Complaint Review: ARMADA Car Rental Agency

I responded to ARMADA'S ad to rent a mini-van for $299.99 per week. I received the ad on 5/29/03. I responded on 5/30/03. I was advised that there were no vans left at the $299.99 weekly rate, even though the ad was one day old. They did have the very same vans available at the regular rate of $329.99 weekly.

I talked to several people the most important is Lee Lynch, the city manager for ARMADA. I told her that this was false and misleading advertising and switch and bait tactics. She didn't care and stated that her out was the coupon advertising the $299.99 rate has a disclaimer stating that "Quantities available are limited."

How can they be limited and now not available if in fact the van is available for $329.99 per week, which is there normal rate. The fact of the matter is that the van is available, they are just renting it for $329.99 instead of the advertised rate of $299.99. They are not OUT of vans, they have them, so the quantities are there, they are just baiting the customer to answer the ad to rent at $299.99 then switching to the $329.99 rate.

I would like proof that they rented out all of their vans at $299.99 at all locations. I asked that question if any vans in the Atlanta area were available at $299.99 and was advised none were available. I do not believe they rented ANY vans in Atlanta at the $299.99 rate.

It simply is not believable that they would have the audacity to advertise a $299.99 rate, state that they have none availabe and then charge $329.99 to the customer. I was told directly that the van that is in the ad for $299.99 is the exact same van that is available for $329.99. The van available for $329.99 is a Chrysler Town & Country Mini Van, the exact same van that is in their ad with the coupon for $299.99. The $299.99 rate is in effect through 8/26/03.

These people should be investigated for false advertising, bait and switch tactics and dishonest and unethical business practices.

Vern
Suwanee, Georgia
U.S.A.