Car rental

We've been going to SXM for years. Usually use Leslie Bruce for a car. However, we saw a price from Ace car rental that was very much cheaper. Has anyone ever used Ace?

I would stick with Leslie!!!!
Not worth the trouble you may encounter.

Ace is an interesting company and their reviews have been all over the place. For a while they got raves from all who used them and then the worm seemed to turn for a while, but in all honesty I haven't heard or read much of anything about them of late beyond possibly a change in ownership a year or two ( or three? ) back.

We, too, are mostly Lesley Bruce/Kennys users, and my thought is, with Lesley, you know exactly what you've got. If you rent from him for airport service r/t - check out the competition and make certain they offer the same thing.

You almost never hear anyone complaining about Lesley's service, which equates to availability to his clients in an emergency should one arise. Make sure your perspective company offers the same level and type of service you're hoping for.

And if it's an issue regarding price, ask for comparative all-inclusive quotes from the companies you're considering using, including the dates and size/type of cars and compare all the apples to see they're the same quality.

In all our rentals with Lesley Bruce, I have to say he's always been there for us on so many levels but in the end, each of us has to do what works best for our own situation.

And lastly, the lowest price doesn't always mean it's the best deal in the long run, but the thing is, you won't know for sure unless you are challenged. With Lesley you know you will be taken care of.

Please beware of Ace. We rented from them last November and 1 week after our return home there was a charge on our credit card from a music equipment company for $900 !!! After researching directly with the company we realized that someone at Ace helped themselves to our credit card number for their expenditures. Not good. Just beware!!

Thank you all for your responses. Looking forward to our week in SXM,

That is a very serious allegation. Did the company admit that one of their employees was to blame??? There are many ways that a card can be compromised on island--or at home, for that matter.

Leisure Car Rental. Right near airport great people good rates. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Unity Car Rental,long time TTOL sponsor. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I've dealt with Ace, primarily due to price, and not had any issues. There were problems with a previous franchisee, but he is long gone.

With rates below $100/week, I'm willing to accept they may not be as service oriented as other companies, but it would be just conjecture on my part that they might offer a lower level of service.

We saw the $100 a week too when we booked our airfare. We had a great experience with Lesley last year but his rates are around $300, tough to pass that up

I just finished my third trip. The first two trip I used Lesley Bruce. Great service.
His quote for this trip was around $300. 8 days. Includes liability. I got quotes from two others that at well spoken of here in the boards. They were over $100 less expensive. I went with one of them.

There are limits to how much a premium you can charge. I would have paid more to Lesley, but not 60% more.

We've used Empress - a sponsor on this board and have been very happy with their price and service.

Thanks - Cathy

Same here with Hertz. Been using them for the last 16 years. Never a problem or hassle. I like the free liability built into the quote and the quick in and out. Sign papers, inspect the vehicle and your off. We rent four weeks at a time and if car is dirty or needs sand vacuumed out we just swing by and it's taken care of for no charge in about 10 min. Great service and meets my needs and pocket book. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

we just rented from ACE for 12 days in June. Came up the cheapest on kayak which tossed us to Expedia to book. $179.00 total including tax declining all coverages. On arrival walked to ACE counter where there was a person ahead of us, he pointed to the next booth Safari who asked our name and told us to go out and get the shuttle which was waiting. Quick trip and signed the papers. I declined all coverage so was told I had to put an $800.00 deposit.

Received a nicely dented Hyundai Accent which had great AC, started everytime and the tires never went flat.

We drove it everyday all around and put maybe $20.00 in gas in it.

When we pulled up to turn it in they had our papers ready and we were on the shuttle.

Just checked my card and no $800 charge on my card, only the originally quoted $179.00 or $14.91/day.

I looked at two of the highly recommended outlets here at TTOL before booking but the straightup prices online without calling and haggling for price match were a bit higher.

The car only had about half a tank and I kept adding $5 to keep it that way. No probs at turnin.

All and all, ACE was a winner for us.

Just so everyone understands - this original post was not a general solicitation for car rental agency recommendations, but a SPECIFIC REQUEST for information pertaining to ONE SPECIFIC AGENCY. I thought we had moved beyond the cheer leading mentality but I guess not? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Pat is quite correct. I usually keep better track on this kind of stuff. Sorry.