Plus Car, worth trying, but not the only solution

[SoCal]

After reading all the praise on this forum about Plus Car, I switch from my standard choice of Autoreisen. After this experience, I'm tempted to pay a bit more for Autoreisen though a recent check for dates I was interested in, Autoreisen was less, but quite a bit for both the smallest and the VW Polo version. For some other dates, the price was essentially equivalent.

Problems with Plus Car. After wandering around the parking lot, I discovered they operate out of the PUBLIC parking lot, not the lot for rental cars. Yes they say, meet in 531, but I was expecting a more traditional rental company, not something that seemed to be a fly-by-night operation. Next, I meet a bunch of guys standing around some cars - yes, around lot 531.(Is this legit? It wouldn't be in the US.) 

I had requested a Polo, one of the few rental cars that I find comfortable to drive in.  Of course it wasn't - it was a Huyndai. Yes the fine print says "Polo or Polo class car" so I really was not in a position to argue. As for the Plus Car claim of "new car", this one has 65,000 km on it, the seat is extremely uncomfortable as if a 300 kg person had crushed it and it shifts poorly - reverse particularly.  I have somewhat solved the poor driver seat problem by adding pillows, but not a very safe solution.  The plus side is the car is a great color - green - so easy to spot and it does not smell like an ashtray.  Next week will be the test as I drive it down the island, that is if my back can take it. 

When compared to the cars I received at Autoreisen, this one is much older and in worse shape. I also don't trust it as much. With Autoreisen, I received the car I asked for, not here.

Plus Car might be the perfect ticket for some, but I think there is competition out there.  I may update my experience when I drop it off mid April.

[bedouin]

Have you asked PlusCar if they will change the car?

Very few rental companies will guarantee to provide a specific model.  As for your difficulty in locating them in the airport, your confirmation email would have been quite specific in directing you to space 531 in the public car park.

[SoCal]

The response was "this is what we have." And renting over many years, my experience is that at worst, they give you a better car, not a worse one.

I may try them again, but given my experience, I feel there is competition out there that will do better.