Advantage Rent A Car

- 600 Terminal Dr U303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

For us Floridians, particularly those relying on Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) for our travel needs, securing a dependable and transparent car rental is a fundamental part of a smooth journey. Advantage Rent A Car, located within the FLL Rental Car Center, is one of the many options available. However, based on alarming customer reviews, it's absolutely crucial for local users to approach this specific location with extreme caution. As residents of the Sunshine State, we expect honesty, cleanliness, and fair business practices, especially from services integral to our travel and daily lives.

The allure of competitive pricing, often found through third-party booking sites, can sometimes mask underlying issues that only become apparent once you're at the counter, tired from a flight and ready to start your vacation or attend to business. This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and direct overview of Advantage Rent A Car at FLL, drawing solely from the provided customer feedback. Our goal is to highlight the significant concerns raised by other customers, enabling you, as a local user, to make a truly informed decision about your car rental choice and potentially avoid a frustrating or even financially damaging experience.

We understand that unexpected charges, unclean vehicles, and the stress of dealing with unresponsive customer service can quickly ruin a trip. By shedding light on these reported issues, we hope to empower you to select a car rental provider that genuinely prioritizes customer satisfaction and transparency, ensuring your time navigating Florida's roads is as pleasant and predictable as possible.

Advantage Rent A Car at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is situated at 600 Terminal Dr U303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA. This address places it within the airport's consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC), making it directly accessible from the terminal buildings.

For passengers arriving at FLL, accessing Advantage Rent A Car is generally straightforward. Travelers arriving at Terminal 1 can reach the RCC via a pedestrian bridge on the second level. For those arriving at Terminals 2, 3, or 4, a complimentary airport shuttle bus service operates from the baggage claim level (first floor) directly to the RCC. Once at the RCC, Advantage's counter is located on the 4th floor, alongside other rental agencies.

The on-airport location is a significant convenience, as it eliminates the need for external shuttles or taxis to reach your rental vehicle. This direct access within the airport complex is often a primary factor for travelers seeking efficiency. However, it's worth noting that while the address implies a direct airport presence, some customer reviews for Advantage (though not explicitly stated for this exact address in the provided reviews, but common for some lower-cost airport rental companies) might refer to off-site locations operating under similar branding that require a shuttle. For this specific address (U303 within 600 Terminal Dr), it is within the official FLL Rental Car Center.

Advantage Rent A Car, as a part of the broader car rental industry, typically offers a range of services. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that customer experiences, as detailed in the provided reviews, suggest significant discrepancies in the delivery and transparency of these services at this specific location.

Generally, car rental services would include:

• Vehicle Rental: Providing a fleet of vehicles ranging from economy cars to SUVs and possibly vans. Public information for Advantage suggests they offer various classes, including economy, compact, mid-size, standard, full-size cars, minivans, and SUVs.
• Online Reservations: Allowing customers to book vehicles in advance, often through their own website or third-party platforms like Expedia.
• Insurance/Protection Options: Standard offerings usually include Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and liability insurance, which are optional purchases. Advantage's FAQ states that the purchase of coverage is not mandatory in the US, but reviews suggest aggressive upselling and even forced purchases at the counter.
• Deposit Holds: A security deposit is typically required, often a hold on a credit card. Reviews indicate that Advantage has issues with the refund process of these deposits.
• Mileage Policy: Advantage generally offers unlimited mileage for most car classes in the U.S., with some exceptions for larger vehicles like passenger vans, large SUVs, or exotic cars, which may have limited mileage.
• Optional Equipment: Availability of add-ons like GPS, child safety seats, and additional driver options.
• Customer Service & Support: Channels for inquiries, roadside assistance, and problem resolution. However, reviews severely question the effectiveness and responsiveness of this service.

Based on the provided customer feedback, the actual execution of these services by Advantage Rent A Car at FLL is a major point of concern, particularly regarding transparency, additional charges, and post-rental support.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the "features" and "highlights" of Advantage Rent A Car at FLL Airport are overwhelmingly negative and point to serious operational and ethical concerns that locals should be acutely aware of:

• Unauthorized and Excessive Charges / "Bait and Switch": A predominant highlight is the significant discrepancy between the online quoted price (e.g., "$200 after taxes and fees" on Expedia) and the actual charge demanded at the counter (e.g., "almost $600"). Customers consistently report being "overcharged" and facing a "bait and switch" tactic. This often involves forcing customers to purchase Advantage's own insurance, even if they have full coverage through personal insurance or credit cards, with the threat of being "stranded" if they don't comply.
• Delayed or Denied Deposit Refunds: A critical issue is the failure to return security deposits. Customers report waiting for weeks and being told of "issue with system" or that the deposit was "denied" without a clear reason, despite the car being returned without problems. This creates financial strain and a sense of being defrauded.
• Severe Vehicle Cleanliness and Maintenance Issues: The most shocking highlight is the report of "COCKROACHES crawling all throughout" the rental car, making the experience "disgusting." Beyond this extreme case, other customers mention the car being "filthy," with "spilled soda," "crumbs," "stickiness," and mechanical problems like a "taped on" side mirror, "dents all over," and signs that the car "needed an oil change." This indicates a severe lack of quality control and vehicle preparation.
• Aggressive and Coercive Sales Tactics: Customers felt "stuck," being told they were "stranded if we don’t pay for the car," forcing them to accept inflated prices and unwanted insurance after long trips. This aggressive upselling and intimidation are major red flags for ethical business practices.
• Lack of Accountability and Poor Problem Resolution: Despite immediate notification of issues (like the cockroaches or deposit problems), customers face unresponsiveness and unhelpful responses. The inability to get a clear reason for a denied deposit refund and the general feeling of needing to "sue the company" underscores a complete failure in post-rental customer service and dispute resolution.
• Misleading Information: Customers reported being given false information, such as being told tolls were unavoidable between FLL and Miami and thus needing a specific toll pass, which turned out to be "a complete lie."

These features collectively depict an experience that is far from professional or reliable, with a strong emphasis on dishonest practices and a disregard for customer well-being and safety.

For individuals attempting to contact Advantage Rent A Car at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), here is the provided contact information:

Address: 600 Terminal Dr U303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA

Phone: (800) 777-5500

Mobile Phone: +1 800-777-5500

The provided phone numbers are toll-free and suggest a centralized customer service rather than a direct line to the Fort Lauderdale Airport location. Given the severe issues reported in customer reviews—including significant unauthorized charges, delayed/denied deposit refunds, vehicle cleanliness issues, and difficulty with problem resolution—it is imperative for potential renters to exercise extreme caution and diligence when engaging with this company. While these numbers are provided for contact, the efficacy of resolving the reported problems through them is highly questionable based on customer experiences. For any disputes, especially involving credit card charges or unreturned deposits, it is strongly advised to also contact your bank or credit card company immediately, providing them with all documentation of your rental and the issues encountered.

For us Floridians, securing a reliable and transparent car rental is paramount for our diverse travel needs, from local errands to state-wide adventures. Based on the overwhelming and alarming customer reviews, Advantage Rent A Car at FLL Airport, located at 600 Terminal Dr U303, is demonstrably unsuitable for locals and should be avoided entirely. The pervasive issues reported by real customers paint a picture of a service that is not only unreliable but potentially predatory.

The most egregious concerns, such as being "overcharged" by hundreds of dollars beyond the quoted price and facing an aggressive "bait and switch" tactic that forces the purchase of unnecessary, expensive insurance, directly contradict the principles of fair business. For locals, who value their hard-earned money and time, being put in a position where they feel "stuck" and "stranded" with no choice but to pay inflated fees is a deeply frustrating and unacceptable experience. This level of financial misrepresentation is a significant detriment to its suitability.

Furthermore, the reports of "COCKROACHES crawling all throughout" the rental car, coupled with "filthy" interiors, "taped on" parts, and mechanical issues like needing an "oil change" or having "dents all over," demonstrate a shocking disregard for customer safety, comfort, and basic hygiene. No Floridian should have to endure such conditions, let alone worry about "bug bites" from a rental vehicle. This lack of quality control and vehicle maintenance is a profound failure that makes the service highly unsuitable for any purpose.

Finally, the difficulties in recovering security deposits, with claims of "issue with system" or outright denial without reason, and the general unresponsiveness to complaints, indicate a severe deficiency in post-rental customer support and accountability. For locals, resolving disputes with a company that appears to operate with such disregard for its customers' financial well-being is an added layer of stress that no car rental experience should entail.

In conclusion, while the on-airport location of Advantage Rent A Car at FLL might initially seem convenient, the consistent and severe complaints regarding hidden fees, unsanitary and poorly maintained vehicles, and unethical business practices make it an entirely unsuitable choice for any Florida resident. It is strongly advised to seek out other car rental providers in the Fort Lauderdale area that prioritize transparency, vehicle quality, and genuine customer satisfaction to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

Advantage Rent A Car

600 Terminal Dr U303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA