CAR RENTAL REVIEWS ON BUDGET AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT, MEL

Like: Safety Car.
Dislike: No

Average

The car was very good, and the return process was quick

The process from paperwork to pick-up was very quick

Excellent

Like: Efficient staff, car in great condition and the holiday was made very pleasant with a car driving in Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Dislike: Wrong billing? I made a reservation for a Toyota Rav 4 for the period between 26 to 29 Aug 18. The reference number was 63103417 and confirmation number was 38357487SGD. The quote was AUD 303.72. I made a payment of AUD 60 as a deposit, and the amount due at pick up at the airport was AUD 243.72. At the airport, I was asked if I wanted an upgrade to a Toyota Kleuger which came with a GPS at approximately AUD 60. I agreed, and the final bill came up to be AUD 359.39 and I was charged this amount on my credit card. Shouldn't I be paying AUD 299.39, having considered that I already paid AUD 60 as a deposit? The bill number issued by Budget upon return of car was 317692550 and the reservation number was 38357487-SG-OH.

It's okay

It took a whole two hours from queuing to get the car. We waited with our child in the parking lot for an hour before we got the car, and it was a very windy day!

Like: The ease of use and convenience is amazing.
Dislike: The vehicle perhaps needed maintenance service, as it prompted quite often during the 5 day booking I made

The wait was a bit long, probably because there were too many people.

Quick queue for car pickup.

Friendly service

Rented cars twice, booked different cars - one a large business car and the other a medium business car, but ended up with the same car both times. The price difference was 2000 RMB, and after 3 months of negotiation, I got a refund of 727 RMB. Can I swear now?

Booked a Camry but got a Holden R5 instead, which was too wide. Already not used to right-hand drive; requested full cover insurance at pickup and confirmed paid nothing, but the contract showed a $2500 excess. If there was an accident, it would cost nearly $20,000. Such a scam.

I specifically chose a rental company with Chinese language support because, although I can handle basic English communications like ordering food or booking hotels, renting a car involves signing a full English contract with lots of details and technical terms I may not understand. A fully Chinese service process is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings. However, both pickup and dropoff services were in English. I even asked if they had staff who could provide service in Chinese, but the answer was no. While the rental process was smooth, the lack of Chinese service was still concerning.

I have used Budget for the past few times and felt it was great, not worse than Hertz or AVIS. The prices are reasonable and the pick-up and drop-off efficiency is high. I hope they continue to maintain this standard!

Overall good, simple procedures, and very fast.

Like: Car was clean and rather new when received. Came with good and accurate GPS. Fuel consumption was reasonable. Car was comfortable with smooth engine. Good boot space to fit 3 large suitcases with additional space available still. Good reverse camera even at night. Car runs on petrol which is cheaper than diesel in Australia. Collection and return was very fast and the staff at Budget’s office was friendly.
Dislike: At collection at Budget’s office, I was asked to get coverage for road assistance even though insurance coverage was already purchased separately via EasyRentCars. Pls read through your purchase insurance before collection so you will not be confused and pay additional coverage which you already have. EasyRentCars insurance cover whilst cheaper, required upfront payment followed by reimbursement subsequently. For insurance cover by Budget, there is no payment required at the point of assistance. FYI.

It's okay.

Convenient, we always choose Budget for self-driving in the US.