NU Auto Rental

- 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For anyone navigating the bustling transportation landscape of Los Angeles, securing a reliable and fair-priced car rental is often a top priority. While the promise of a "great deal" can be alluring, especially around a major hub like LAX, understanding the realities of various rental providers is crucial. This article takes an in-depth, factual look at NU Auto Rental, also known as NU Car Rental, located near Los Angeles International Airport. Based on multiple customer experiences, we aim to provide California locals with transparent insights into what to expect from this particular car rental service. Our tone will be professional and informative, but it will not shy away from addressing significant concerns raised by real users.

The decision of where to rent a car can profoundly impact a travel or local errand experience. It's not just about the vehicle itself, but the entire process from booking to return, including pricing transparency, customer service, and the condition of the car. For many, a car rental is a necessity, and encountering unexpected issues can be incredibly frustrating and costly. We will explore the reported experiences with NU Auto Rental, detailing their location, typical services, and, importantly, the specific challenges customers have reported.

In a market as competitive as Southern California's car rental industry, consumers have many choices. This makes it even more important to be well-informed, particularly when dealing with companies that have received consistent negative feedback regarding deceptive practices. This article is crafted from the perspective of a California local user, seeking to provide a pragmatic view to help others avoid potential pitfalls and make truly informed decisions about their transportation needs in the Golden State. We rely exclusively on the provided public data, which includes detailed and critical customer reviews, to paint an accurate picture.

Our primary objective is to shed light on common issues reported by customers of NU Auto Rental, such as alleged "bait-and-switch" tactics, unexpected charges, and substandard vehicle conditions. By presenting this information clearly and factually, we hope to empower you with the knowledge needed to approach car rentals near LAX with caution and to seek alternatives if these concerns align with your priorities for a fair and stress-free experience.

NU Auto Rental is located at 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA. This address places it near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it an off-airport rental location. For travelers arriving at LAX, accessing NU Auto Rental involves a multi-step shuttle process. Customers typically need to exit baggage claim at LAX and locate the "LAX Shuttles" sign (often pink) on the lower/arrivals level. From there, they are expected to board a Metro Connector - Green Line shuttle to the Remote Rental Car Depot (also referred to as the Off-Airport Rental Car Waiting Area or Economy Parking Garage). From this depot, a separate courtesy shuttle for NU Car Rental is supposed to take customers to their branch. Some sources suggest their office might be located within a hotel lobby (e.g., The Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel at 5400 W Century Boulevard), though the provided address is 9620 Airport Blvd. This discrepancy in precise location or multiple pick-up points should be clarified directly with the company.

The reported experience with the shuttle service indicates potential delays, with shuttles running every 10-15 minutes, and lines forming that might prevent customers from getting on the first available shuttle. This can lead to significant lost time, particularly for travelers on tight schedules or those arriving after a long journey. The distance from the main airport terminals, combined with the two-shuttle system, can add to the inconvenience compared to on-airport rental facilities.

For local residents in the surrounding areas of Los Angeles, such as Westchester or Inglewood, driving directly to the location might be an option. However, given its proximity to the airport, traffic around Airport Blvd can be heavy, especially during peak travel times. The specific unit number (#44) suggests it is part of a larger commercial building, which might require clear signage or instructions upon arrival.

Based on available public information, NU Auto Rental generally offers services common to car rental agencies, but it's crucial to note them in light of reported customer experiences:

• Vehicle Fleet: NU Auto Rental purports to offer a diverse fleet including economy, compact, mid-size, SUVs, minivans, and even some luxury/premium options like the Jeep Grand Cherokee (though specific availability is often contested by customers). Their fleet may include models such as Hyundai Accent, Kia Forte, Nissan Altima, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300, and various SUVs. However, customers frequently report receiving cars of a different, often inferior, category than what was booked.
• Rental Durations: Standard daily, weekly, and potentially monthly rental options are available.
• Pre-paid Bookings: NU Auto Rental accepts pre-paid bookings, often through third-party platforms like Priceline or Kayak, which can appear to offer significant discounts upfront. However, customer experiences suggest that these pre-paid bookings are often subject to unexpected conditions upon arrival.
• Add-ons and Upsells: They offer additional services such as child safety seats, navigation devices, toll road passes, and various insurance options. Customers frequently report aggressive attempts to upsell insurance and "upgrades" even when the booked vehicle is seemingly available.
• Insurance and Deposits: NU Auto Rental requires insurance. While customers can use their personal auto insurance or credit card coverage, the company may press for the purchase of their own insurance and may require customers to provide declaration pages. A significant security deposit is also often required, with amounts ranging from $300 to $5000, depending on the car type. Some reviews mention deposits as high as $1300 EUR or $500.
• Mileage and Geographic Restrictions: For local renters or non-airport arrivals, there can be significant mileage restrictions (e.g., 10-150 free miles per day) and geographic limits (e.g., travel only within California and Nevada) with severe penalties for exceeding these. Airport arrivals with a boarding pass and return airline ticket may get unlimited miles within NV, AZ, CA.
• Fuel Policy: Generally, cars are provided with a full tank and are expected to be returned full, with charges applied for refueling if not. However, at least one customer reported receiving a car with only a half-full tank.

Based on the provided customer reviews and publicly available information, the "features" and "highlights" of NU Auto Rental are largely overshadowed by significant and recurring negative experiences, which can be interpreted as operational characteristics:

• Aggressive Upselling Tactics: A dominant feature of the customer experience is the alleged "bait-and-switch" tactic. Customers report being pressured into "upgrades" or additional insurance, often under the guise of the reserved car not being available or facing a two-hour wait. This tactic appears to be designed to compel customers to pay significantly more than their initial booking.
• Substandard Vehicle Condition: Despite claims of a diverse fleet, customers frequently receive vehicles with noticeable exterior damage (scratches, dings), interiors that are not properly cleaned, and inconsistent fuel levels (e.g., half-full tank despite a full-to-full policy). This suggests a lack of attention to vehicle preparation and maintenance.
• Poor Customer Service: Multiple reviews describe the staff as "arrogant, rude, and completely unhelpful," even resorting to "lying to your face" about vehicle availability. The overall tone of interactions is reported as dismissive and unapologetic, lacking respect for the customer.
• Strict and Unreasonable Policies Enforcement: NU Auto Rental is reported to strictly enforce specific rules, such as a narrow two-hour window for pickup of prepaid cars, even when customers notify them of flight delays. This rigidity, especially when combined with alleged fabricated unavailability of reserved vehicles, creates a coercive environment.
• Hidden Fees and Lack of Transparency: Customers complain about unexpected charges, including exorbitant deposit amounts, additional insurance costs added without clear consent, and large fees for minor infractions or for not meeting certain unstated requirements at pick-up.
• Challenging Dispute Resolution: Attempts to seek compensation for overcharges or substandard service have reportedly met with "no meaningful accountability" from NU Auto Rental or its booking partners, leaving customers feeling "cheated, disrespected, and utterly disheartened."

For direct inquiries or to attempt to resolve issues with NU Auto Rental, the provided contact information is:

Address: 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

Based on additional public information, phone numbers associated with NU Car Rental in Los Angeles include:

Phone: +1 310 665 9025

Another number sometimes listed for NU Car Rentals (though potentially a general booking line or associated with a different location/affiliate) is +1 888-865-8950.

Given the significant customer service issues reported, it is strongly advised that any communication be documented, preferably in writing, and that all rental terms, charges, and vehicle conditions be thoroughly confirmed and photographed before leaving the lot.

For Californians considering NU Auto Rental near LAX, it is crucial to approach this option with extreme caution and a full understanding of the widely reported negative customer experiences. While its location near LAX might initially seem convenient for local residents in surrounding areas like Inglewood or Westchester, the consistent pattern of alleged "bait-and-switch" tactics, hidden fees, unhelpful staff, and substandard vehicle conditions presents significant drawbacks that severely limit its suitability.

From a purely logistical standpoint, being an off-airport site means a multi-shuttle transfer, adding time and potential frustration that may outweigh any perceived initial cost savings. For locals, who often have more flexibility than arriving travelers, seeking alternatives with consistently positive reviews regarding transparency, vehicle quality, and customer service would generally be a more prudent choice. The reports of manipulative sales practices, such as fabricating car unavailability to force expensive "upgrades," directly contradict the expectations of fair and honest business practices that Californians rightfully expect.

While some may be tempted by seemingly low initial prices found on third-party booking sites, the cumulative cost, stress, and potential for receiving a poorly maintained vehicle, as described by numerous customers, indicate that the true "value" is often negative. Therefore, for locals in California who prioritize a reliable, transparent, and respectful car rental experience, the evidence strongly suggests that NU Auto Rental is generally *not* a suitable option and should be avoided in favor of companies with a proven track record of ethical conduct and customer satisfaction.

NU Auto Rental

9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA