BEWARE - St. Maarten Car Rental with Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental
Jun 2nd, 2011, 04:46 PM
#61
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Cotton/Chris Birchall - are you sure you are addressing your message to Bella Claire? You have an "on" after the claire - I've read this thread for months...and commented twice based on my experience. I stand by what I wrote as it is truth for me. Would I rent from them again after seeing post after post - nope - it's disheartening they have such a scam going with nothing being done. Would I avoid St. Maarten/St. Martin - hell no. Please clarify who you were addressing your message to - if myself - I'm offended - I've always posted with integrity and what has been MY experience.
Jun 5th, 2011, 03:04 PM
#62
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In response to DavidSXM on people not choosing to avoid St. Maarten based on getting ripped off by Thrifty, I disagree. I think it can have an affect on the travel choices people make. I heard once that another island had an increasing crime peoblem and made the decision to go somewhere else. It may be emotional and not based on actual statistics, but these things do make a difference on the choices people make.
Jun 5th, 2011, 06:23 PM
#63
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Suchaturi
I CAN understand people who decide not to visit a vacation destination because of a percieved CRIME problem, but I really cannot believe that any sensible person would decide not to visit an island (in this case SXM) just because the activities of ONE - of literally DOZENS - of car rental companies, has been exposed as a 'scamming' operation.
Are you SERIOUS ?
I CAN understand people who decide not to visit a vacation destination because of a percieved CRIME problem, but I really cannot believe that any sensible person would decide not to visit an island (in this case SXM) just because the activities of ONE - of literally DOZENS - of car rental companies, has been exposed as a 'scamming' operation.
Are you SERIOUS ?
Jun 28th, 2011, 08:31 AM
#64
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I used Dollar Thrifty in St. Maarten twice. I thought they were the best, most professional car rental I have dealt with- anywhere in the world. Sorry for those who had bad experiences, but I'm just stating my view. They were super good.
Jun 28th, 2011, 06:54 PM
#65
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Well, there is ONE client who hasn't been screwed !
Obviously it is up to anyone who wants to rent a car on this island, but if it was MY choice I would avoid this bunch of scammers like the plague - even if dasilvabrasil above is in the minority who 'got lucky' and were not given the usual 'treatment' by the crooked employees who Mr.Tariq McSood is apparently still happy to employ.
There's a HUGE choice of alternatives, so why just one person - apart from people who were obviously instructed to say 'good things' abut this outfit, including one who only having joined this Forum days before posting multiple positive comments - have to have any credibility, I really don't know.
It's up to you to make your choice !
Obviously it is up to anyone who wants to rent a car on this island, but if it was MY choice I would avoid this bunch of scammers like the plague - even if dasilvabrasil above is in the minority who 'got lucky' and were not given the usual 'treatment' by the crooked employees who Mr.Tariq McSood is apparently still happy to employ.
There's a HUGE choice of alternatives, so why just one person - apart from people who were obviously instructed to say 'good things' abut this outfit, including one who only having joined this Forum days before posting multiple positive comments - have to have any credibility, I really don't know.
It's up to you to make your choice !
Jul 2nd, 2011, 03:10 PM
#66
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Very seldom do I ever write. I'd have to agree, most people do not sit around and write a negative post, review a product because they have nothing better to do. I have been a long time St Maarten (SXM) traveler and rented from many different companies there, some which are not around and as my screen name say’s I have seen many changes.
I can’t defend or deny the practices, but I have been lucky in my car rentals since 1986. I have never had to pay anything additional beyond what I agreed to rent the car for. I have had windows busted (vandalism), vehicles damaged (some hit me), my own accident (no real damage), breakdowns (no air, won’t start, etc) and probably other things long forgotten.
I have always checked the car when asked. In the early days they would give you the keys and tell you your car is over in the lot or garage and have a great stay. I guess money poured into the island like there was no tomorrow. What really prompted me to write was the busted door locks. Years ago when they started giving out cars with the remote open keys they told me they disabled the locks as well as the trunk locks because people just take a screwdriver to them anyway. Honestly, they do not fix the damaged cars if they still can run. They rent them, run them down and sell then to other renters or the locals years later. In general, brand new fleets have been a thing of the past.
