Budget Car Rental Introduce
For many North Jersey residents, particularly those in the West Essex area, securing a rental car that is both affordable and conveniently located is a top priority. The Budget Car Rental agency situated at 105 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, NJ, serves as a crucial local mobility hub. As a branch of a globally recognized brand, this neighborhood location offers a broad spectrum of vehicles—from compact cars ideal for navigating local roads to spacious vans necessary for group travel or larger hauls. It operates as a full-service agency catering to both personal and business rental needs within the Essex County community.
The agency’s presence on a main thoroughfare like Bloomfield Avenue underscores its role as an accessible resource for people needing a short-term vehicle solution, whether due to insurance replacements, corporate travel, or weekend getaways. By offering specialized options like van rentals, this location extends its utility beyond just basic car replacement, making it a valuable option for local teams, large families, and small businesses in towns like Caldwell, Verona, and West Essex. Furthermore, Budget's national programs, such as discounts for active military members, are consistently available here, adding to the value proposition for eligible New Jersey customers.
However, the local operation, like any service-based business, is defined by its staff and the consistency of the rental process. Customer experiences reported at this specific location illustrate a significant dichotomy. Some long-time customers praise the operation, citing consistently clean and well-maintained cars and highly efficient, professional service from key personnel. Conversely, other reports describe combative and challenging interactions with management, leading to frustrations, delays, and a complete loss of trust, prompting customers to cancel reservations. This contrast highlights that while the brand provides the fleet, the on-the-ground customer service experience at the Caldwell branch can be highly variable. New Jersey renters should approach their booking with documentation in hand, confirm all details upfront, and be prepared for potential variability in service quality.
The Budget Car Rental location at 105 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA, is situated in a prominent, high-visibility area of Caldwell. Bloomfield Avenue is a major commercial artery that runs through several desirable suburban towns in Essex County, ensuring the location is easy to find and reach.
Its placement is particularly convenient for local residents and businesses, avoiding the congestion and travel time associated with airport rental locations (like Newark Liberty International Airport, EWR). The site is noted to be across from Caldwell College (now Caldwell University), a local landmark, further simplifying directions.
Important accessibility details for customers include:
- Primary Road Access: Located directly on Bloomfield Avenue, offering clear access for local and regional traffic.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The facility ensures full inclusion with a dedicated wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This is a crucial feature for ensuring all members of the New Jersey community can utilize their services.
- Free Pick-up Service: Consistent with many neighborhood Budget locations, a free pick-up service is typically offered, provided the renter calls the branch directly—this is highly beneficial for customers whose vehicle is in the shop or who do not have a ride to the office. Renters should call the local number at least 24 hours in advance to confirm policy and distance limitations.
- Parking and Returns: Vehicles are typically located on-site, and returns are generally handled at the same location as pickup, streamlining the overall process.
As a major national car rental and van rental agency, the Caldwell Budget location provides a wide variety of services designed to meet diverse customer needs across the North Jersey area.
- Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Offering a full spectrum of cars including economy (e.g., Kia Rio), compact, intermediate, standard, full-size (e.g., Toyota Camry), premium, and luxury vehicles.
- SUV and Specialty Vehicles: Availability of Intermediate, Standard, and Premium SUVs (including 7-seaters), Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), and sometimes specialized options like pickup trucks or electric/hybrid models.
- Van Rental Agency Services: Specifically offering 12- and 15-Passenger Van Rentals (e.g., Ford Transit), catering to large groups, organizations, and family events.
- Flexible Payment Acceptance: Credit cards and debit cards are accepted for rental, though debit card usage is subject to strict corporate policies (often requiring a credit check, a higher deposit, or additional forms of ID).
- Long-Term and One-Way Rentals: Customers can book long-term rentals (Budget by the Month) and One-Way Rentals (picking up in Caldwell and dropping off at a different Budget location) across the country, though fees and availability apply.
- Fastbreak Loyalty Program: Providing expedited service for members to bypass the counter and quickly pick up keys and get on the road.
The key features of the Caldwell Budget location are centered on value, fleet diversity, and accessibility for the local community.
- Active Military Discounts: Providing special discounted rates and benefits for active military members, veterans, National Guard/Reservists, and their immediate families, often in partnership with organizations like WeSalute (Veterans Advantage).
- Dedicated Van Rental Offerings: The dual designation as a Car rental agency and a Van rental agency means a guaranteed focus on utility and group transport needs, which is a significant asset in a suburban area.
- Neighborhood Convenience: Situated as a "non-airport" or "off-airport" location, it offers more convenient local access and often more flexible terms than major airport hubs, while generally avoiding the higher airport concession fees.
- Physical Accessibility: The provision of a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot ensures the service is available to customers of all physical abilities.
- Diverse Car Classes: The fleet is comprehensive, ranging from budget-friendly economy cars up to luxury vehicles, providing a suitable option for every trip purpose and budget for New Jersey drivers.
For all reservation inquiries, local inventory checks, or to arrange the pick-up service, customers are advised to contact the Caldwell branch directly.
Address: 105 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA
Phone: (973) 228-7532
Mobile Phone: +1 973-228-7532
Typical Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. (Note: Always confirm hours, especially on holidays.)
For users in the Caldwell, NJ area, the Budget Car Rental on Bloomfield Avenue is worth choosing primarily for its exceptional local convenience and fleet breadth. The ability to secure both standard car rentals and specialized Passenger Van Rentals from a single, easily accessible neighborhood location is a major plus for local families and groups. The agency’s commitment to providing Active Military Discounts also offers real value to service personnel in the region. Furthermore, customers who have an established, positive rapport with the staff, as evidenced by consistent long-term rentals, can expect an efficient and satisfactory service experience.
However, potential customers must choose this location with eyes wide open regarding the potential for inconsistent customer service, as indicated by highly polarized public reviews. Budget's strong vehicle and pricing programs are administered by local personnel whose attitudes can make or break the experience. New renters or those with complex needs (e.g., using a debit card, having last-minute changes) should proceed carefully, document all agreements, and confirm vehicle availability prior to arrival. If you are a resident looking for a quick, reliable rental and the opportunity to build a consistent relationship with the staff, this location offers the vehicles and programs you need right in the heart of West Essex.
Budget Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos







Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
105 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
pricemanagertruckcleaninsurancepayvanfeeagreementtotaled
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I have rented from this location for the last year. The cars are always clean & well maintained. Sheila is efficient , gets me in & out timely , very professional in the way she does her job, in fact I miss her when she’s not there, because I know I would have a little longer to get things done.PS I rent almost every week.
October 02 · Lissette SantanaTerrible customer service. Sheila, the manager, was combative and incompetent. She couldn’t do simple tasks. She kept me waiting for 10 minutes and had a horrible attitude. Didn’t trust her to rent me a car. Had to cancel all upcoming reservations. Will be going through Hertz from now on even if I have to pay more. That’s how bad my experience was!
July 29 · Danielle BayueloI reserved an economy car for a 7:30am-5pm and paid in full on the budget website. One agent was working with one person ahead of me on line. After 20 minutes I was next at the counter when the agent told me they didn't have the car I reserved. It was 7:50am and when he told me there would be a car arriving at 9:30am and asked if I could wait? I reserved it for 7:30am so I would get to work on time. He gave me a minivan instead of the car I reserved but still needed to service and clean it. I received the car at 8:30am and went to work. I returned the car at 4:15pm and was told I would be charged $17.99 because the tank was given to me full. The gage on the gas tank didn't move, the rent a car sat outside my work until I returned it. The agent was rude and told me it was my problem. I again told her that the gas was the same as it was given to me. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE PICTURES OF THE GAS LEVEL. I left and put $2 of gas in the car as it was at capacity. The agent again said that's my problem the morning agent filled out the paper work noting a full tank. She said why are you complaining to me and I responded because you're the budget employee and only one here. After leaving I saw the receipt in which she still charged me $17.99 although the tank was full. I understand all the complaints about this location now.I will never rent from budget again.
July 09 · sharon lammensRented a SUV for 2 days. Charged me for an extra day. I dropped the key in after hours key box on a Sunday afternoon, which was suggested by the customer service agent when I originally rented the car. Called Budget central customer service number to explain the situation, they refused to help and asked me take it up with the Rental Location office.I went back to the rental location office in person to discuss the overcharge for an an extra day, and the same Customer Service Agent at the counter was dismissive of my concern, told me that if I am upset about this, it’s my problem and there is nothing he can do to help. The lack of willingness to help the customer is astounding, and I will not recommend this location.P.S : Hire more experienced and customer service trained staff. Don’t need to be talked down by a high school level person at the counter. Enterprise in Parsippany location was phenomenal when I rented with them last time. Guess will be going back there next time.
May 27 · Amit SrivastavaThe manager Sheila was amazing. She calmly helped walk us through changes to our reservation. You are in good hands with this Budget when Sheila is at the helm. I wish there were more people like her in the world.
June 18 · Sharon
More Car Rental Near Me
Avis Car Rental3.0 (169 reviews)105 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA
Quick Auto Rental0.0 (0 reviews)55 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (260 reviews)701 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, USA
Hertz Car Rental3.0 (88 reviews)113 Clinton Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004, USA
Avis Car Rental3.0 (42 reviews)575 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
Budget Car Rental3.0 (28 reviews)575 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
Free Newark LLC0.0 (0 reviews)155 Willowbrook Blvd Suite 110 #3450, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
Hertz Car Rental - Montclair - Claremont Avenue4.0 (147 reviews)40 Claremont Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (580 reviews)85 Washington St, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
Rent-A-Wreck0.0 (0 reviews)347 Changebridge Rd, Montville, NJ 07058, USA
Rent-A-Wreck0.0 (0 reviews)17 S Jefferson St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (240 reviews)610 US-46, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Boss Transport & Family Services4.0 (82 reviews)
Hertz Car Rental - Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)3.0 (787 reviews)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (100 reviews)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (102 reviews)
Hertz Car Rental - Baltimore - Reisterstown Road2.0 (109 reviews)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (410 reviews)Trending Car Rental Blog Posts
How to Plan a Multi-Stop Road Trip with a Rental Car and Stay Within Your Budget
Best Road Trip Routes in the U.S. Perfect for Rental Cars | LifeStar Car Rental
What Happens When the Rental Car Company Cancels Your Reservation
How Seasonal Events (e.g., Sports Games, Concerts) Impact Rental Car Availability & Rates
What Rental Car Companies Don’t Tell You About Insurance Coverage
How to Choose the Best Rental Car Based on Your Itinerary Length & Driving Distance
