Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents of East Tennessee, finding reliable and accessible temporary transportation is essential for everything from running errands along the commercial corridors of Knoxville to embarking on a weekend getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Budget Car Rental branch situated on Kingston Pike, one of Knoxville's main arteries, is positioned as a key resource for local drivers and those visiting the heart of the Volunteer State. Operating as both a comprehensive car rental agency and a van rental agency, this location provides a wide spectrum of vehicles designed to meet various personal and professional travel requirements.
Budget Car Rental is a globally recognized brand that brings its reputation for competitive pricing and a diverse fleet to the Knoxville community. The Kingston Pike branch is particularly convenient as a 'neighborhood location,' serving residents whose own vehicles might be undergoing maintenance or who need an extra car for a family visit. With services that include special benefits such as active military discounts and a commitment to accessibility, the agency aims to offer a practical and cost-effective rental solution right in the middle of West Knoxville.
However, while the intent is to offer smooth service, user experiences at this location, as shared through customer reviews, highlight significant operational challenges. The most frequent complaints revolve around severely understaffed counters leading to long wait times, sometimes exceeding thirty minutes for both pickup and return, despite customers using online check-in services. More critically, some customers report major issues with vehicle readiness, cleanliness, and maintenance, including cars with significant body damage and strong odors—such as cigarette smoke—despite the company's "smoke-free fleet" policy. Furthermore, there have been instances of vehicles reserved weeks in advance, particularly larger-capacity vans or SUVs, not being available upon arrival, leading to last-minute scrambling for alternative arrangements. It is crucial for Tennessee customers to maintain open communication with the branch, especially when needing specific vehicle classes for critical travel.
The Budget Car Rental branch is strategically located to provide high convenience for Knoxville residents, particularly those on the western side of the city. Its address places it on a major, easily recognizable route, which aids in quick navigation and local access.
The official street address is:
8014 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA
This prime location places the facility just a couple of blocks west of the popular West Town Mall and across from other major shopping centers, making it a central and easy-to-find destination for picking up and dropping off rental vehicles. Its proximity to major thoroughfares in West Knoxville ensures that customers can quickly be on their way to downtown, the suburbs, or connecting to I-40 for longer trips across the state or region.
In terms of community accommodation, the branch is equipped with essential accessibility features. The facility provides a dedicated Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access to the rental counter for all customers. Additionally, a designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot is available to offer convenient and safe parking for those with mobility needs. This focus on accessibility underscores the company's goal of serving the entire Knoxville community.
As a full-service transportation provider, the Kingston Pike Budget location offers an extensive array of options to cater to individual, family, and group needs in Tennessee.
- Comprehensive Car Fleet: The agency provides rentals from across all major categories. This includes economical and compact cars that are perfect for saving fuel during urban commuting or short trips, intermediate and full-size sedans offering more space and comfort, and premium or luxury vehicles for special occasions.
- SUV and Van Rental Services: Recognized as a Van rental agency, the facility is equipped to handle the demand for larger vehicles, which are often necessary for Tennessee family vacations, tailgate parties, or group transportation. Customers can typically choose from SUVs of various sizes and minivans, including 7-seater options, though availability should always be confirmed well in advance, especially for popular holiday weekends.
- Flexible Payment Options: The branch accepts various modern forms of payment to make the transaction process convenient and quick. Customers are welcome to use major Credit cards and Debit cards for their rentals. Furthermore, the agency supports NFC mobile payments, allowing for swift, contactless transactions at the counter.
- Extended Roadside Assistance: For renters seeking extra security on their journeys, optional protection plans and roadside assistance services are available. These services typically cover common issues like lockouts, jump starts, and flat tire changes, providing peace of mind during travel.
- Add-On Equipment: Customers can request essential add-ons such as GPS devices for easier navigation through unfamiliar parts of Tennessee and child safety seats to ensure the comfort and protection of younger passengers.
Several key benefits are associated with choosing the Budget Car Rental location on Kingston Pike, primarily aimed at making the service valuable to local users.
- Support for Military and Veterans: The facility offers Active military discounts, a significant financial benefit to the large community of service members and veterans residing in and around Knoxville. These discounts, often available through programs like WeSalute+ (Veterans Advantage), can provide substantial savings on rental rates, though customers must always verify specific discount codes and eligibility requirements at the time of booking.
- Neighborhood Convenience: Unlike airport-only rental locations, this branch’s central position in a high-traffic retail area makes it highly convenient for those needing a vehicle without the added complications of airport logistics or fees. It's a true 'in-town' resource.
- High Accessibility Standards: The provision of both a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures that the rental experience is inclusive and manageable for all members of the community, reflecting a commitment to broad customer service.
- Flexible Scheduling: The branch typically maintains more user-friendly hours than some other neighborhood locations, including consistent weekend hours on Saturday and Sunday, which caters well to the schedules of busy Knoxville families and professionals.
For booking, modifying a reservation, or checking the current availability of a specific vehicle type, customers can contact the Budget Car Rental branch using the information provided below:
Address: 8014 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA
Phone: (865) 531-2198
Mobile Phone: +1 865-531-2198
The Budget Car Rental location on Kingston Pike is a compelling choice for Knoxville residents and visitors seeking a local, affordable, and centrally located vehicle rental. The agency is a strong contender primarily due to its accessible, neighborhood-based setting and its commitment to offering value, particularly through Active military discounts and a diverse fleet that includes critical Van rental agency services. For many, the ability to rent a car right off one of Knoxville's main roads, close to shopping and dining, far outweighs the hassle of traveling to a distant airport facility.
However, the worth of choosing this location is directly tied to a customer's willingness to be proactive. The convenience and special pricing must be weighed against consistent customer feedback detailing significant issues with staffing, which directly impacts wait times for both pickup and return. More alarmingly, the recurring reports of vehicles not being ready, being dirty, or having smoke odors suggest a need for customers to allocate extra time for the pickup process and to be meticulous in inspecting the vehicle. By confirming the reservation multiple times (especially for larger vehicles needed on peak dates) and thoroughly inspecting the rental car upon receipt, a customer can mitigate the common issues and successfully capitalize on the cost-effectiveness and convenient location that this Budget branch offers for travel across Knoxville and beyond in the beautiful state of Tennessee.
Budget Car Rental Details
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Budget Car Rental Photos









Budget Car Rental Location
Budget Car Rental
8014 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Made my reservation weeks in advance, and even went through the process of early check in online so that picking up the rental would be smooth. There was only one person working the front desk upon arrival. I finally got up to the front and was presented with my keys. I went outside to check the vehicle out to find it had numerous scratches over 12 inches long .Once I opened the door, I was smacked in the face with cigarette smoke. That’s proving there’s smoke free fleet statement to be very inaccurate. It took two hours for them to get me in a replacement. This made me late the rest of my day. Upon trying to return the rental car once again there was only one person working the front desk, and it took 30 minutes or more for my turn. I have never experienced this before at any rental place. I usually go through enterprise. They just did not have a seven seat car available for the dates I needed. Next time I would rather change my dates than to ever stray from enterprise and go to budget. I am posting photos of the rental they tried to put me in.
August 09 · Malinda MillsMy experience was HORRIBLE - I booked a SUV for a 3 week vacation in JANUARY for an Aug 29 Noon pickup. I stopped by there the Saturday before & called the Monday before just to make sure everything was good because this was critical to the vacation.Got a text that the car was ready at 10:30 on the 29th, drove 30 miles to get it, the lady at the desk said it wasn't and they didn't know when it would be. Rather than drive home, went to lunch, went back with no more update. At this point I'm freaking out because I'm leaving at 5 in the morning on a holiday weekend and no one else has what I need. We go home, luckily my sister rents frequently and found an even better deal at National at the airport. We go to pick it up and the guy at National says Budget doesn't support their franchises well with cars and they are a good referral source for them! After 4pm, Budget calls to tell me they still don't know when they'll have my car. I told her to just keep it if they ever found it and I'd NEVER EVER rent from them again. No apologies, no follow up, nothing.
September 22 · Andrea FosterThe van was dirty, it was a hybird van the battery wouldn't hold a charge and therefore ran on gas the entire trip, and customer service was slow day of pickup they had a new employee who was still in training working by herself until someone showed up at 1 pm and they don't have a key drop off available and never answer there phone. I have photos of dirty vehicle and scratches if I can get them added. I will never use Budget rental again. I will always stay with Enterprise. Still trying to call the Kingston Pike location and they still aren't answering there phone. I will assume they are late to work again. Once the female answered the phone around 9:30 am this morning, she had a bad attitude and when I was talking to her and explaining we returned the vehicle a little late due to construction traffic she actually hung up the phone on me in the middle of our conversation, tried calling back and she wouldn't answer the phone. If I could leave a negative rating I definitely would.UPDATE#2Called the Kingston Pike location this morning spoke with someone who said they was the manager, however I don't think she was. I explained the problems we encounter from the first day of the rental, explained we couldn't get the key drop to work, while on the phone she stated she had no problem, explained where the vehicle key was located and she found the key. Tried to explain everything else she wasn't concerned or interested she stated have a good day. I told her that I would never rent from Budget again. Wish I could give a negative rating.
August 18 · Susan BirckettI do not recommend using budget at all. We had the worst experience. We rented a car in Florida and drove it to TN and had to return it to this location. We were told if we returned the vehicle prior to 9 am, we would be refunded a day. So we get up and drive the car back and return at 830am. The girl working the counter refused to give us a receipt, said it would be emailed, but said it was checked in and walked away. Email comes several hours later and they checked us in at 3:08 pm! Now I have to call budget and argue with them. I was told initially they would check the cameras and if what I was saying was true, I’d be refunded and to call the location. Call the location and met with irritation and hostility. Reached back out and opened a case and waited 15 business days. Told the investigation is still on going. Still arguing with them to this day and no refund.At the end of the day, budget falsify their records, not cool! I am not disputing with our bank and will NEVER book with budget again.
September 12 · Heather RoblesI needed a car to move to another state. Needed something big. Though I booked an intermediate SUV, I needed to upgrade. The young lady at Kingstone Pike helped me to get one. She was helpful, and I saw that she kept her cool, even when some of the renters were pretty strict with her. I applaud her professionalism. One suggestion is, if budget gives discount offers that would help. Car rental these days have become so expensive. The name "Budget" should maintain the weight of it's word.
August 16 · Ashik Amin
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