San Francisco-Highway 1-Los Angeles

During our trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, we discovered that the brakes were failing at a vehicle inspection station headed towards Los Angeles. We searched for the nearest Budget office and reached the Barstow location at 1581 W Main St after 20 minutes at 4:50 PM. When we got out, we noticed the engine was smoking. The staff reluctantly came to check the car, then went back inside and told us, 'You should go, we close at 5!' They forced us out, clearly seeing we were panicked and helpless. After repeated requests, they agreed to call the nearest office, instructing us to stay put and not move the faulty vehicle, and wait for someone to either replace or tow the car. Then the staff locked up and left, leaving us stranded and helpless as it got darker. By 8 PM, no one had come to assist. We were left waiting on an American street, feeling despair. Thankfully, a friend came to our rescue; otherwise, the consequences could have been dire. Our lives were put at risk by this car!

The vehicle was very new.

The location is very difficult to find. The app shows the location as Hilton Hotel, but you have to go into the Hilton Hotel and ask the staff to find it. The funny thing is that there are various car rental companies lined up right across the Hilton Hotel's main entrance. The actual store is located on Mason Street, which is essentially the back door of the Hilton Hotel's garage.

A lot of people early in the morning, only one staff member, the car handover process was rushed.

Out of three vehicles, two were not available at the correct time and we had to wait an additional 45 minutes. We ended up downgrading to a Dodge Grand Caravan. The staff at the rental company were quite friendly and did not push for additional insurance.