Budget Car Rental

- 1717 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212

For many residents across Ohio, particularly those residing in and around Columbus, having access to convenient and affordable transportation is a recurring necessity. Whether your personal vehicle is temporarily unavailable due to repairs, you're planning a local move, or simply need an additional set of wheels for a family outing or weekend escape, a reliable car rental service can be a valuable asset. Budget Car Rental, a nationally recognized brand, operates a neighborhood location at 1717 W 5th Ave in Columbus, aiming to serve the local community with a range of vehicle options.

Neighborhood car rental branches, like this Budget location, often present a practical alternative to airport-based rentals for locals. They typically offer easier access, potentially quicker service without the airport rush, and a focus on the day-to-day needs of community members. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Budget Car Rental branch on W 5th Ave, detailing its precise location and accessibility, the types of services it offers, its key features, and why it might be a suitable choice for your next car rental need in Ohio. We will also incorporate real customer feedback to provide a balanced and factual perspective, allowing you to make an informed decision and manage your expectations for a smooth rental experience in the Buckeye State.

Understanding the nuances of local car rental options is crucial for seamless mobility, and this guide aims to equip you with comprehensive information to aid your travel plans within and beyond Columbus.

Budget Car Rental is conveniently located at 1717 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, USA. This address places it in a central part of Columbus, specifically within the Upper Arlington area, making it easily accessible for residents of surrounding neighborhoods such as Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, and parts of the OSU campus area. The location is situated on the south side of West 5th Ave at the corner of West 5th Ave and Westwood Ave, a well-known intersection that aids in easy navigation.

As a neighborhood branch, its primary advantage for locals is its accessibility, eliminating the need to travel to the busier and often more expensive airport rental facilities. For individuals needing a quick rental for a day, a week, or even a moving truck, this location provides a straightforward option closer to home or work. Customers can typically pick up cars directly on-site, and returns are generally handled at the same location.

The operating hours for this specific Budget branch are:

• Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Budget also offers a free pick-up service, where you can call the location directly to arrange for them to pick you up. It's advisable to call at least 24 hours in advance to arrange this service and confirm availability and allowable pick-up distance. For after-hours returns, a drop box may be available, but customers are typically responsible for the vehicle until the office reopens and the contract is officially closed.

Budget Car Rental, as a national brand with local branches, typically offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to both leisure and practical needs. For the 1717 W 5th Ave location, these services generally include:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Budget provides a wide selection of vehicle types to meet various requirements. This commonly includes economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio or similar) for budget-conscious trips, compact and mid-size sedans (e.g., Kia Soul, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Camry) for everyday travel, and a range of SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevrolet Suburban) for families or those needing more space. Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica) and even pickup trucks or specialty vehicles may also be available depending on local fleet availability.
• Moving Truck Rentals: This particular location appears to also handle moving truck rentals, as indicated by a customer review discussing a "moving truck" rental. This is a significant service for individuals or families undertaking local or long-distance moves within Ohio or beyond.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can typically book vehicles for various periods, from single-day rentals to weekend trips, weekly rentals, and even long-term or monthly rentals for extended needs.
• Optional Protection Plans and Add-ons: Budget generally offers various protection products (e.g., Loss Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Insurance) and optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster), and satellite radio to enhance the rental experience.
• Fuel Options: Customers typically have choices regarding fuel, such as returning the car with a full tank, purchasing a pre-paid fuel option, or having Budget refuel the vehicle (which usually incurs a service charge in addition to fuel cost).
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers picking up a car in Columbus and dropping it off at a different Budget location within Ohio or another state, one-way rental options are generally available, though additional fees may apply.
• Budget Fastbreak Program: For frequent renters, the free Fastbreak program allows for expedited service, often enabling members to bypass the counter and proceed directly to their vehicle.

Budget Car Rental at 1717 W 5th Ave, like any business, has distinct features and highlights that shape the customer experience. However, the provided customer reviews indicate significant areas of concern that potential renters should be aware of:

• Convenient Neighborhood Location: Being a non-airport branch on a major avenue (W 5th Ave) is a key highlight for local Columbus residents, offering ease of access for everyday rental needs without the complexities of airport logistics.
• Variety of Vehicles and Moving Trucks: The availability of diverse vehicle types, including cars and moving trucks, caters to a broad range of customer needs, from daily commutes to larger relocation projects.
• Customer Service Inconsistencies: One customer experienced "rude and sarcastic" service on the phone and a refusal to remove what they perceived as incorrect charges. This indicates significant inconsistencies in customer service quality at times, which can lead to frustrating experiences.
• Billing Discrepancies and Lack of Communication: The issue of being "wrongly charged an extra day" and not receiving notification or a receipt highlights potential problems with billing accuracy and communication practices, requiring customers to diligently check their statements.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Cleanliness Concerns: A severe highlight of concern is the report of an "unsafe vehicle" (a car with a nail in a tire in two spots) being offered, with staff allegedly dismissing the safety concern. Furthermore, general cleanliness issues like "exterior dirty" cars and the presence of "hair (human and dog) inside" are major deterrents, suggesting inconsistent vehicle preparation standards.
• After-Hours Return Issues: The customer's inability to return a moving truck after hours when the location was closed, yet still being charged a late fee, points to a potential gap in their after-hours return policy implementation or communication thereof.
• Necessity for Pre-Rental Inspection: The advice from a reviewer to "be sure to check all four tires well and do a video of all blemishes before pulling off the lot" is a critical takeaway, indicating that customers must be extremely proactive in documenting the vehicle's condition to avoid disputes.

For direct communication with Budget Car Rental at 1717 W 5th Ave, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 1717 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
• Phone: (614) 487-7206
• Mobile Phone: +1 614-487-7206

Given the significant customer feedback, it is highly recommended to call the branch directly for any specific inquiries, to confirm reservation details, inquire about their specific after-hours return policies for all vehicle types (especially moving trucks), and clarify any potential charges. Proactive communication is essential for ensuring a smooth transaction, particularly when considering the issues raised by previous customers.

For locals in Ohio, specifically those in the Columbus area, Budget Car Rental on W 5th Ave offers a convenient neighborhood location for various car and moving truck rental needs. Its accessibility makes it a practical choice for residents who prefer to avoid airport locations and need a vehicle for local purposes, whether it's for a short-term replacement, a family trip across the state, or facilitating a move within the city. The availability of different vehicle classes and moving trucks caters to a broad spectrum of local requirements.

However, potential renters in Ohio must approach this location with a degree of caution and diligence, as highlighted by multiple customer reviews. While the convenience of a neighborhood Budget branch is undeniable, issues concerning vehicle maintenance (e.g., unsafe tires), cleanliness, billing accuracy, and customer service can significantly impact the rental experience. Therefore, it is paramount for locals to thoroughly inspect any vehicle before leaving the lot, document its condition (perhaps with photos or video), clarify all return policies (especially for after-hours drop-offs), and confirm all charges before and after the rental. By taking these proactive steps, Ohio residents can better navigate the rental process at this location and mitigate potential issues, ensuring a more satisfactory experience for their local transportation needs.

Budget Car Rental

1717 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, USA