Budget Car Rental

- 5535 Clinton Highway (at, Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912

When you need flexible, cost-effective transportation in the Knoxville area, the local Budget Car Rental on Clinton Highway stands as a practical choice for both Tennessee residents and visitors. Operating as a full-service Car rental agency and a specialized Van rental agency, this location provides the essential vehicles needed to navigate East Tennessee, whether you're heading toward the Smoky Mountains, managing a local move, or simply need a temporary replacement car. The convenience of a dedicated, non-airport location helps users avoid the surcharges and congestion often associated with major travel hubs, allowing for a quicker start to your journey.

Budget’s fleet generally includes a wide array of options, from economy cars for maximizing fuel efficiency on the daily commute to full-size sedans, and various sizes of SUVs for families and comfort. Crucially, as a Van rental agency, this branch is equipped to handle group transportation needs with passenger vans or larger hauling requirements with specialized cargo vans or even moving trucks. This versatility is a major benefit for local users, from small businesses managing logistics to families planning a large outing or moving day.

However, potential customers should set realistic expectations regarding the overall rental experience and vehicle condition, as the local nature of a 'budget' service can sometimes come with trade-offs. While the goal is affordability, customer feedback occasionally points to issues such as vehicles not being completely ready or clean upon pickup, and challenges with reservation accuracy, which may require direct communication with the rental counter to resolve. As with any rental, confirming your reservation details and vehicle class well in advance, and conducting a thorough inspection before leaving the lot, are highly recommended steps to ensure a smooth transaction.

Location and Accessibility

The Budget Car Rental Knoxville location is conveniently situated at 5535 Clinton Highway, right near the intersection with Merchant Drive. This spot in the northern part of Knoxville provides excellent regional access, sitting just off a major thoroughfare (also known as Highway 9), which makes it easily reachable from both I-75 and I-640. This accessibility is key for local users who prefer not to travel all the way to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) for their vehicle needs.

The operating hours are generally set to accommodate a typical work and weekend schedule:

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Please note that after-hours returns are typically not available at this location. Customers must return the vehicle during office hours, as any vehicle left on the lot after closing may not be processed until the next business day, and the customer remains responsible for the vehicle until the contract is closed. Always confirm the current operating hours directly with the branch, especially around holidays.

The facility is designed to be welcoming to all members of the Tennessee community, featuring a dedicated Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring easy and convenient access for customers with mobility considerations.

Services Offered

This Budget location offers a comprehensive range of rental services designed to meet diverse travel and logistics needs across Tennessee:

• Extensive Car Fleet: Providing rentals across all major classes, including economy, compact, standard, full-size sedans (like the Toyota Camry), and specialty vehicles such as convertibles.
• SUV and Minivan Rentals: A robust selection of SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge) and minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica) for family travel and larger groups.
• Van Rental Agency Services: Specialized in larger vehicle rentals, including 12-passenger vans, 15-passenger vans, and various sizes of cargo vans or box trucks, making it a primary resource for group transport or moving within the state.
• One-Way Rentals: Availability of one-way rental options, which are highly useful for Tennesseans planning extended road trips or moving out of the Knoxville area.
• Optional Services: Offering extras like GPS navigation, child safety seats, and roadside assistance to customize the rental experience.
• Express Check-In: Utilizing programs like Fastbreak Service for expedited pick-up, allowing pre-registered members to quickly get keys and contract at the counter.

Features / Highlights

The following features define the offerings and policies of the Budget Car Rental on Clinton Highway:

• Active Military Discounts: A significant highlight is the provision of discounts and special rates specifically for active military personnel, recognizing and supporting service members.
• Accessibility Focused: Ensuring equal access for all customers with a clearly marked Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting various forms of payment, including major Credit cards and Debit cards for the rental fee and necessary deposit.
• Reservation Volume: Known as a high-volume, local branch, which, while offering a wide range of available vehicles, can sometimes lead to issues with reservations not being perfectly matched to the specific vehicle class or quantity available on the day of pickup.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Often includes electric vehicles (EVs) in its surprise or upgrade fleet, catering to customers interested in sustainable or fuel-efficient driving, though customers have the option to decline an unexpected EV assignment.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: Positions itself as a 'budget' option, generally offering competitive pricing compared to some other rental agencies, helping Knoxville users save on their temporary transportation costs.

Contact Information

For all reservation inquiries, modifications, or to confirm vehicle availability, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5535 Clinton Highway (at, Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912, USA

Phone: (865) 281-8880

Mobile Phone: +1 865-281-8880

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Budget Car Rental location on Clinton Highway is primarily worthwhile for Tennessee users prioritizing affordability, local convenience, and specific vehicle needs like van rentals. The designation as a Car rental agency and Van rental agency ensures you have access to both standard passenger cars and larger vehicles for groups or cargo, which is a major advantage for local logistics. The Active military discounts are also a highly valuable feature for service members in the region.

However, customers must be prepared to manage the rental process actively. Given public feedback, what is worth choosing is the cost savings and vehicle variety, but this comes with a mandate for customers to be thorough. It is advisable to call the location directly the day before your rental to re-confirm your vehicle class and pickup time. Upon arriving, renters should meticulously inspect their assigned vehicle and not hesitate to point out any cleanliness or maintenance issues to the staff immediately. This proactive approach can help avoid mid-trip complications, such as the described issue with a strongly-scented vehicle, or being assigned an unexpected vehicle type like an electric car when a standard model is preferred. By being an informed and vigilant customer, you can maximize the value of the competitive rates and broad fleet offered by the Budget Car Rental on Clinton Highway.

Budget Car Rental

5535 Clinton Highway (at, Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912, USA