Alert!! Capetown Airport Carhire

[alanchristallo@msn.com]

I have had a very bad experience with National/Alamo Carhire at CapeTown International Airport.I was given a Nissen 4x4 doublecab with a worn clutch...and in retrospect some signs of clutch trouble intermittently....within 5 days I had total clutch failure and needed roadside assistance and was given a replacement vehicle.National/Alamo made a charge to my creditcard of R5600 for the tow and clutch repair.They accused me (a 65 year old Physician and a life long safe driver) of totalling the clutchby continous misuse.the vehicle had approx 67,000 kls on the clock.I drove it for 700k over 5 days.The clutch wear and damage is due to a lifetime of use and multiple previous hires..and probably much offroad abuse. I am outraged by the callous ripoff of my creditcard...and their lack of integrity.They refuse to concede that the lifelong wear and previous hires could be contributory and I expect that vehicle maintaince is also suspect.My heartfelt advice is ....DON'T DO ANY CARHIRE BUSINESS WITH THEM....AND NEVER GIVE THEM ACCESS TO A CREDIT CARD.It will just ruin a good South African holiday.Regards to all readers and travellers. Andrew