Budget Car Rental

- 20522 Hawthorne Boulevard (south of, Spencer St, Torrance, CA 90503

For residents of California, particularly those in the sprawling and car-dependent South Bay region of Los Angeles County, accessing reliable and trustworthy car rental services is a frequent necessity. Whether it's for daily commutes, weekend getaways, or when your primary vehicle is undergoing repairs, the expectation is for a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free experience. Budget Car Rental, a widely recognized name in the industry, has a branch located at 20522 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance, aiming to serve these local needs. However, recent customer feedback suggests that potential renters should approach this specific location with caution. This article aims to provide a factual, engaging, and informative overview of this Budget branch, drawing directly from available public data and customer reviews to help Californians make an informed decision about their car rental choices.

Torrance, a key city in the South Bay, is a hub of activity, with its residents often relying on personal vehicles for transportation. The demand for local car rental services is high, making it crucial for providers to meet expectations regarding vehicle quality, service transparency, and fair pricing. While Budget as a brand generally offers competitive rates and a wide fleet, the customer experiences at this particular Torrance location seem to deviate significantly from the ideal. Understanding these reported issues, from vehicle condition to billing practices, is essential for any Californian considering renting from this specific branch. This overview will detail the location, the general services one might expect from Budget, and most importantly, the specific features and potential pitfalls highlighted by real customers, to ensure local users are well-informed.

Budget Car Rental in Torrance is located at

20522 Hawthorne Boulevard (south of Spencer St), Torrance, CA 90503, USA

This location is intended to serve the local communities of Torrance, Redondo Beach, Lomita, and other nearby South Bay cities. Being a non-airport branch, it is designed for the convenience of residents who need a temporary vehicle without the complexities and often higher costs associated with airport rentals. Accessibility by car is straightforward, as Hawthorne Boulevard is a well-traveled road. Public transportation might offer limited access, but given the car-centric nature of Southern California, most customers would likely drive to this location.

The operating hours for this corporate location are generally Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These hours cater to typical weekday business and weekend leisure needs. Budget also generally offers a free local pick-up service, where customers can call the location directly to arrange a pick-up, potentially enhancing accessibility for those without immediate transportation to the office. However, it's always advisable to confirm the availability of this service directly with the branch.

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Budget typically offers a wide range of vehicles, including economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark) for fuel efficiency, compact and intermediate sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3), full-size cars (e.g., Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu), SUVs of various sizes (e.g., Toyota Rav4, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Suburban), minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), and sometimes specialty vehicles like convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible) or luxury models (e.g., Genesis G70). Truck and van rentals are also usually available through Budget Truck Rental.
• Flexible Rental Periods: Customers can typically choose from daily, weekly, or long-term monthly rental options, providing flexibility for short trips, extended stays, or temporary vehicle replacements.
• One-Way Rentals: Budget generally facilitates one-way car rentals, allowing customers to pick up a vehicle at one location and drop it off at another. This is particularly useful for longer trips across California or out of state. However, as noted in reviews, the feasibility and proper documentation for one-way *truck* rentals can sometimes be an issue.
• Additional Services and Products: Budget typically offers various optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster), satellite radio, and different insurance coverage options (e.g., Loss Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Insurance) to customize the rental experience. Fuel options also typically include returning with a full tank or purchasing a fuel service.
• Roadside Assistance: Budget provides 24/7 roadside assistance for unexpected breakdowns or issues during the rental period.

• Subpar Vehicle Condition: Customers have reported significant issues with the condition of vehicles, including a Nissan Rogue with 50,000 miles that "broke down" on a long trip, and a Mazda with 40,000 miles that made "wheel bearing noise." This suggests potential concerns regarding the maintenance and reliability of the fleet at this specific location.
• Questionable Cleaning Practices and Charges: A severe complaint highlights a "scam" involving alleged marijuana smell, leading to a significant "cleaning fee" ($750) despite the customer's denial and assertions of not smoking in the car with their child present. This suggests a potential lack of transparency or even fraudulent practices regarding cleaning fees and vehicle inspections upon return. Reviews also state cars are "not cleaning their vehicles, not upkeeping their vehicles, and then charging people cleaning fees."
• Disputed Charges and Lack of Communication: Customers have reported being charged additional fees, even after being told "everything was okay" upon return. Attempts to reason with employees have resulted in being hung up on. This indicates poor customer service and a lack of accountability regarding billing disputes.
• Issues with One-Way Rental Agreements: One customer experienced a major problem with a 26-foot truck rental, where their one-way reservation was allegedly changed to a round-trip without their consent, due to another renter extending their reservation. This caused significant logistical challenges and additional costs, highlighting potential issues with reservation management and communication regarding truck rentals.
• Unresponsive Post-Rental Support: Reviews mention not receiving receipts days after returning a vehicle and contracts remaining "open," despite the vehicle being returned, causing further frustration and administrative burden for customers.

Address: 20522 Hawthorne Boulevard (south of, Spencer St, Torrance, CA 90503, USA

Phone: (310) 370-3668

Mobile Phone: +1 310-370-3668

For residents of California, particularly those in the South Bay region, the idea of a conveniently located car rental like Budget on Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance might initially seem appealing. Its position on a major thoroughfare makes it easily accessible for temporary vehicle needs, whether for local errands, business travel within the county, or an unexpected car repair. Budget generally offers a wide range of vehicles and competitive pricing, which are typically attractive features for any Californian looking for mobility solutions. The availability of diverse car classes, from economy to SUVs, theoretically caters to a variety of local demands, from fuel-efficient commutes to family road trips.

However, based on the provided customer reviews, it is crucial for locals to approach this specific Budget Car Rental location with extreme caution. While the convenience of its physical address and the general services offered by the Budget brand might be suitable, the recurring themes of negative customer experiences raise significant concerns about this particular branch's suitability.

The reported issues with vehicle maintenance and cleanliness are a major red flag. For Californians planning a long trip, as one customer attempted to do, a vehicle breaking down due to poor upkeep can lead to significant financial strain, stress, and disruption to travel plans. Furthermore, the alleged "scam" involving unwarranted cleaning fees and lack of transparency regarding charges directly impacts a customer's trust and budget. No local user wants to be hit with an unexpected and disputed charge that nearly triples the cost of their rental.

The described customer service, characterized by employees hanging up on customers and a lack of post-rental support for issues like unclosed contracts, indicates a severe deficiency in customer care. In California's competitive market, where good service is often a differentiator, such experiences can be incredibly frustrating and damaging for locals who rely on reliable and respectful interactions.

Therefore, while the address offers a convenient location for those in Torrance and the South Bay, potential renters are strongly advised to consider the detailed customer feedback. It is paramount for locals to thoroughly inspect any vehicle before leaving the lot, document its condition extensively with photos or videos, meticulously review all charges before signing, and keep detailed records of all communication. Due to the significant and consistent negative experiences reported, this location, despite its accessibility, might pose more risks than benefits for local Californians seeking a dependable car rental service. It may be prudent for locals to explore alternative rental options in the area or prioritize locations with more consistently positive customer reviews.

Budget Car Rental

20522 Hawthorne Boulevard (south of, Spencer St, Torrance, CA 90503, USA