AAMCAR Introduce
For long-time New Yorkers and those visiting Manhattan's Upper West Side, finding a reliable, transparent, and locally-focused car rental agency can simplify the logistics of city life and travel immensely. **AAMCAR**, a recognized name in the local market, operates from a highly convenient location on 96th Street, positioning itself as a superior alternative to large, unpredictable national chains. This agency is not just a standard Car Rental Agency; it also specializes as a **Van Rental Agency**, making it a one-stop-shop for both passenger travel and large-capacity transportation needs.
AAMCAR prides itself on an efficient and uncomplicated rental process, a quality highly valued by busy city residents. Customers frequently commend the company for its transparency, noting the absence of "hidden fees, mystery taxes, or confusing insurance" that often plague the rental experience elsewhere. This commitment to honesty extends to their reservation policy, with glowing reviews highlighting that AAMCAR "always honors your reservation," a stark contrast to the common frustration of showing up to find a reserved vehicle is unavailable or being pressured into unwanted upgrades like EVs when an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle was specifically requested.
Their comprehensive fleet caters to diverse needs, from compact cars ideal for city parking to specialty vehicles like 15-passenger vans and cargo vans. By specializing in these essential utility vehicles alongside standard passenger cars, AAMCAR serves a broader segment of the local community—from families planning a group trip out of the city to businesses requiring immediate, temporary logistical support. Furthermore, they facilitate easier travel through the metropolitan area by providing an **EZ Pass** for toll payments without aggressive upselling, streamlining the often-complex process of driving in the tri-state area.
While the majority of feedback emphasizes the excellent service and reliable vehicle availability, it is important to note the reported instances of unexpected charges, such as a significant "dog-hair cleaning" fee, even when a pet was kept confined in a crate. This serves as a cautionary reminder for all renters—especially those traveling with pets—to meticulously review all rental agreements and cleaning policies prior to signing, as such charges, while potentially frustrating, may be strictly enforced.
AAMCAR is centrally located on the Upper West Side at **315 W 96th St, New York, NY 10025, USA**. This address places the agency between Riverside Drive and Broadway, a vibrant and densely populated area of Manhattan. The strategic location offers supreme accessibility for locals:
- Transit Hub: The agency is located extremely close to the 96th Street subway station, serving the 1, 2, and 3 express and local lines, providing fast connections to Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and the Bronx.
- Major Avenues: Being near Broadway and the connection points to Riverside Drive and the Henry Hudson Parkway ensures efficient pick-up and drop-off, and quick access to the key arteries for leaving the city for destinations upstate or outside of New York.
- Extended Drop-off Hours: A crucial feature for New York renters, the office allows for vehicle returns until **10:00 PM daily**, significantly accommodating late-night travel or last-minute changes to plans, well after the main rental office hours have ended (typically Mon-Fri 7:30 AM–6:00 PM, Sat-Sun 8:30 AM–2:00 PM).
The convenient UWS neighborhood setting makes AAMCAR a neighborhood staple for residents who require a vehicle without the significant travel time associated with airport or industrial zone rental branches.
AAMCAR provides a comprehensive suite of car and van rental services, with a strong focus on utility and customer convenience:
- Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Offering a range of passenger cars, including Compact (e.g., Hyundai Accent), Mid-Size (e.g., Ford Focus), Full-Size (e.g., Toyota Camry), Minivans (e.g., Nissan Quest/Toyota Sienna), and 5-Seat SUVs.
- Specialty Van Rentals: Extensive options for large-group and cargo transport, including **15-Passenger Vans** (e.g., Ford Econoline) and **Cargo Vans** (e.g., Ford Econoline Cargo Van), crucial for group outings or moving needs.
- EZ Pass for Tolls: Providing renters with an electronic toll payment device, simplifying travel on New York’s toll roads and bridges without requiring upselling of additional, confusing options.
- Onsite Services: The agency offers traditional in-person rental services at its 96th Street office for documentation, vehicle inspection, and personal assistance.
- Flexible Payment Acceptance: Accepting both major **Credit Cards** and **Debit Cards** for rental transactions, subject to standard policies regarding deposits and card types.
- Foreign License Acceptance: A valuable service for international visitors and new residents, as AAMCAR accepts most foreign driver's licenses.
- Airport Delivery for Vans: Offering a specialized service to deliver 15-seat vans to all New York-area airports, streamlining group travel logistics upon arrival.
The competitive highlights of AAMCAR, particularly for the local New York user, revolve around their service integrity and specialized fleet options:
- Guaranteed Reservation Honor: A highly praised feature where AAMCAR consistently provides the reserved vehicle type, avoiding the common frustration of last-minute availability issues or forced EV substitutions.
- Transparent Pricing Policy: Customers report no "hidden fees" or "mystery taxes," ensuring the price quoted is the price paid, promoting trust and simplifying budgeting.
- Specialization in Utility Vehicles: Maintaining a large inventory (40+ vans in stock) of Minivans, Cargo Vans, and **15-Passenger Vans** makes them a go-to source for group and moving rentals in Manhattan.
- Active Military Discounts: A commendable and practical discount offered to active members of the military community.
- Convenient Late Drop-Off: The option to return vehicles to the garage until 10:00 PM seven days a week is a significant benefit for New Yorkers on tight schedules.
For scheduling your next car or van rental, or for inquiries regarding the diverse fleet and specific policies, please use the following contact details for the Upper West Side branch:
- Address: 315 W 96th St, New York, NY 10025, USA
- Phone: (212) 222-8500
- Mobile Phone: +1 212-222-8500
The office welcomes calls for reservations, particularly for specialty vehicles like the 15-passenger vans and cargo vans, and is the best point of contact for confirming the latest rental policies and potential surcharges, especially concerning pet transportation.
For the savvy New York renter, **AAMCAR is worth choosing primarily for its integrity and exceptional utility focus**—qualities that directly address the pain points of metropolitan car rental. Their commitment to honoring reservations and providing transparent, upfront pricing makes the experience predictable and stress-free, a welcome change from frustrating encounters with larger, unpredictable chains.
Crucially, AAMCAR’s specialization as a **Van Rental Agency** and their substantial inventory of Cargo Vans and 15-Passenger Vans solves one of the city’s major logistical hurdles. For group outings, moving apartments, or transporting equipment, having a reliable source for these larger vehicles right in the UWS is an invaluable neighborhood asset. This is further enhanced by their proactive services, such as providing the EZ Pass system for seamless travel and offering late-night drop-offs, which significantly reduces the stress of returning a vehicle after an extended trip.
The acceptance of foreign licenses and the presence of active military discounts further broaden their appeal, demonstrating a local business that understands the diverse needs of the New York population. While attention to detail is required for cleaning charges (as with any rental), the overall consensus points to AAMCAR being the most "quick, uncomplicated, and efficient" car rental solution in the city, making it the preferred choice for those who value reliability and transparency over brand-name alone.
AAMCAR Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
AAMCAR Photos










AAMCAR Location
AAMCAR Reviews
pricesconvenientmanageraugustneedscredit cardemailez passefficientminivan
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Best car rental agency in the city. Quick, uncomplicated, efficient, no hidden fees, mystery taxes, or confusing insurance. For tolls, you get an EZ pass, there is no upselling with other options. With the other big name agencies, you never know if the car you rented will be available, and there is always a risk that they will be sold out even if you get there on time, but AAMCAR always honors your reservation, and they don't try to push you into renting an EV. So glad I discovered AAMCAR.
October 06 · Isabel P.Everything was fine except...I rented an SUV large enough to hold my full-size dog crate and my dog was never in the vehicle outside of the crate. I was charged $200 for "dog-hair cleaning". Perhaps there was some loose hair (but i never noticed any), nothing beyond any normal cleaning might need. Outrageous.
July 12 · Phillip AdamsFabulous neighborhood operated car rental company. Professional and courteous staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. Last time I rented a car I did not have the correct charger for my phone for the car I was renting -- they loaned me one for my trip!
September 21 · Joan KaufmanOnce again, I rate Aamcar THE BEST neighborhood car rental business ever. We've been using them forever, but I'm finally writing a review. Friendly and convenient, good mid-week prices. You can drop off til 10pm on the same day to save yourself street parking. And best of all, I accidentally left my EZ pass on the dash of a recent rental and Charlie delivered it to me on his way home from work. How good is that? THANKS GUYS!!
August 07 · Nancy D'AntonioBooked a car on 7/20/23 for a mid-August trip. Called on 8/15/23 two days before departure to see if I could extend the rental a day. They said the rental was cancelled because my destination was outside the tri-state area.They did not call or email about the cancellation beforehand.Had I not called early, I would have been left stranded without a vehicle.Only notice given is in fine print on booking confirmation via email. Fine print reads: "Many destinations are okay at higher rates. Talk to us and we will do our best to tailor a package that is just right for you."They refused to work with me to provide alternative arrangements or to tailor a package.
August 15 · Bob O'Brien
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