Advantage rental

- 2600 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

For residents of Florida, especially those in the bustling Fort Lauderdale area, having access to reliable and convenient transportation is a frequent necessity. Whether it's for daily commuting, a weekend trip across the state, or simply needing a vehicle while yours is in the shop, car rental services play a significant role. With numerous options available, choosing the right car rental company can be a crucial decision, impacting both your wallet and your peace of mind. This article aims to provide a factual and informative overview of Advantage Rental in Fort Lauderdale, specifically from the perspective of local Floridian users, helping you understand their offerings and what to consider before making a reservation.

Advantage Rental is located at 2600 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA. This address places them in close proximity to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), making it a common choice for travelers. For local Floridians, this location is accessible via major roadways in Fort Lauderdale. While it is an off-airport location, Advantage Rental does provide shuttle or airport pick-up services from FLL, which is a convenience for both arriving travelers and locals who might be dropping off or picking up guests at the airport. It's important for local users to verify the exact shuttle schedule and pick-up points directly with the company to ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the rental office, or if driving to the location, understanding the local traffic patterns in the vicinity of SW 3rd Ave. The branch generally operates long hours, with some sources indicating 7 AM to 9 PM daily, which provides flexibility for pick-up and drop-off.

Advantage Rental typically offers a range of vehicle categories to cater to diverse customer needs, consistent with most car rental companies that serve both leisure and business segments.

• Standard Car Rentals: This includes a variety of car sizes, from mini and economy models for basic transportation and fuel efficiency, to compact, intermediate, and full-size sedans for more comfort and space.
• SUVs and Larger Vehicles: Advantage also offers SUVs, including standard and intermediate models (like Toyota RAV4 or similar), and potentially other larger vehicles for those requiring more passenger or cargo capacity.
• Daily and Weekly Rentals: They typically offer flexible rental periods, accommodating short-term needs for a day or longer periods for weekly rentals.
• Additional Services: Like other rental companies, Advantage may offer optional add-ons such as GPS navigation, child safety seats, and additional driver options, though these often come with extra fees.
• Insurance and Coverage Options: While their policies are a point of concern for some customers (as detailed in the "Features / Highlights" section), Advantage, like other rental companies, offers various forms of protection, such as Damage Waiver (DW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which may or may not be mandatory depending on the booking channel or personal insurance coverage.

While Advantage Rental aims to offer competitive pricing and a varied fleet, it's crucial for prospective customers, especially locals, to be fully aware of certain aspects highlighted in recent customer reviews.

• Advertised vs. Actual Price Discrepancies: A significant concern raised by multiple customers is the difference between the online quoted price and the final amount charged at the rental counter. Reviews frequently mention "hundreds of dollars added to the rental at the desk" and instances where a $145 quote turned into over $350 due to additional fees.
• Mandatory Insurance/Admin Fees: Customers report being "forced to take their insurance even if you have full coverage with your credit card and with your personal car insurance." An "admin fee" of $180 for using one's own insurance has been cited as a reason for inflated costs, leading some customers to walk away without a rental.
• Deposit Practices: There are mentions of a $300 "hold" on credit cards that is actually a charge, with refunds taking 7 days or more, contrasting with how typical "holds" work with hotels, for example.
• Customer Service Challenges: While the company website suggests "Excellent Service," customer reviews indicate a lack of willingness from some staff to address pricing discrepancies or offer satisfactory resolutions, with sentiments like "the workers there don't really care" and frustration from being told they are "free to leave" when challenging fees.
• Mileage Limits and Unadvertised Policies: One review highlights a lack of disclosure regarding "daily mileage limit" on Priceline bookings, which can lead to unexpected charges for longer trips.
• Vehicle Condition: A review mentions a car being "dirty and full of stains." While not universal, this suggests inconsistency in vehicle cleanliness.
• Transparency Issues: A common theme is the lack of upfront communication about "hidden policies" and additional charges, leading to a "bait and switch" perception.

For contact with Advantage Rental in Fort Lauderdale, please use the following information. It's advisable to use the provided phone numbers for direct communication to clarify any booking details or potential charges.

Address: 2600 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA

While specific local phone numbers were not provided, general Advantage contact information is often available on their corporate website.

General inquiries: 1-800-777-5500 (as found on their website)

For locals in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida region, considering Advantage Rental requires a high degree of caution and due diligence. While initial online quotes might appear attractive, numerous customer reviews strongly advise that the final price at the counter can be significantly higher due to unadvertised fees, particularly for mandatory insurance or administrative charges if you use your own coverage. The experience described by many as a "total scam" or "bait and switch" tactics, combined with frustration over deposit refunds and alleged mileage limits, suggests a need for extreme vigilance. Therefore, while Advantage does have a physical presence in Fort Lauderdale and offers a range of vehicle types, local Floridians are strongly encouraged to:

• Read all terms and conditions meticulously before booking, especially those related to insurance, deposits, and additional fees.
• Call the specific branch directly before arrival to confirm the *total* price, including all mandatory fees, and inquire about their policy on using personal insurance or credit card coverage.
• Ask about mileage limits and any potential charges for exceeding them if you plan long drives.
• Document everything: Take photos/videos of the vehicle's condition at pick-up and drop-off, and keep all paperwork and communication records.

Given the consistent negative feedback regarding pricing transparency and additional charges, it is prudent for local users to compare Advantage's total quoted price with other major rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz before committing. While the convenience of the location might be appealing, the potential for significant unexpected costs and a frustrating customer experience means that local Floridians should proceed with extreme caution and ensure absolute clarity on all charges before finalizing any rental agreement with Advantage Rental.

Advantage rental

2600 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA