs and vans. |
| Insurance | Reviewers recommend understanding your insurance requirements and not purchasing prepaid gas options. |
| Upselling | Thrifty and Dollar have been known to upsell additional products and services, such as GPS and prepaid gas options, which reviewers recommend avoiding. |
| Online reviews | Thrifty and Dollar have mixed reviews, with some positive and negative experiences reported. |
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What You'll Learn
Dollar and Thrifty are subsidiaries of the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group
Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental are subsidiaries of the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG), formerly known as Pentastar Transportation Group, a subsidiary of the Chrysler Corporation.
DTAG was formed in 1997 when Chrysler merged the operations of its two subsidiaries, Thrifty Rent-A-Car System, Inc. (purchased in 1989) and Dollar Rent A Car Systems, Inc. (purchased in 1990).
DTAG became an independent car rental subsidiary of Chrysler in 1997, and by 2003, the Dollar and Thrifty brands were operating in over 70 countries worldwide, including approximately 800 corporate and franchised locations in the United States and Canada.
In 2012, DTAG was acquired by The Hertz Corporation for US$2.3 billion. Hertz continued to operate the two brands separately, with Thrifty Car Rental operating in 77 countries and territories, and Dollar Rent A Car in 26 countries with over 370 locations worldwide.
While both companies are owned by Hertz and share a counter in some locations, reviews of their services in Hawaii vary. Some customers report long wait times, unexpected charges, and issues with customer service, while others have had positive experiences, highlighting the convenience and affordability of their rentals.
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Long wait times are common
Long wait times are a common issue for car rentals in Hawaii, with some customers reporting waiting for several hours to receive their rental car. This problem is not unique to Thrifty and Dollar car rental companies, as it is a widespread issue across Hawaii due to the high demand for rental cars, especially during peak seasons.
One customer reported a two-hour wait time in Lihue, which caused them to change their dinner plans. Another customer experienced a four-hour wait, allegedly due to a lack of cars in stock. These long wait times are reflected in the reviews of these companies, with one customer noting that 95% of recent reviews for Dollar were one-star reviews, primarily complaining about wait times.
However, it is worth noting that some customers have also reported smooth and efficient experiences with Thrifty and Dollar, with one customer stating that there was "no line" and another mentioning that they had "no issues."
To mitigate long wait times, customers are advised to make courtesy reservations, which can be easily cancelled without penalty, and to check for price drops before re-booking. Additionally, signing up for skip-the-line programs or joining loyalty clubs can help reduce wait times.
While Thrifty and Dollar may offer competitive rates, customers should be aware of potential long wait times, especially during peak travel seasons, and consider alternative companies with better reviews regarding wait times, such as Enterprise, although their rates may be higher.
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Unexpected charges and fees
Dollar and Thrifty have been reported to have long wait times, sometimes lasting several hours, which can result in unexpected fees if a reservation needs to be cancelled or changed. Additionally, both companies normally charge at least $13.50 per day for additional drivers, but they do offer discounts through partner companies, reducing this fee to $8 per day. It is important to be aware of these charges when making a reservation, as they can increase the overall cost of the rental.
Both companies also charge fees for early or late returns. Dollar and Thrifty may adjust the rate on the contract if a car is returned early, and late returns may incur a fee of up to $20.50 per day, with a maximum charge of $102.50 for five days. These fees can add up quickly and significantly increase the cost of the rental.
Another issue that has been reported by customers is unexpected charges after agreeing to a lower gas rate at the counter. In some cases, customers have been charged for a full tank of gas even though they had refuelled the car before returning it. This has resulted in unexpected fees of up to $127. Additionally, some customers have reported being charged for keys that were returned, with fees of up to $500. These unexpected charges can significantly impact the overall cost of the rental and leave customers feeling dissatisfied.
To avoid unexpected charges, it is important to carefully review the rental contract and be aware of any additional fees that may apply. It is also recommended to take pictures of the car and fuel gauge before returning it to document its condition and refuelling it to avoid any potential disputes. While Dollar and Thrifty offer competitive rates, customers should be aware of the potential for unexpected charges and fees that can increase the overall cost of the rental.
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Thrifty has a better reputation
While both Thrifty and Dollar have received mixed reviews, Thrifty has a better reputation of the two.
One user on Tripadvisor said they had "no problems" with Thrifty and would use them again. They also said that they had a good experience with a mix-up involving locked keys, which Thrifty handled well. Another user said that Thrifty had the best rates and that there was no line when they used the company.
A user on Reddit said that Thrifty and Dollar have the same agent at OGG and that they waited two hours for a car in Lihue. However, they also said that Thrifty is "absolute garbage" and accused the company of fraudulent charges.
Dollar has received numerous negative reviews, with one user on Reddit saying that 95% of the company's recent reviews are one-star reviews, complaining about wait times. Another user on Tripadvisor said that they rented a car through Dollar and were supposed to be charged $372 but were then booked into a new reservation and charged $709.
Thrifty and Dollar are subsidiaries of the Dollar-Thrifty Automotive Group and are virtually the same company, with the same rates on Expedia and Orbitz. They are also housed in the same building and share a counter at some locations.
However, despite the similarities between the two companies, Thrifty appears to have a better reputation based on the reviews.
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Dollar is cheaper
Dollar Rent A Car markets itself as a cheap car rental company, offering "real value" and "lowest prices" to its customers. It is a suitable option for travellers who want affordability without compromising quality. The company offers a range of vehicle options, including economy, compact, mid-size, premium, and luxury cars, at affordable prices.
Dollar's cheap rental rates can be attributed to its target market and dynamic pricing strategy. The company targets the discount mass tourist leisure market, which often results in lower quotes, especially at busy locations. Additionally, Dollar employs dynamic pricing, which means rates can change daily or even within a short period, allowing customers to take advantage of price drops.
Dollar also offers various discounts and deals to make renting more affordable. They provide seasonal deals on top of their low prices and have exclusive members-only deals for AAA, Union Plus, BJ's Wholesale, and AICPA members. Dollar also has a rewards program where customers can earn points, credits, and miles when booking flights, hotels, or other travel accommodations through their partners.
Compared to its competitors, Dollar is often the cheaper option. For example, one customer compared prices for a 19-day trip, finding that Alamo and Avis were priced at £1274 and £1488, respectively, while Dollar was significantly lower at £565. Another customer mentioned that Enterprise had good reviews but was 50-60% more expensive than Dollar.
Dollar's affordability comes with some trade-offs. The company's vehicles tend to have higher mileage and may have minor scratches or dents. Additionally, customers have reported issues with long wait times and unexpected charges. However, for those looking for a budget-friendly option, Dollar can be a good choice, offering a straightforward and hassle-free rental experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Thrifty and Dollar are budget car rental companies in Hawaii. While some people have had positive experiences with the companies, there are a lot of negative reviews citing long wait times, unexpected charges, and poor customer service.
Thrifty and Dollar are budget options for car rental in Hawaii, and they often have the cheapest rates. They are also known to offer good deals for credit card holders.
There are long wait times associated with Thrifty and Dollar, with some customers reporting waiting for up to 4 hours. There are also reports of unexpected charges and poor customer service.
Yes, there are several alternative car rental companies in Hawaii, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Costco, DHCR, Enterprise, Hertz, Kihei Rent a Car, and National.