When I did encounter problems I expected it would take time to resolve, I didn’t let it bother my day and didn’t worry I was missing beach time. I enjoyed having every minute on SXM. Having a car that didn’t work on SXM versus being at home fixing something, I’ll take SXM any day. Two hours on the beach and no sunscreen will make up for a week of lost sun. I am also the person that doesn’t mind checking into my job and getting work done remotely when I can. After all, without that job I might not have the opportunity to be there. I never used to be that person, in the early days I was a laborer and you can’t hardly do that remotely. What I am saying here is, I have respect for the path I have taken and give it for the path others are on, it goes a long way.
I have also always declined insurance. My policy at home covers me and so do some of my credit cards. I also never leave for a rush to the airport. I can’t give away all my secrets, but vandalism is not the renters fault unless somehow you gave cause to the action of others. Poorly, maintained vehicles are not the renters fault. I have had these discussions with the rental companies and I guess luckily I have never been charged. Getting up in their face about it doesn’t help, but if you let them come to these conclusions themselves, I think they usually do.
I imagine what is happening is a sign of the times. The island doesn’t get any bigger but the population has more than doubled. Tourism may be down, but there are still more planes coming in today than years back and overall there is probably less money going around. If you have this many complaints there probably is something to them and maybe some of them could have been handled better. What really got me was the comment about going right to the door lock, because they do know they don’t work and is intentionally not fixed. It’s sad, but pictures are the way to go. Take them every day, every place you park, check your oil levels and all that other good stuff and call your insurance carrier and see if you are covered. Above all, enjoy your stay in SXM and watch out for the car rentals relative damaging cars, because his relative that fixes them, most likely doesn’t make out on the repairs.
I can’t defend or deny the practices, but I have been lucky in my car rentals since 1986. I have never had to pay anything additional beyond what I agreed to rent the car for. I have had windows busted (vandalism), vehicles damaged (some hit me), my own accident (no real damage), breakdowns (no air, won’t start, etc) and probably other things long forgotten.
I have always checked the car when asked. In the early days they would give you the keys and tell you your car is over in the lot or garage and have a great stay. I guess money poured into the island like there was no tomorrow. What really prompted me to write was the busted door locks. Years ago when they started giving out cars with the remote open keys they told me they disabled the locks as well as the trunk locks because people just take a screwdriver to them anyway. Honestly, they do not fix the damaged cars if they still can run. They rent them, run them down and sell then to other renters or the locals years later. In general, brand new fleets have been a thing of the past.
When I did encounter problems I expected it would take time to resolve, I didn’t let it bother my day and didn’t worry I was missing beach time. I enjoyed having every minute on SXM. Having a car that didn’t work on SXM versus being at home fixing something, I’ll take SXM any day. Two hours on the beach and no sunscreen will make up for a week of lost sun. I am also the person that doesn’t mind checking into my job and getting work done remotely when I can. After all, without that job I might not have the opportunity to be there. I never used to be that person, in the early days I was a laborer and you can’t hardly do that remotely. What I am saying here is, I have respect for the path I have taken and give it for the path others are on, it goes a long way.
I have also always declined insurance. My policy at home covers me and so do some of my credit cards. I also never leave for a rush to the airport. I can’t give away all my secrets, but vandalism is not the renters fault unless somehow you gave cause to the action of others. Poorly, maintained vehicles are not the renters fault. I have had these discussions with the rental companies and I guess luckily I have never been charged. Getting up in their face about it doesn’t help, but if you let them come to these conclusions themselves, I think they usually do.
I imagine what is happening is a sign of the times. The island doesn’t get any bigger but the population has more than doubled. Tourism may be down, but there are still more planes coming in today than years back and overall there is probably less money going around. If you have this many complaints there probably is something to them and maybe some of them could have been handled better. What really got me was the comment about going right to the door lock, because they do know they don’t work and is intentionally not fixed. It’s sad, but pictures are the way to go. Take them every day, every place you park, check your oil levels and all that other good stuff and call your insurance carrier and see if you are covered. Above all, enjoy your stay in SXM and watch out for the car rentals relative damaging cars, because his relative that fixes them, most likely doesn’t make out on the repairs.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:51 AM
#67
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I just joined this debate as I was looking for a rental car in St Martin. BTW I have seen similar problems in Tampa Florida with these 2 agencies owned by the same entity. Its now spead to the mainland. I insisted on writing damage no matter how small (they claim no need to do so) after a agent told me to do so..he also told me that this is especially true when the leases are up which means when they return them I guess to the manufacturers..they try to gig the renter. So if someone knows a state attorney's office they should write them. Since St Martin is a foreign country but Thrify is a US company it may be time to get a class action lawyer interested. We may not gaim anything but even if the lawyers make millions it will be enough to get the parent motivated to clean up this fraud like behavior.
Can you all give me specific of an agency who you use that gave great service?
Thanks
Can you all give me specific of an agency who you use that gave great service?
Thanks
Jul 6th, 2011, 11:40 AM
#68
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Wow!! I just read through this entire “forum” and found the information confirming what I have been saying about “Thrifty / Dollar” car rental on SXM for quite some time. I too was ripped off by these scam artists, with the lock routine, to the tune of $175.00 US. I agree with what others who spoke of the orchestration, choreography, and scripting of the entire staff (read cast). From what I have read, I guess I got off very lucky.
I found Mr. McSood’s comments interesting as well. I was particularly intrigued by his statement, “I will be happy to listen to you, work with you, and make you have a much more comfortable car rental experience the next time you visit our island”. What, will we be getting our money back, a reduced rate on the rental, or just “listened to”???
I, like several of the posters, said I wanted a police report, and was told that I would have to go into Philipsburg to make out the report, they pointed out that I had already turned the car in so I would have to rent another car to get there, and I too was subject to a flight back to the reality. As I read the comments posted here, and the names of several stateside execs, I too tried that approach, to no avail.
I do have one new suggestion. If someone were to send this entire discussion to Theo Heylinger, ([email protected]) the St. Maarten Commissioner of Tourism, it just might see some action. Not that anyone of us who were ripped off will get any compensation, but the island has an interesting way of “keeping their own in line” so to say. Now, that is assuming that Theo is not a major owner / stockholder in Thrifty / Dollar SXM, or Tariq’s primary financial backer, or both, which could always be the case.
Finally, I feel a little sad that so many tourists are getting ripped off. The island’s economy is still suffering from 9-11, rising airfares, and the soft economic situation around the world. The cruise ship visitors are supporting some segments of the SXM economy, but the time shares, resorts, and hotels and restaurants on both sides of the island are still not doing well. This is just another reason for a potential overnight visitor to go somewhere else, and that is sad. That translates to less work for the working people of SXM, they are the ones who really get hurt and that is the saddest part of all.
I found Mr. McSood’s comments interesting as well. I was particularly intrigued by his statement, “I will be happy to listen to you, work with you, and make you have a much more comfortable car rental experience the next time you visit our island”. What, will we be getting our money back, a reduced rate on the rental, or just “listened to”???
I, like several of the posters, said I wanted a police report, and was told that I would have to go into Philipsburg to make out the report, they pointed out that I had already turned the car in so I would have to rent another car to get there, and I too was subject to a flight back to the reality. As I read the comments posted here, and the names of several stateside execs, I too tried that approach, to no avail.
I do have one new suggestion. If someone were to send this entire discussion to Theo Heylinger, ([email protected]) the St. Maarten Commissioner of Tourism, it just might see some action. Not that anyone of us who were ripped off will get any compensation, but the island has an interesting way of “keeping their own in line” so to say. Now, that is assuming that Theo is not a major owner / stockholder in Thrifty / Dollar SXM, or Tariq’s primary financial backer, or both, which could always be the case.
Finally, I feel a little sad that so many tourists are getting ripped off. The island’s economy is still suffering from 9-11, rising airfares, and the soft economic situation around the world. The cruise ship visitors are supporting some segments of the SXM economy, but the time shares, resorts, and hotels and restaurants on both sides of the island are still not doing well. This is just another reason for a potential overnight visitor to go somewhere else, and that is sad. That translates to less work for the working people of SXM, they are the ones who really get hurt and that is the saddest part of all.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 09:57 AM
#69
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We are planning on renting a car for our honeymoon in September, and thankfully we will avoid Thrifty/Dollar at the airport. I did see a recommendation from jacquesf for Leisure Car Rentals - (Tel:011(599) 581 8577. Email: [email protected]. Site: www.leisurecarrentalsxm.com) and was wondering if anybody can back the recommendation, or suggest another car rental company they had a great experience with.
Aug 15th, 2011, 10:51 AM
#70
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I created an account here just respond to peanut556. I would not hesitate to recommend Leisure Car Rental. We just got back from our St. Maarten trip, and rented with Leisure. Our car was new, the staff was very professional, friendly, and helpful. We got our car no more than five minutes after retrieving our bags. This was a great advantage, since the Simpson Bay Traffic was really dreadful
Oct 12th, 2011, 01:27 PM
#71
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Okay! First follow wiley1827's advice and do a thorough inspection,inside and out,(3 times) before you accept a vehicle. Make sure any damage is annotated on the contract. Check your car insurance here (stateside). You should be covered for rental cars. Make sure (call them before you go). If you have an incident tell them to contact your insurance company. They have more experience dealing with crooks and charlatans than you. If for some reason they will not call your insurer, call them yourself. Taking pictures is never a bad Idea. How do I know? ...My wife worked for an insurance company for 15 years, she knows her stuff.
Oct 19th, 2011, 10:46 AM
#72
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Let me preface the following by stating that the 2 trips that I have made to this beautiful island have been very enjoyable except for my experiences with these scam artists.
I have read all the other postings and one other thing that you should inspect is the spare wheel, have them remove it from the trunk, and also have them remove the hub caps to check for damage to the rims.
I rented from these con men in 2008 and during the inspection pointed out several dents in the front right rim to the very pleasant young man who was carrying out the inspection. He told me not to worry because they were all like that. If you have ever driven in St Martin you will know that the roads need a little work and that it seems as if there are more potholes than road.
3 days into our 7 day stay, We noticed that the front tire was partially flat so I removed the spare from the trunk only to find this was completely flat with a huge dent in the rim on the underside of the wheel so that it wasn't visible during the inspection.
I took the car to a local garage and paid to have the flat fixed rather than drive across the island to the rental office.
When I returned the car I told them about the spare so that the future renter would not get stranded. When the employee saw the spare his eyes lit up and he called the Manager over and wanted me to fill out a form for the insurance. I informed him that I wouldn't because I had not been involved in an accident and that the spare had never been used by me.
The Manager became very abusive and then seemed to suddenly lose his ability to speak or understand English.
I had a plane to catch so really couldn't continue the argument. On my return to the US, I contacted my Mastercard to have them not pay the damages and I also checked with their insurance dept to see if this sort of damage was covered anyway and of course it isn't. I receive a bill from Dollar/Thrifty for $325 which, of course, Mastercard payed it despite several phone calls and emails from me. I contacted Thrifty and Dollar USA and was informed that they had no control of Foreign Franchises. I sent several emails to Carla Douglass at Dollar in St Martin regarding this issue and also pointed out that their rental policy stated that any damage to a wheel would be billed at $200 not the $325 that I was charged.
I never received an adequate reponse.
So, a final warning. If you are attempted to rent from these thieves. either take out the full insurance, which I'm sure they just pocket, Or inspect everything and make sure they write everything down.
I have read all the other postings and one other thing that you should inspect is the spare wheel, have them remove it from the trunk, and also have them remove the hub caps to check for damage to the rims.
I rented from these con men in 2008 and during the inspection pointed out several dents in the front right rim to the very pleasant young man who was carrying out the inspection. He told me not to worry because they were all like that. If you have ever driven in St Martin you will know that the roads need a little work and that it seems as if there are more potholes than road.
3 days into our 7 day stay, We noticed that the front tire was partially flat so I removed the spare from the trunk only to find this was completely flat with a huge dent in the rim on the underside of the wheel so that it wasn't visible during the inspection.
I took the car to a local garage and paid to have the flat fixed rather than drive across the island to the rental office.
When I returned the car I told them about the spare so that the future renter would not get stranded. When the employee saw the spare his eyes lit up and he called the Manager over and wanted me to fill out a form for the insurance. I informed him that I wouldn't because I had not been involved in an accident and that the spare had never been used by me.
The Manager became very abusive and then seemed to suddenly lose his ability to speak or understand English.
I had a plane to catch so really couldn't continue the argument. On my return to the US, I contacted my Mastercard to have them not pay the damages and I also checked with their insurance dept to see if this sort of damage was covered anyway and of course it isn't. I receive a bill from Dollar/Thrifty for $325 which, of course, Mastercard payed it despite several phone calls and emails from me. I contacted Thrifty and Dollar USA and was informed that they had no control of Foreign Franchises. I sent several emails to Carla Douglass at Dollar in St Martin regarding this issue and also pointed out that their rental policy stated that any damage to a wheel would be billed at $200 not the $325 that I was charged.
I never received an adequate reponse.
So, a final warning. If you are attempted to rent from these thieves. either take out the full insurance, which I'm sure they just pocket, Or inspect everything and make sure they write everything down.
Oct 20th, 2011, 11:11 PM
#74
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Hi Meski
We have, for some reason, had a lot more seaweed this year than is usual, but it isn't really a problem in the area where I live.
What seems to happen is that it gets thrown up over night, and is cleared by the beach operators first thing in the morning, and you certainly don't have to fight your way through it to get to swim !
We have, for some reason, had a lot more seaweed this year than is usual, but it isn't really a problem in the area where I live.
What seems to happen is that it gets thrown up over night, and is cleared by the beach operators first thing in the morning, and you certainly don't have to fight your way through it to get to swim !
Oct 21st, 2011, 01:34 PM
#75
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We just got back to the States from SXM on Sunday. We rented from Paradise Car Rental. That's all you really need to get around. We rented the GPS just to make sure we didn't get lost. After having been there for three/four days we no longer needed it, but I felt it was worthwhile.
Make sure you follow the obvious rules - don't leave anything in plain sight in the car, always lock it, etc. etc. We didn't have any problems other than the cigarette lighter fuse was blown when we got the car. Fortunately we were just down the street from the car rental place, so they swapped it out (although it did take an hour to do it - if I had a pair of pliers it'd have taken me 10 min).
The one thing that caught me off guard was when coming out of customs into the main terminal at the airport, the car rental companies are plentiful and can be a bit insistent that you come to their booth. Fortunately my wife spotted the Paradise booth and we made a beeline straight for it.
If anyone tells you that you don't need a car in SXM, they didn't leave the resort. If you want to see something other than the resort, definitely get a car.
Also - for those of you visiting in the next few months, please plan ahead. There is some road construction to the south of the airport that can cause significant backups in both directions. The two lane road is down to one and we spent the better part of 45 min working through about a mile of road. It isn't a deal-killer, but planning for it is important.
Make sure you follow the obvious rules - don't leave anything in plain sight in the car, always lock it, etc. etc. We didn't have any problems other than the cigarette lighter fuse was blown when we got the car. Fortunately we were just down the street from the car rental place, so they swapped it out (although it did take an hour to do it - if I had a pair of pliers it'd have taken me 10 min).
The one thing that caught me off guard was when coming out of customs into the main terminal at the airport, the car rental companies are plentiful and can be a bit insistent that you come to their booth. Fortunately my wife spotted the Paradise booth and we made a beeline straight for it.
If anyone tells you that you don't need a car in SXM, they didn't leave the resort. If you want to see something other than the resort, definitely get a car.
Also - for those of you visiting in the next few months, please plan ahead. There is some road construction to the south of the airport that can cause significant backups in both directions. The two lane road is down to one and we spent the better part of 45 min working through about a mile of road. It isn't a deal-killer, but planning for it is important.
Oct 22nd, 2011, 02:51 AM
#76
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F.Y.I.
The road referred to above re-opened as two lanes yesterday.
The traffic in the Simpson Bay area is always bad anyway.
I never return from the airport to the French side of the island, where I live, via that route. I always go the opposie way, through Maho and Sandy Ground.
The road referred to above re-opened as two lanes yesterday.
The traffic in the Simpson Bay area is always bad anyway.
I never return from the airport to the French side of the island, where I live, via that route. I always go the opposie way, through Maho and Sandy Ground.
Oct 22nd, 2011, 02:56 PM
#77
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I have been using Tropicana Car Rental for the past 8 years and have never had an issue with returning a car. This year my wife's family is joining us and, never having visited before, were considering using Thrifty as it is a familiar name back here in the U.S. After they read this post they will be using Tropicana. They may not have great facilities, but thee cars work great and they have always treated us fairly and honestly.
Dec 21st, 2011, 04:24 AM
#79
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Was in Sxm 2011 winter, did a rental, took pictures, went to town shopping, angle parked the vehicle, came back from shopping and found a smudge of yellow paint with a minute dent on the front right corner of car bumper area. That was not there when we got there, we did a walk around prior to leaving, (the 4 of us) and were surprised and alarmed at how this could have possibly happened the way/angle this vehicle was parked and the area to the car that this could not have happened while being parked there. This was bs. it cost 150.00 affixed to my visa, I swear to God, they have henchmen walking around with wooden mallets and spray paint and inflict these damages to the cars that they themselves specifically rent out.Its a shame you might have to pay someone to watch over your rental while you shop!
I'll be cabbing it this year!!!!
I'll be cabbing it this year!!!!
