Avis Car Rental

- at Broadway, 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023

For New Yorkers, a car rental can be a gateway to freedom – a weekend trip out of the five boroughs, a necessary vehicle for moving, or simply a way to navigate the city when public transport isn't the most efficient option. Avis Car Rental, a globally recognized brand, has numerous locations throughout New York City, including a branch conveniently located on West 76th Street at Broadway in Manhattan's Upper West Side. While Avis generally aims to provide a reliable service, the reality at individual urban branches can sometimes present unique challenges for local users.

The provided customer reviews for the Avis Car Rental - at Broadway, 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA location unfortunately highlight some significant and serious concerns that prospective renters should be aware of. These experiences paint a picture of operational and customer service issues that deviate sharply from the expectations typically associated with a major car rental brand.

One customer's review is particularly alarming: "If I could give zero I would. These guys need to be shut down. Gave me a non-roadworthy vehicle and I almost got into two accidents. When I called to dispute they retro actively canceled my toll pass and I got charged for all the tolls. This is the worst company and the worst option for renting cars." The claims of receiving an unsafe vehicle and facing punitive, retroactive charges for tolls are extremely serious and directly impact a renter's safety and financial well-being. This kind of experience can understandably lead to immense frustration and a complete loss of trust.

Another review details what appears to be a deceptive practice regarding vehicle availability and pricing: "Be careful or this place will rip you off. I reserved a full-sized car for 9 am. When I arrived at 10:30 am, the manager Delores told me that because I had arrived after 9:30, there was no car for me -- unless I wanted to go back to Brooklyn, one hour in the wrong direction. Either that, or I could rent a premium vehicle for an extra $200. I have rented from Avis many times and have never heard of such a policy. I was told that this 30-minute rule was in the 'fine print,' which it is not. So I was lied to. But, I was leaving for a long weekend and had no choice but to pay the extra money. This is fraud." This account describes a potential bait-and-switch tactic, where a reserved vehicle becomes unavailable, and the customer is pressured into paying significantly more for an upgrade under questionable circumstances. Such practices are especially concerning for New Yorkers who often have tight schedules and limited alternative transportation options, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

Avis Car Rental is situated at 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA, specifically "at Broadway." This location places it squarely in Manhattan's Upper West Side, a bustling and highly desirable neighborhood.

From a geographical perspective, the branch benefits from excellent accessibility for Manhattan residents. It is very close to major subway lines, including the 1, 2, and 3 express and local trains at 72nd Street and 79th Street stations, and the B and C trains along Central Park West. Numerous MTA bus routes also serve the area, making it easy to reach from various parts of the borough. The proximity to Broadway ensures high visibility and straightforward navigation for those driving. While the physical location is convenient, the customer reviews suggest that the actual experience of vehicle pickup and drop-off, and interaction with staff, might not always match the ease of its prime urban setting. For New Yorkers, this means factoring in potential operational delays or challenges despite the seemingly ideal address.

As a global leader in car rentals, Avis typically offers a comprehensive range of services and a diverse fleet to cater to various customer needs. While the customer experiences at this specific location raise concerns about the delivery of these services, the standard offerings would generally include:

• Standard Car Rentals: A wide selection of vehicles across various categories, including economy, compact, mid-size, and full-size sedans for everyday use and city commuting.
• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Beyond standard sedans, Avis's fleet usually includes a variety of SUVs (various sizes), minivans, and potentially specialty or luxury vehicles, offering options for families, group travel, or a more premium experience. They aim for cars that are, on average, under 6 months old and regularly maintained.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Options for short-term rentals (daily, hourly in some programs) to weekly or monthly rentals, providing flexibility for different travel plans.
• One-Way Rentals: The convenience of picking up a vehicle at this Manhattan location and dropping it off at another Avis branch, either within NYC or across the country, is typically available.
• Insurance Replacement Rentals: Avis often works with insurance companies to provide replacement vehicles for customers whose personal cars are undergoing repairs.
• Optional Add-ons: Customers can generally opt for additional equipment like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, and various protection plans (such as Loss Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Insurance) for an extra fee.
• Avis Preferred Program: A loyalty program designed to offer expedited service and rewards for frequent renters, though the efficacy of expedited service at this particular branch has been questioned by customer feedback.
• Corporate and Business Rentals: Avis caters to business travelers and companies with corporate accounts, offering tailored solutions.

While the provided reviews for this specific Avis location highlight significant issues, it's important to differentiate between general brand features and the local execution.

• Global Brand Presence: Avis is a well-established international brand, offering a vast network of locations globally, which can be advantageous for travelers seeking consistency across different cities.
• Wide Vehicle Selection: The brand generally boasts a broad fleet, allowing customers to choose a vehicle that best suits their needs, from economy models for cost-conscious renters to larger vehicles for group travel.
• Online Booking and Mobile App: Avis provides robust online platforms and a mobile app for convenient reservations, modifications, and access to rental details.
• Avis Preferred Benefits: For members of their loyalty program, benefits are supposed to include faster service, skipping lines, and earning rewards.
• Roadside Assistance: Like most major rental companies, Avis typically offers 24/7 roadside assistance for breakdowns or emergencies during the rental period.

However, based on the provided customer feedback, key operational and service deficiencies at this specific West 76th Street location appear to overshadow these general brand features:

• Vehicle Safety Concerns: One of the most critical issues raised is the claim of being provided a "non-roadworthy vehicle," which is a severe safety hazard.
• Allegations of Deceptive Practices: The "30-minute rule" for reservation non-guarantee and the subsequent upselling for an extra $200, described as a lie and fraud, indicate a significant trust issue.
• Billing Discrepancies: Retroactively canceling a toll pass to charge customers for tolls is a highly concerning and potentially unethical billing practice.
• Poor Customer Dispute Resolution: The difficulty in disputing charges and resolving issues points to inadequate customer support at the local level.

For direct contact with Avis Car Rental - at Broadway, 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA, here is their information:

Address: at Broadway, 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 595-0358

Mobile Phone: +1 212-595-0358

Operating Hours (check with branch as these can vary, but generally extended hours for urban locations):

• Sunday - Saturday: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM (as per typical urban Avis locations)

For New Yorkers considering Avis Car Rental on West 76th Street, it is critical to approach this location with extreme caution and a full understanding of the serious issues reported by previous customers. While the Upper West Side location is undeniably convenient for many Manhattan residents, offering easy access via public transport, the specific experiences shared by renters raise significant red flags.

Claims of unsafe vehicles, allegations of deceptive pricing practices (like the "30-minute rule" and forced upgrades), and issues with billing accuracy (such as retroactive toll charges) are not minor inconveniences but fundamental breaches of trust and service quality. For New Yorkers, who value transparency, efficiency, and safety, these reported problems could lead to highly stressful and costly situations.

Therefore, despite being a major brand, the local performance of this Avis branch appears to be severely compromised. While some positive general reviews for Avis exist elsewhere, the specific feedback for the West 76th Street location suggests that customers should meticulously review their contracts, photograph the vehicle thoroughly before and after rental, and be prepared to actively dispute any unexpected charges. For a truly reliable and hassle-free car rental experience in New York City, local users might find it prudent to explore alternative Avis locations or other rental companies with consistently better local reputations, especially when safety and financial integrity are paramount.

Avis Car Rental

at Broadway, 216 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA