Budget Truck Rental

Dane Diemer

This was the second and last time I’ll use Budget as a rental service: for a rental truck to move or a rental car. The service from Mr. Bessone, the authorized dealer at this location, was not pleasant. He was sarcastic and refused to be helpful. I reserved a moving truck 3 months in advance. Upon arrival Mr. Bessone was unpleasant. Once we told him we did not reserve a truck the night prior he told us our truck was here, but was delivered the night prior after he was off work and he did not get a chance to inspect it. Mr. Bessone’s store opened at 8A.M. The truck was not picked up until just after 10A.M. I’m sure there was enough time to inspect the truck within the 2 hours prior to the truck being picked up. The truck was infested with ants and the driver side door hinge was rusted and barely attached to the frame of the vehicle. This caused a massive gap when the door was shut, unless the door was slammed very hard, which Mr. Bessone demonstrated. The A.C. in the vehicle cut out any time throttle was applied. I initially only complained to Mr. Bessone about the ants because I got multiple bites in my back, shoulder, and legs. My wife, who would also be driving the vehicle, could possibly have an anaphylactic event. I requested a new truck and Mr. Bessone told me to spray Windex on them. When I told him Windex wouldn’t work because they were coming from the door frame and seat cushions, as well as under the cab, he told me he could not do anything else. I called the Budget help line and received the same advice. The Budget help line told me to call their road side assistance service to get them to inspect the truck and recommend I get a replacement. They told me because budget was having a “nation-wide” truck shortage and I would likely have to wait a week or more for a truck that was not infested with ants, to buy bug bombs and use those in the truck and Budget would refund me for the price of the big bombs. I requested that Budget still try to find me a replacement vehicle. The lady from road side assistance said she would ask. They contacted Mr. Joe Ungaro, the Budget maintenance manager for the San Diego area. Mr. Ungaro stated that it was unacceptable that I was issued a truck that was not inspected and was infested with ants. I was then instructed to return to Mr. Bessone’s Budget location and switch out the truck. Upon arrival Mr. Bessone was walking towards me in the parking lot. He had a very different attitude than he had when I spoke with him on the phone. He was apologetic but then kept insisting this was my fault for not returning the truck sooner (even though Mr. Bessone himself and Budget customer service stated earlier that there was nothing else they could do besides spray Windex in the truck). Mr. Bessone then said he could give me another truck, either hours later or the next morning. I agreed to this because I have a very tight schedule I have to meet; driving 2,300 miles across the country. Mr. Bessone then stated I would not be able to get the same size truck I reserved 3 months prior. I would be getting a larger one. While that may be a good deal for some, it is not for me. I budgeted fuel for a 12’ truck. I only need a 12’ truck to move all my belongings. My only option from Mr. Bessone was a 16’ truck. I do not need that much space, and I definitely do not need the extra fuel bill. The Budget road side service personnel even recommended I go with a competing company because they knew Budget themselves could not provide competent service. I discovered while typing this lengthy review that there is a word limit. A very long story and a massive waste of money for me short, Mr. John Bessone II is one of the most unprofessional persons I have ever done business with. Surprisingly, video and pictures have been requested by Budget management after I explained my issue with Mr. Bessone. Budget will be receiving picture and video recordings before, during, and after my interactions with Mr. Bessone.

P Young

Easy process. reserved online, picked up truck, and returned. No sales pressure on extra insurance, and werr very customer friendly, even gave me military discount. Oh, and they Love the PADRES!!!

Charley Lavonne

Wouldn’t recommend this location unless this is your last resort for a rental. The Attitude! Omg. Poor customer service! Expect you to bring the trucks back BEYOND full, which is rip off. ALSO be prepared to pay before and after your move. I paid $200 before I took the truck, and an additional $160 when I was done. So be prepared for hidden fees! :)

Bradyn Watson

Quick in and out. They had a truck reserved but offered to let us use it since they wouldn't need it until closing, with a penalty cost if we didn't get it back in time. That they were willing to work with us was great. One of the blankets we rented also got shredded in the move, and they told us not to worry about it. Great place to get a truck for a day, and was less than $100 for their largest size.