GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck

- 2600 SW 3rd Ave A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Hello, Florida residents! When it comes to navigating the vibrant landscapes of the Sunshine State, having a reliable and affordable mode of transportation is often essential. From daily commutes to spontaneous beach trips or family visits, car rentals can provide that much-needed flexibility. In Fort Lauderdale, you might come across GO Rent A Car, also known as Rent a Wreck, a car rental service that positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative to larger, more conventional agencies. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this specific rental provider, helping you, as a local user, understand what to expect.

The name "Rent a Wreck" itself suggests a unique approach to car rentals – focusing on older, more economical vehicles rather than brand-new models. This can be a major draw for those looking to save money, especially in a popular tourist destination like Fort Lauderdale where rental prices can sometimes be quite high. However, as with any budget-oriented service, it’s crucial to understand the full picture, including the potential trade-offs, to ensure your rental experience meets your expectations.

For Floridians, a car isn't just a luxury; it's often a necessity for navigating sprawling urban areas and exploring the state's diverse attractions. GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck aims to make car access more affordable. We’ll delve into their location, the types of services they offer, and key features that distinguish them, all while providing factual insights based on available information and customer feedback. Understanding these details will empower you to make an informed decision when considering them for your next car rental in the Fort Lauderdale area.

GO Rent A Car, operating under the well-known "Rent a Wreck" brand, is a car rental company located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Rent a Wreck is globally recognized as the "oldest and largest used car rental company in the world," having been in operation since 1973. This brand specializes in providing economical rental cars, trucks, and vans, often featuring older, pre-owned vehicles affectionately referred to as "wrecks." Despite the playful name, Rent a Wreck typically emphasizes that their fleet consists of clean, well-maintained, and safety-inspected vehicles.

The core appeal of GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck lies in its promise of affordable rates and value compared to the higher prices often associated with larger car rental agencies. They cater to a broad spectrum of needs, from budget-conscious travelers and locals needing a temporary vehicle while theirs is in the shop, to those requiring specific types of vehicles like minivans or cargo vans. Their local approach often allows for more flexible policies, with some locations even offering rentals to qualified cash customers without credit cards, though specific policies should always be confirmed with the individual branch.

However, customer experiences with this particular Fort Lauderdale branch have been notably mixed. While the brand generally promotes transparency and value, specific reviews for the 2600 SW 3rd Ave A location highlight significant concerns regarding hidden fees, surprise charges (such as for alleged damages or smoking), and issues with deposit returns. Some customers have reported feeling scammed or encountering a lack of clear communication and unprofessional service during pick-up and return. This suggests that while the intention is to provide an affordable alternative, prospective renters should proceed with caution and thorough documentation.

GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck is located at 2600 SW 3rd Ave A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA. This address places the branch in a part of Fort Lauderdale that is relatively accessible for locals throughout Broward County. Southwest 3rd Avenue is a local road that connects to larger thoroughfares, providing routes to and from various neighborhoods.

The location is conveniently situated near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), making it an option for those flying in, though it's not directly inside the airport terminal. Customers would likely need to arrange transportation (taxi, ride-share) to reach the office from the airport, but this proximity can still be beneficial for avoiding airport rental surcharges. For residents of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood, and other surrounding areas, reaching this specific branch should be fairly straightforward via local streets and quick connections to major roads like US-1 or I-95.

The operating hours for this location are listed as Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. These extended hours, including weekends, offer a high degree of flexibility for customers to pick up or return vehicles outside of standard business hours. This wide window of availability can be particularly convenient for those with late flights or early morning commitments. However, given past customer feedback, it is always wise to confirm specific pick-up and drop-off procedures and expected wait times directly with the branch to ensure a smooth transaction. The location's accessibility and extended hours are designed to cater to a broad range of local transportation needs.

• Economical Car Rentals: Specializes in offering affordable rental cars, trucks, and vans, promoting itself as a "Smart Alternative" to higher-priced large agencies.

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Offers a range of vehicle classes including compact cars, mid-size cars, full-size/luxury sedans, SUVs, vans (including minivans and 15-passenger vans), and cargo vans/trucks, catering to various space and utility needs.

• Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rentals: Provides flexible rental periods to suit different durations, from short-term daily use to extended monthly rentals.

• Used Car Fleet: Employs a fleet of "clean, well-maintained and safety inspected vehicles" that are typically older models, contributing to their lower rental rates.

• Potential for Cash Rentals: Some Rent a Wreck locations are known to rent to qualified cash customers without credit cards, though this specific policy should be confirmed directly with the Fort Lauderdale branch.

• Fuel Policies: Customers should confirm fuel policies, as some Rent a Wreck locations offer "full to full" policies to save on refueling costs.

• Mileage Policies: Renters should explicitly confirm mileage limits, as some customers have reported unexpected mileage restrictions, which were sometimes removed as a courtesy but not initially disclosed.

• Online Booking: The company generally supports online reservations through its website or third-party platforms like Travelocity and Expedia.

• Budget-Friendly Pricing: The primary highlight is the focus on affordable rates, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money on car rentals, especially compared to major corporate agencies.

• Variety of Vehicle Types: Despite focusing on used vehicles, they aim to offer a diverse fleet from compact cars to larger vans and trucks, catering to different capacities and purposes.

• Extended Operating Hours: The Fort Lauderdale branch boasts long operating hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week), providing significant flexibility for pick-up and drop-off times.

• Established Brand History: Rent a Wreck has been in business for over 40 years, indicating longevity in the used car rental market.

• Proximity to FLL Airport: While not on-site, its location near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) offers a convenient off-airport option for air travelers.

Address: 2600 SW 3rd Ave A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA

Phone: (305) 962-6801

Mobile Phone: +1 305-962-6801

For Floridians in the Fort Lauderdale area seeking a truly budget-conscious car rental option, GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck presents itself as an alternative to the higher-priced mainstream agencies. The most compelling reason for locals to consider this place is undeniably the potential for significant cost savings, especially for extended rentals or during peak seasons when conventional rental rates soar. For those who prioritize affordability above all else and don't require a brand-new vehicle, the "Rent a Wreck" model of providing clean, older, but maintained cars can be appealing.

However, it is crucial for locals to approach this rental with a high degree of diligence and caution, as highlighted by numerous negative customer experiences. While the extended operating hours and convenient location near FLL are practical benefits, the issues reported regarding unclear mileage limits, unexpected charges (especially for alleged damages or cleaning fees), and difficulties with deposit returns signal a need for proactive engagement from the renter. Floridians considering GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck should meticulously document the vehicle's condition with photos and videos both at pick-up and drop-off, clarify all terms including mileage and potential fees in writing, and retain all communication.

In essence, this rental option is most suitable for savvy locals who are prepared to be vigilant and meticulous in their rental process. If you are willing to invest the time in thorough documentation and communication, and your primary goal is to secure the absolute lowest price for a car that serves its basic transportation purpose, then GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck in Fort Lauderdale might fit your needs. Otherwise, the potential for unexpected costs and frustrating experiences suggests that, for many, spending a little more at a highly reputable provider might offer greater peace of mind in the long run.

GO Rent A Car / Rent a Wreck

2600 SW 3rd Ave A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA