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# Thrifty Car Rental – Affordable car rentals in Newport Beach, CA
Thrifty Car Rental in Newport Beach, CA, offers budget-friendly vehicle rentals for travelers seeking convenience and affordability. Established with a vision to provide accessible transportation options, Thrifty has become a recognizable name in the car rental industry. Despite its commitment to value, the company has faced challenges in customer service and operational efficiency, as highlighted by numerous reviews. The Newport Beach location, situated at 4043 Birch St, serves both local residents and visitors to the area, aiming to deliver a seamless rental experience. However, recent feedback indicates a need for improvement in service delivery and customer satisfaction.

## History
### The story of Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental was founded with the intent to provide affordable transportation solutions to travelers. The brand has grown over the years, becoming synonymous with budget-friendly car rentals. The Newport Beach location aims to uphold this vision by catering to both leisure and business travelers in the area. 

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a budget car rental option in the U.S.
- Expanded to numerous locations across the country, including Newport Beach.
- Became part of the Hertz Corporation, enhancing its operational capacity and reach.
- Adapted to market demands by offering competitive pricing and promotions.

### Cultural and local influence
Thrifty Car Rental has played a role in the local economy by providing jobs and supporting tourism in Newport Beach. The company’s presence has made it easier for visitors to explore the scenic coastal areas and attractions, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the community. 

### Continuing the tradition
Despite facing challenges, Thrifty Car Rental continues to strive for excellence in providing affordable transportation. The company remains committed to improving customer experiences and maintaining its reputation as a go-to option for budget-conscious travelers. 

## Community
### Community involvement
Thrifty Car Rental engages with the Newport Beach community by participating in local events and supporting initiatives that promote tourism and transportation accessibility. The company aims to foster positive relationships with residents and visitors alike. 

### Community notion about the place
While many locals appreciate the affordability of Thrifty Car Rental, there are mixed feelings regarding the service quality. Some community members express frustration over long wait times and customer service issues, which have been echoed in various reviews. 

### Events and gatherings
Thrifty Car Rental occasionally sponsors local events, contributing to community gatherings that promote tourism and local culture. These events help enhance the company’s visibility and reinforce its commitment to the Newport Beach area. 

## Offerings
### What Thrifty Car Rental offers
Thrifty Car Rental provides a range of vehicles for rent, catering to different customer needs, from compact cars to larger SUVs. The company focuses on affordability and convenience, making it a popular choice for budget travelers. 

### Dining and food experience
While Thrifty Car Rental does not offer dining services, its proximity to various restaurants and cafes in Newport Beach allows customers to easily find food options during their travels. The area is known for its diverse culinary scene, enhancing the overall rental experience. 

### Events and packages
Thrifty offers various rental packages and promotions aimed at attracting customers, especially during peak travel seasons. These packages often include discounts for extended rentals or special deals for local events, appealing to both residents and tourists. 

### Facilities and features
- Convenient location at 4043 Birch St, Newport Beach
- Affordable rental rates
- A diverse fleet of vehicles
- Shuttle service to and from the airport
- Online booking options for ease of access

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Customer feedback reveals a mix of positive and negative experiences with Thrifty Car Rental. While some appreciate the affordability, many express dissatisfaction with service quality and operational efficiency. 

### Compliments and strengths
- Competitive pricing compared to other rental companies
- Variety of vehicle options available
- Convenient location for travelers

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- Long wait times reported during peak hours
- Customer service issues, including unresponsive staff
- Inconsistent communication regarding rental policies

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Thrifty Car Rental offers an affordable option for car rentals in Newport Beach, but it faces significant challenges in customer service and operational efficiency. Addressing these issues could enhance the overall customer experience and solidify its reputation in the market. 

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Thrifty Car Rental is located at 4043 Birch St, Newport Beach, CA, a prime area for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city. The location provides easy access to popular attractions such as the Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and various shopping and dining options. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and vibrant community atmosphere that Newport Beach has to offer. 

## FAQs
**What are the rental requirements** Customers need a valid driver's license, credit card, and be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle.  
**Is there a shuttle service available** Yes, Thrifty provides shuttle service to and from the airport for convenience.  
**What types of vehicles are available** Thrifty offers a range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and vans.  
**Can I modify my reservation** Yes, customers can modify their reservations online or by contacting customer service.  
**What is the cancellation policy** Cancellations can be made without penalty if done within the specified time frame outlined in the rental agreement.  

## Visit Thrifty Car Rental Today
Thrifty Car Rental in Newport Beach offers a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking reliable transportation. With a commitment to affordability and a diverse fleet of vehicles, it aims to cater to the needs of both locals and visitors. Despite some challenges in service delivery, the company continues to strive for improvement, making it a viable choice for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Newport Beach.

