Nextcar

- 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55439

When planning a trip within Minnesota, or simply needing a temporary vehicle for local use in Minneapolis, car rental services are a popular choice. Nextcar, a part of the NP Franchise Group, operates a location in Minneapolis that aims to offer affordable and convenient car rental solutions. Unlike some of the larger, globally integrated rental companies, Nextcar often operates through local franchisees, which can lead to variations in service depending on the specific branch. This particular Nextcar location, situated on Normandale Boulevard, caters to individuals seeking a rental car, particularly those arriving at or departing from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

For Minnesotans, whether you're venturing out to the cabin country, exploring the vibrant cultural scene of the Twin Cities, or needing a reliable ride while your own vehicle is being serviced, understanding the nuances of different car rental providers is key. This article will provide a clear and factual overview of the Nextcar branch at 7800 Normandale Blvd in Minneapolis, detailing its location, services, and important considerations based on available public information and customer experiences.

The Nextcar location in Minneapolis is found at 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55439, USA. This address places it in Bloomington, a suburb directly south of Minneapolis, and notably, it's advertised as an "MSP Airport" location by Nextcar, indicating its primary focus on serving airport travelers. While this might suggest it's directly on airport property, it's important for Minnesotans to note that this branch is "off the airport property, inside the DoubleTree Hotel."

For accessibility from MSP Airport, Nextcar advises customers to "Take the DoubleTree Shuttle from MSP Airport." The pickup instructions specify that for Terminal 1 arrivals, guests should proceed to Ground Transportation and Hotel Shuttle located on Level 1 of the Gold Ramp to board The DoubleTree by Hilton Shuttle. For Terminal 2 arrivals, guests must call the hotel directly to request a pickup, and the shuttle will pick up at Terminal 2 on its way back from Terminal 1. The hotel shuttle automatically picks up at Terminal 1 at the top of every hour. While this shuttle service is provided, it's crucial to acknowledge the feedback from customers who found this process stressful, citing difficulties reaching the agency by phone and the time involved in transitioning between terminals and waiting for the shuttle, describing the location as "16 minutes away from airport." This off-airport location with reliance on a hotel shuttle distinguishes it from on-site airport rental counters and is a significant factor in accessibility for Minnesotans.

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Nextcar generally offers a range of well-maintained vehicles, from compact cars suitable for city driving to spacious SUVs ideal for exploring Minnesota. Specific vehicle availability can vary by location and time of booking.
• Flexible Rental Options: They typically provide flexible rental durations, allowing customers to rent cars for a few days, a few weeks, or longer, depending on their travel needs.
• Unlimited Miles: The Minneapolis MSP location generally offers unlimited miles, which is a significant advantage for Minnesotans planning extensive road trips across the state or beyond.
• Affordable Rates and Transparent Pricing: Nextcar aims to offer competitive and transparent pricing, though customer experiences suggest checking for all potential fees and ensuring the reserved vehicle class is provided.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Nextcar offers CDW, allowing renters to avoid financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental vehicle, provided terms are met. However, it's noted that "full coverage for all our cars" is required, and if using third-party insurance, "an additional $29.99 a day for liability coverage" may apply, as their insurance is secondary. Customers are "required to provide full coverage insurance that is transferable to our car rentals before picking up."
• Additional Driver Policy: A spouse or domestic partner meeting age and license requirements can be an authorized driver at no additional cost. Other additional drivers may incur a daily fee (around $20 per day per driver).
• After-Hours Return: The location allows after-hours or early returns using a key drop-off system, though the customer remains responsible for the vehicle until it is checked in the next business day.
• Age Requirements: Drivers under 25 years of age may need to pay an extra under-age fee.
• Refueling Policy: Most rentals come with a full tank of gas, and customers can avoid a fuel service charge by returning the vehicle with a full tank. Receipts for fuel purchases may be requested.
• Debit Card Policy: For rentals using a debit card, specific requirements may apply, such as reservations made 24 hours in advance, being at least 25 years old, providing proof of full coverage insurance, and presenting two valid forms of identification. Online debit cards and prepaid gift cards are not accepted.

• Unlimited Miles: The offering of unlimited miles is a significant benefit, especially for Minnesotans planning to cover long distances across the state, such as trips to the North Shore, Brainerd Lakes area, or cross-state travel for family visits.
• Variety of Vehicles: Nextcar claims to offer a diverse range of well-maintained vehicles, from compacts for city travel to SUVs for more cargo or varied conditions, aiming to suit different customer needs.
• Competitive Pricing (intended): The brand promotes affordable rates and transparent pricing, appealing to budget-conscious travelers.

However, it is critically important for prospective renters to consider the significant challenges highlighted in customer reviews for this specific location:

• Misleading Advertising/Communication about Location: Customers explicitly state, "This car agency is not advertised correctly." There is confusion and frustration regarding the off-airport location and the shuttle process, particularly from Terminal 2, with calls going unanswered. This creates a "stressful" arrival experience.
• Poor Customer Service & Communication: Repeated attempts to call the agency with "No response" are a major concern. The reviews describe a "complete run around" and advise against using the company due to lack of communication and unaddressed issues.
• Vehicle Availability Issues: A major highlight of negative experiences is the failure to provide the reserved vehicle class. Customers reported reserving a mid-size car "months ago" but "got stuck with an economy," which was "problematic for travel situation."
• Billing Discrepancies: Compounding the vehicle downgrade, customers reported being "charged for mid size even though we were given economy," indicating a significant billing issue that was not resolved.
• General Recommendation to Avoid: The most direct "feature" derived from the negative reviews is the explicit advice: "I would advise not to use this company." This strongly negative sentiment from multiple customers is a critical consideration.

Address: 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55439, USA

Phone: (612) 473-3737

Mobile Phone: +1 612-473-3737

For Minnesotans considering Nextcar at 7800 Normandale Blvd in Minneapolis, the decision requires careful weighing of factors. While the prospect of unlimited miles and potentially competitive pricing is appealing for journeys across our expansive state, the significant and consistent negative feedback from customers raises serious concerns that locals should consider before booking. The primary suitability for locals, particularly those flying into or out of MSP Airport, would hinge on its advertised airport proximity and the provision of a hotel shuttle service.

However, the recurring issues reported by customers – specifically related to misleading information about airport access, unresponsiveness via phone, failure to provide reserved vehicle classes, and subsequent billing discrepancies – suggest that the experience for many has been far from ideal. For Minnesotans, who value reliability and straightforward transactions, these reported challenges can lead to considerable frustration and inconvenience, especially when dealing with travel plans. While the concept of an off-airport rental with a shuttle can offer cost savings, the practical execution, as described by multiple reviews, appears to be problematic at this location.

Therefore, while Nextcar's Minneapolis location aims to cater to local and arriving travelers with a range of vehicles, potential Minnesotan renters are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly reviewing the terms, confirming all details, and considering the volume and nature of negative customer experiences would be prudent before committing to a rental from this specific agency, to ensure that their Minnesota travel plans remain smooth and stress-free.

Nextcar

7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55439, USA