Budget Car Hire - Southampton International Airport

Terrible experience here upon returning car. They claimed I had caused damage to the car which I hadn't. As an IAM member I think I would know if i'd had a bump. I got stung for £90 extra on my credit card. The damage was underneath the car and was a scuff to the underneath paintwork. The inspector went straight to the damage which made me suspicious that it was a regular ploy they used to extract extra from customers. You could only see it if you lay flat on the ground and looked underneath the car. To add insult to injury the hire rate I was actually charged was higher than quoted/Prepaid online. The assistant could not explain why. The child car seat supplied and we paid for was falling apart and shockingly dangerous. We didn't spot this until returning the car so it was just as well we didn't have an accident. Would never use this company again as we feel completely conned and truly ripped off. On a plus note, the car we got was nice inside.

I have been a loyal customer for years in the USA. I Rented a Mercedes diesel in Southampton UK for 10 days. Quoted 390 pounds .... final bill over 1300 pounds. Called location several times before picking up car, no answer !! Agent was agitated and did not explain charges. Car was scratched and needed oil and Def for the diesel. When car was returned full of diesel I presented receipts for the additional items and was told I would receive a credit, I was actually charged extra for fuel and did not receive any credit. I called customer service and the agent was not helpful and was evasive ..... beware and watch these guys. I will not be using them again. Such a shame.

very bad service. i have hired a van a month ago for one day and as far as i know i returned the van in normal conditions but nobody checked out the van with me and after a month sent me a £150 bill due a flat tire !!!!

Worst service I have ever experienced, anywhere! Long queuing time, understaffed in the office and totally disrespectful and unhelpful staff in the car park. If you are hiring a car at Southampton airport do not use this company.

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY
hidden charges when you return the car. They have charged me another £134.00 as the petrol wasn't completely filled to the top even tho I had filled the car right back up and then charged me a penalty aswell for this which is complete lies. When I collected the car I drove it up the road only for it to gave a puncture but this wasn't taken into consideration. I called costumer services only for the lady to sound half asleep and talk over me the whole time. Once I told her to not keep talking over me she put the phone down!!!! I wasn't rude just wanted an explanation. Will never give them business again!!!

This is not the first time I am renting at Southampton Airport. I have rented here before, but never from Budget (as far as I can tell they are part of Avis). The customer service was great. It only took minutes to check the car out. The car itsef was an upgrade (I had a smaller class on my reservation) but the staff offered me the upgrade (as it was not automatic). The car was great to drive. Budget's damage policy is the same as Avis, so the damages that counts are only the major ones. This is a great help when you check out the car and they are peace of mind. It is nice to know that car rentals take into account wear and tear.

Drove 20 miles to pick up the car at the airport at 8pm, which seemed late but booking was accepted and confirmed. On arrival at the budget office all staff had gone home. No phone call. No apology.

I was reluctant to use this firm due to reading poor reviews on here. However, I found dealing with this company very easy, friendly and straight-forward.
I dealt with Bogdan who was very courteous and friendly.
You can only speak from experience and my experience was pleasant.