02d8a10e-bbd7-4b3e-9a70-bc8bd6d7dfdc

Stay Away!!!! Charge me Extra $ 400 twice On already prepaid car No costumer service

7c7635f2-59d8-4fa4-82af-50e90125a40c

Have more staff to help us customers with our pre reservations and don't add more unnecessary fees. I am a regular rental customer and use different companies and have never had a fee charged for adding a driver. Thrifty is normally one of my favorite car rental company that I pick but from the extra fees that i got charged today this will be my last.

3afb864a-9314-4709-8b5d-23e6c9cc3a22

I rent cars all the time for work travel. I have never had such a horrible experience. I pre-paid a reservation here (for January 2023) and when my plan landed at 10pm, I was told that they were out of cars and I would have to wait 1.5hrs. After waiting an hour the manager called me and said they wouldn't have any cars that night. He said they would reimburse Uber costs to and from my hotel. He also said that if I wanted a car the next day that I should arrive between 6and 6:15am (right after they open). So after a meager 5hrs of sleep I took an Uber back to the airport. No one was there. I'm fact, they didn't show up until 7am and he then curtly told me If had to wait an hour for a car. I was the only person there! When I returned the car I asked for a voucher or reimbursement for the $65 in Uber costs and a refund for the one day of car rental I didn't actually have the car. I was told "we can't do that." I called Thrifty Customer Service. The long story short is that they didn't reimburse me for anything, and offered a $100 coupon off a future rental. Like I would ever rent from this place again... no way. **Update- back in CA for work and rented from Hertz this time. All of the customers in line for Thrifty were being told that there is a 2-3hour wait. So two months later and this company has the same drama. Do not rent here. And definitely don't pre-pay your rental, they don't honor it.

03d493af-42b6-4acd-9cfa-daca6d691ed6

This is a warning for anyone considering using Thrifty through Priceline, as it was hands-down the worse experience I've had renting a car and working with Priceline. When we arrived at the airport @ 4pm, we went on a wild goose chase following dead-end signs for Thrifty. We finally found it sharing a basement space with two other rental car companies. The line for the three was literally 50-people long. I immediately texted the Priceline customer support service to inquire about using a different company, as several options upstairs told us they could give us a better deal with no waiting. We were on a tight schedule to make it to a 7PM rehearsal dinner for my brother's wedding. The Priceline customer service "feature" was beyond disappointing - I have screenshots of my attempt to get an answer, having texted @ 4:45PM and finally hearing from "Luke" @ 4:52. I answered his questions and explained my concern, only to be completely ghosted and taken back to the "Which one would you like to talk about" option @ 4:59. Finally, @ 5:11 "Ian" asked for my name again, and I once again listed my information and concern. I didn't hear back from "Ian" until 5:23, where he asked that I (again) state my concern. I explained that we are in a time crunch and are 50-people deep waiting in a line in an unventilated parking lot basement with no access to food, water, seating, or restrooms. I even sent a photo of the situation. "Ian" never responded. Finally, @ 5:43 "Cheryl" asked if I still needed assistance. I explained the issue for the 4th time, only to be again be ghosted and greeted again with a canned "Please choose your concern" option. Once I was able to get to the rental counter @ 6:00PM, my information was taken and I was told that the wait would be an additional 30-minutes. My children were struggling to breathe in the hot basement and I couldn't risk losing my place in line to take them outside. After waiting 45 minutes I returned to the counter to find out that they never submitted my information. We finally left at 6:30PM and missed the rehearsal. I never did hear back from Priceline or Thrifty.

4b34e121-71ff-42a9-bb27-dba5a7626a0f

The wait is FOREVER!!! Waiting in line for hours is ridiculous!! You need to hire more people or put a fire under there ass

92cae7dc-f746-49b1-805e-630ddd29aa2a

I usually rent from Hertz, but decided to go with Thrifty recently to save some money. Big mistake. First of all, the savings was not as big as I thought since they ended up charging us extra for a second driver (my husband). The car smelled of marijuana. I called to complain and was told I could go back an exchange the car. I elected not to because I didn't want to take the time out of my limited vacation. I was given a case number and told I would receive some type of compensation when I returned the car. After waiting in line at the counter, I was told they could not do anything and I would need to call customer service again. When I did, I was offered a $75 voucher, which I refused. I don't want to rent from them again and I also felt the amount was inadequate. I'm sitting on hold again now trying to resolve this. Wasting so much of my valuable time!

de4c16f9-bcbc-47f7-a066-344428d14756

Poorly managed. Front desk is rude and unorganized. Call center goes no where. Dishonest about pricing and inconsistent with their own policy. LITERALLY the worst experience I have ever had with a company period.

cc8616d6-135c-4628-a03f-a08929ad980c

I am making this because I can't get in touch with anyone regarding my rental car.. when I picked it up I noticed when I got home some scratches and chipped paint on the bumper... I just want to make sure my account is noted for these because I did not cause these and I do not want to be charged for them because I didn't elect the insurance coverage... as you can see in the photos, the car is still wet from being washed by your associate

89d92b4d-0690-4b96-b27e-3b81afa5be9c

So apparently Thrifty seems to think that moving the location ALL TOGETHER off site is okay even though TO THIS DAY it still says "airport terminal" and not "shuttle service" on their website. They did this without telling their customers and/or putting up signs. ISSUE # 1!!! I have been a customer of theirs for some time, in fact I am a Blue Chip member but I guess that means $h!t to them now. Upon pulling up to the new location the line was out the door, and there was no place to pull in and park. There were about 5 different FAMILIES who were waiting for the their cars for over an hour. I made my reservation for 1. By the time we found the location and got in line it was 1:45. The children were restless (with good reason, most had just flown into John Wayne) and the parents were livid. One woman even told us "if you're waiting for a car, I suggest you go somewhere else! I've been here almost 1 hr and 45 mins!" I felt worse for them than I did for myself (I'm a local and just needed to rental to drive up to Vegas to avoid putting miles on my car). After standing in line for about 30 minutes we got to the counter. There were multiple people working, some for Thrifty some for Firefly (I guess they're both now under Hertz and operate out of the same counter). While the staff who worked for Firefly were hustlin to get their cars out... they were just washed, not dried, and illegally parked with the keys in the ignition and the cars on in the parking lot next door, blocking car of customers to the market next door! I give them props though, at least they got their cars out. Thrifty on the other hand.... A woman finished up a transaction the gentleman before us who was returning a car. We walked up to the counter, no hello. Hmm... ok. Another woman came up, they chatted. She used the register, did not make eye contact, no hello or acknowledgement..... NOTHING. Just walked away. There was a gentleman working at the counter for Thrifty at the next register. He did not say anything to us either. Customers were upset, saying things like "this is ridiculous" "what is going on?" "let's just leave!" "Its taken me over an hour to RETURN a car....." I said "well we've standing at this counter over 10 minutes and no one has even said hello to us!" The woman from the Firefly register just looked at me, with no expression and did not even say hello at that point! Look, I'm a realistic person. I understand companies make changes. I understand that they don't happen quickly, a lot of people are often inconvenienced, but at least treat your customers with respect and professionalism during the transition. Most of the people outside had families. It was just me and my wife, and again, I was a local and I had a car! I was not at your mercy like they were. The least you could have done was kept them posted. Tell them what's going on. Offer free navigation, or send management to go buy some sodas or water.... something! ANYTHING! Don't just act like we're not standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! Ugh. So disappointed in Thrifty. I ended up saying F this (and yes, I said it out loud) and walked out of the place. Of course, it took me about another 10 mins to actually LEAVE since they illegally parked cars in the entrance/alley. I'm so over Thrifty. I kept giving them chance after chance but it's true, you get what you pay for. Oh, and don't get me started on safety hazards! Ugh. I'll just wait and post pics. I would not have ever let my child step foot into that place! God bless those who HAD to wait for a car. Goodbye Thrifty! It was NOT nice doing business with you.

1b8974e7-844c-4b1a-9a84-fb7ecd540b0e

I didn't realize Thrifty is no longer on-airport at SNA with the higher tier car rental companies. My small print in the confirmations said so, but the yelp reviews talked about it being onsite so I never thought to look. I should have known something was up because they were so much cheaper than everyone else when I compared the pricing on Southwest.com. I was returning to a different airport (San Diego) but Thrifty had the best rate. By far. Leave yourself extra time at a peak time of day if you're renting from the Newport Beach location that now serves SNA via shuttle bus. I waited at least 15+ minutes for the shuttle, and I called the office to be sure that I was waiting in the right place and that the shuttle was en route. Then came the 5+ minute ride to the facility, during which I was already concerned about running out of time. After exiting the shuttle I was #4 in line for the 1 clerk on duty. She was flustered by the line and a couple challenging customers ahead of me, but she did her best so I'll cut her some slack for her gruff demeanor and obvious frustration. It took forever (+/- 30 min) to get the car from when I joined the line), although her colleague on break did eventually return. I was late to my meeting. The car was fine, despite its 48K miles on the odometer.

Discover Thrifty Car Rental in Newport Beach, CA for affordable, reliable vehicle rentals. Explore stunning beaches and vibrant local attractions today.

Thrifty Car Rental in Newport Beach, CA | Affordable Vehicle Rentals

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