We arrived at HERTZ earlier than the scheduled pickup time, and they didn't have the reserved model available. The staff said we could only choose either a fully electric car or a manual transmission vehicle, or pay double the order price to upgrade to another option. I refused and suggested waiting to see what could be done. After waiting for nearly two hours, a senior employee helped us by offering a smaller SUV model compared to what we had booked. I had reserved a compact SUV capable of fitting three 24-inch suitcases in the trunk, but we were given a subcompact SUV where only two 24-inch suitcases barely fit. After storing the luggage, there was hardly any space left—even a large bottle of mineral water couldn't fit. I've rented cars abroad five or six times before, and this was the only instance where the rental company downgraded the car model. The service at the HERTZ Heathrow Airport branch is genuinely poor. However, the vehicle itself was in good condition—very new with only a few thousand miles driven.

Poor service attitude

Very friendly

The staff responsible for renting out the vehicle had a good attitude, but the manager in charge during the return was rude.

After about a 20-minute bus ride from the airport, you reach the counter which is manned by just two people, making the service very slow. They try to sell you extra fuel and insurance. The first invoice they gave me did not match my pre-order amount. When I asked, they said I had purchased a full tank of fuel, but I hadn't signed any agreement for that. I insisted on a correction, and they issued a new invoice that matched my pre-order. They also kept pushing for insurance, but I showed them the bottom line of the QEEQ booking form, which made them stop talking about it. Be cautious as foreigners might try to take advantage of you. Do not rush when renting a car; understand everything before signing. In the UK, they give you the keys and paperwork at the counter, and you go pick up the car yourself. Do not simply drive off after collecting the keys; instead, take a pen, inspect the car thoroughly, and mark any scratches or damages on the form. Pay special attention to the wheels because the narrow roads make them easy to scratch, and rental companies often charge for wheel damage. Take photos with your phone as proof and have the staff sign and acknowledge any pre-existing damage. When returning the car, do not just leave if they say it’s OK; ask for a receipt. In my case, I returned the car in Edinburgh, was told everything was fine, but later they charged me £85 for a scratched wheel. Thankfully, I had bought additional insurance from QEEQ.