COLUSA RENT A CAR

- 2301 NW 33rd Ave, Miami, FL 33142

For residents and visitors alike, navigating the vast and diverse landscape of Florida often requires reliable transportation. Car rental services play a crucial role in enabling freedom of movement across our beautiful state. When choosing a car rental provider, it's essential to be well-informed about what to expect, especially from local businesses. This article aims to provide a factual and comprehensive overview of COLUSA RENT A CAR, located in Miami, Florida, based on publicly available information and customer feedback.

While many car rental companies offer seamless experiences, it's important to understand the nuances of each provider to ensure your expectations align with the service you receive. Our goal here is to present a balanced perspective on COLUSA RENT A CAR, acknowledging both its operational aspects and customer experiences, so that locals in Florida can make informed decisions about their car rental needs. This transparency is key to navigating the various options available in the busy South Florida market.

COLUSA RENT A CAR is located at 2301 NW 33rd Ave, Miami, FL 33142, USA. This address places the facility off-site from Miami International Airport (MIA), a common characteristic for some independent car rental providers. For travelers arriving at MIA, this means that a shuttle service is typically required to reach the rental facility. One customer review explicitly mentions, "The car rental facility is off site and not at the airport which was my first problem." This is an important detail for users to note, as it adds an extra step and time to the pick-up and drop-off process compared to on-airport rental counters.

For local residents of Florida, particularly those in the Miami-Dade area, the location might be accessible by personal vehicle or rideshare. However, it's crucial to factor in potential traffic in the area, especially during peak hours, which could impact travel time to and from the rental office. While being off-airport can sometimes translate to lower rental rates, the added inconvenience of shuttle transfers and potentially longer processing times should be considered when planning your itinerary. Understanding the logistics of getting to and from the rental location is a key part of a smooth car rental experience in Florida.

Based on available information and customer reviews, COLUSA RENT A CAR offers various car rental services, typical of an independent rental company, but with certain operational characteristics that customers should be aware of.

• Vehicle Rental: They provide various types of vehicles for rent, though specific fleet details are not extensively publicized in positive reviews. Negative reviews mention vehicles such as vans. Other sources mention economy, compact, intermediate, full-size, and premium (sports car) options.
• Off-Airport Pick-up/Drop-off: As an off-site facility, they typically offer shuttle services to and from Miami International Airport (MIA) to facilitate customer access. However, one review noted a 2-hour wait for airport pickup.
• Booking through Third-Party Platforms: It appears that COLUSA RENT A CAR's services are often booked through third-party travel aggregators like Priceline and Carwiz (which sometimes acts as a franchisee for Carwiz at Miami Airport). This can sometimes lead to discrepancies between terms presented by the aggregator and those enforced by the local rental company.
• Deposit Requirement: A security deposit is required, and one review indicates it can be as high as $500, with one customer even reporting a $2500 deposit for insurance-related issues. The release of this deposit is a recurring concern, with one customer stating it was not refunded within the promised 3-4 days.
• Insurance and Toll Policies: Customers have reported strict requirements regarding personal insurance, sometimes demanding proof of specific liability coverage ($300,000 property damage liability), or requiring purchase of their own insurance even when personal insurance is available. Mandatory daily charges for SunPass/toll passes ($15/day or $105 flat fee) have also been noted, irrespective of actual usage, which is often considered a "rip off" by customers.
• Customer Service: While several operational issues are cited, one review did mention that "the only positive part of this experience was the customer service," suggesting that staff on site may be helpful despite other company policies or vehicle conditions.

Based on the provided customer feedback, several points stand out as features or highlights, though some are presented as areas of concern for customers.

• Higher Security Deposits: Customers have reported security deposits that are notably higher than typical rental agencies, with one mentioning $500 and another up to $2500, potentially causing financial inconvenience. This is a crucial point for renters to be aware of upfront.
• Concerns about Vehicle Condition: A significant recurring theme in reviews is the condition of the vehicles. Customers describe cars as being in "rough shape," "completely TRASH inside and out," "old, smell, dented, scratched and dirty." Specific issues mentioned include a van that "shook very bad over 55 miles an hour," "sounded horrible," and had the "check engine light went on" during a long trip. Another customer explicitly stated, "I didn't even want to get in the car."
• Lack of Pre-Rental Inspection: One customer noted that the staff "didn’t even walk around the car with me to record any damages prior to us taking the vehicle." This lack of a thorough joint inspection can lead to disputes over pre-existing damage upon return.
• Refund Delays: Delays in receiving security deposit refunds are a significant concern, with one customer reporting no refund after two weeks and another stating it had been a week since return without the deposit back.
• Mandatory Additional Charges: Customers have highlighted unexpected and mandatory charges, such as daily fees for toll passes ($15/day or $105 flat fee) that apply regardless of usage, and strict insurance requirements that can lead to additional purchases.
• Off-Airport Location Challenges: While they offer shuttle service, customers have experienced long wait times for airport pick-up, contributing to a less convenient start to their rental.
• Payment and Reservation Issues: Cases of being charged twice for a reservation, or being required to pay again at the counter due to reservation transfer issues (e.g., from a mother's name to a son's name as driver), have been reported, creating financial burden and frustration.
• Customer Service (Mixed Reviews): While one reviewer noted the customer service as the "only positive part," this seems to refer to the demeanor of staff rather than their ability to resolve systemic issues like refunds or vehicle condition.

For those needing to contact COLUSA RENT A CAR, here is their information:

Address: 2301 NW 33rd Ave, Miami, FL 33142, USA

Phone: (954) 998-7441

Mobile Phone: +1 954-998-7441

This information can be used for inquiries, reservations, or to address any concerns regarding an existing rental. Given the customer feedback, it is advisable for customers to communicate clearly and document all interactions.

When considering COLUSA RENT A CAR for your needs in Florida, particularly from a local user's perspective, it's important to approach with caution and a clear understanding of the reported experiences. While the presence of an off-airport rental company might suggest potentially lower initial rates, the numerous customer accounts detailing issues with vehicle condition ("old, smell, dented, scratched and dirty," "shook very bad," "check engine light"), high security deposits (up to $500-$2500), and significant delays in deposit refunds are critical factors to consider. Additionally, mandatory daily fees for tolls and strict, sometimes unexpected, insurance requirements can significantly increase the final cost beyond the initial quote. For locals who prioritize transparency, well-maintained vehicles, and a hassle-free experience with clear refund policies, it is advisable to thoroughly review all terms and conditions, document vehicle condition meticulously with photos or videos before departure, and confirm all charges and deposit release timelines in writing. While some customers found the on-site customer service amiable, the systemic issues reported regarding vehicle quality and financial practices suggest that COLUSA RENT A CAR may present a less reliable option for consistent, stress-free transportation in the Florida region.

COLUSA RENT A CAR

2301 NW 33rd Ave, Miami, FL 33142, USA