Budget Car Rental

- south of Polaris Fashion Mall, 463 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

For Ohio residents, access to a rental car can be a convenient solution for many situations, whether it's for a weekend getaway, a temporary replacement while your vehicle is in the shop, or simply navigating busy urban areas like the Columbus metropolitan region. Budget Car Rental is a globally recognized brand that offers a range of vehicles at various price points. In Westerville, Ohio, a Budget Car Rental branch is conveniently located near the Polaris Fashion Mall, serving the local community. This article will provide an overview of this specific Budget location, including its services and customer feedback, to help Ohio locals make an informed decision when considering their car rental needs.

Budget Car Rental, part of the larger Avis Budget Group, is known for providing cost-effective vehicle rental solutions for both leisure and business travelers. The Westerville location aims to offer competitive pricing, which can be a significant draw for locals looking to manage their transportation expenses. However, customer experiences at this particular branch, as detailed in recent reviews, indicate some areas where the local experience might vary from the broader brand reputation. It's important for prospective renters to balance the convenience of location and price with reported challenges regarding vehicle condition and customer service interactions, ensuring they set appropriate expectations for their rental experience.

The Budget Car Rental location we are focusing on is strategically positioned in Westerville, Ohio, making it accessible to residents in the northern Columbus metropolitan area. You can find them at:

south of Polaris Fashion Mall, 463 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081, USA

This address places the branch in a well-trafficked commercial area, just south of the popular Polaris Fashion Mall. Its proximity to a major shopping destination means it's relatively easy to locate and reach, especially for those familiar with the Polaris area. Lazelle Road connects to key thoroughfares, allowing for straightforward access from various parts of Westerville, Worthington, Lewis Center, and other northern Columbus suburbs. For many Ohio locals in this region, the convenience of this location, being "close to home," is a significant advantage, reducing travel time for pick-ups and drop-offs. Budget also typically offers a complimentary pick-up service from non-airport locations, which can further enhance accessibility for local customers, although it's always best to confirm this service directly with the branch.

Budget Car Rental, as a major international brand, typically offers a comprehensive range of car rental services. While specific inventory can vary by location, the Westerville branch generally provides:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Customers can usually choose from a wide selection of vehicle classes, including economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark), compact cars (e.g., Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul), mid-size cars (e.g., Kia Optima, Volkswagen Jetta), standard and full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion), and premium/luxury vehicles.
• SUVs and Specialty Vehicles: For those needing more space or capability, especially for Ohio's diverse driving conditions, Budget often provides various SUV sizes (e.g., Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe), minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), passenger vans, and pickup trucks (e.g., Jeep Gladiator).
• Flexible Rental Periods: Rentals are available for daily, weekly, and monthly durations, catering to short trips, extended stays, or temporary vehicle needs.
• One-Way Rentals: Budget typically facilitates one-way rentals, allowing customers to pick up a car at the Westerville location and drop it off at another Budget branch, either within Ohio or in another state (fees and availability apply).
• Optional Add-ons and Protections: Customers can opt for additional equipment like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster). Various protection plans (e.g., Loss Damage Waiver - LDW, Supplemental Liability Insurance - SLI) are usually available to provide coverage during the rental period.
• Fastbreak Service: For frequent renters, the Fastbreak program offers expedited service, allowing for quicker pick-up and drop-off experiences.
• Pick-Up Service: As a neighborhood location, this Budget branch generally offers a complimentary pick-up service from customers within a reasonable distance during business hours, a convenient feature for those needing transport to the rental office.
• Online Reservations and Account Management: Budget's online platform allows for convenient booking, modification, and management of reservations.

Based on the provided customer reviews, here are some key features and highlights of the Budget Car Rental location at 463 Lazelle Rd in Westerville, OH:

• Convenient Location: A major highlight for locals is its proximity, being "very close to home" and situated just south of Polaris Fashion Mall, which makes it an easily accessible option for pickup and drop-off.
• Competitive Pricing: Customers acknowledge that the price for rentals is "usually competitive," making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious renters.
• Friendly Management: One review notes a positive interaction with the "owner/manager(?)" who is described as "very friendly." This suggests a positive leadership presence at the branch.
• Potential for Unclean Vehicles: Multiple reviews explicitly state that cars "clearly hadn’t been cleaned" or were "completely disgusting inside," indicating a significant inconsistency in vehicle cleanliness upon pickup.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Several customers reported receiving cars with "oil change required" or "check engine light on," suggesting a recurring issue with vehicle maintenance and readiness. One review mentioned a car with "15% oil" upon receipt.
• Rude Staff Member: A recurring concern in the reviews is the behavior of "another worker" who is described as "extremely rude" and known to "berate the customers," particularly regarding checking miles, which is not standard practice at airport locations. This significantly detracts from the customer experience.
• Billing and Refund Challenges: One customer experienced being "charged $75 for 'returning the car'" when attempting to cancel, and faced prolonged difficulty obtaining a refund of "over $500," highlighting potential issues with billing accuracy and dispute resolution.
• After-Hours Return Policy: While not explicitly a "feature," the reviews indirectly point to potential issues with understanding or communicating policies, such as return procedures, which can lead to frustration if customers are "kicked out of the store" without a printout for a canceled reservation.

For direct inquiries or to make a reservation with Budget Car Rental in Westerville, Ohio, you can use the following contact information:

Address: south of Polaris Fashion Mall, 463 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081, USA

Phone: (614) 785-0492

Mobile Phone: +1 614-785-0492

Their general operating hours are typically Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, it's always best to call ahead to confirm current hours, vehicle availability, and specific rental terms, especially given the feedback on communication and service consistency.

For Ohio locals, particularly those in Westerville and the surrounding areas of Columbus, the Budget Car Rental on Lazelle Road presents a car rental option with both advantages and notable drawbacks. Its primary suitability lies in its convenient location near Polaris Fashion Mall and its often competitive pricing, making it a "close to home" and potentially affordable choice for many residents.

However, local users must be aware of the significant and consistent negative feedback regarding vehicle cleanliness, maintenance issues (like low oil or check engine lights), and, critically, instances of poor customer service from at least one staff member. The challenges with billing and refund processes also indicate areas where the customer experience can be highly frustrating. While some locals might continue to use this branch due to its convenience and price, it is strongly advised to "watch your credit card statements" and thoroughly inspect vehicles for cleanliness and mechanical issues upon pick-up. For peace of mind and a consistently reliable experience, Ohio residents might consider balancing the convenience of this location with the potential for these reported issues, and perhaps explore other local options if consistent quality and service are paramount.

Budget Car Rental

south of Polaris Fashion Mall, 463 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081, USA