Budget Car Rental Introduce
For residents and visitors in the North Shore area of Illinois, Budget Car Rental on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook offers a convenient local solution for ground transportation needs. Operating as both a general car rental agency and a van rental agency, this location provides a diverse fleet of vehicles to serve the needs of the community, from compact cars for quick local trips to spacious passenger vans for group travel or moving projects.
Located in a busy commercial area, this Budget branch is intended to be a reliable and accessible option for those who prefer to rent from a neighborhood location rather than a major airport. They feature onsite services and maintain a clear policy of accepting both credit cards and debit cards for payment, which adds flexibility for a wide range of Illinois customers. Additionally, they proudly offer Active Military Discounts, a key highlight for service members and their families in the region.
However, local users should approach their booking with a high degree of diligence. Despite the benefits of a major national brand, the experience at this specific location, as highlighted by customer feedback, can be inconsistent. Reports of receiving vehicles that were "absolutely filthy" with food debris and an odor of liquor, along with documentation inaccurately stating a full fuel tank, raise concerns about quality control and vehicle preparation standards. Furthermore, allegations of extremely rude customer service and counter agents refusing to troubleshoot payment system errors suggest potential challenges in the in-person transaction process.
To ensure a positive rental experience from the 933 Skokie Blvd location, customers are strongly encouraged to inspect the vehicle thoroughly, both for cleanliness and for an accurate fuel reading, before accepting the keys. Any issues should be documented and brought to the attention of a manager immediately to prevent discrepancies upon return.
***
Budget Car Rental is strategically located in the affluent North Shore suburb of Northbrook, Illinois, providing a central point for residents in the northern Chicagoland area. The specific address is 933 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA.
The location on Skokie Boulevard (US 41/Illinois Route 43) is highly accessible, serving as a primary north-south artery that connects numerous northern suburbs, including Highland Park, Deerfield, and Skokie. This makes the branch easy to reach by car from surrounding neighborhoods, avoiding the traffic and complexity often associated with renting from downtown Chicago or O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Its position is ideal for those needing a vehicle for insurance replacements, short-term local travel, or weekend road trips across Illinois or into neighboring states.
In terms of physical access, the facility demonstrates a commitment to serving all community members by featuring:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring easy entry and exit for customers with mobility aids.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Providing dedicated, convenient parking spaces near the entrance.
The Onsite services designation confirms that the full rental and return process is handled at this location, offering a comprehensive, neighborhood-based service experience.
***
As a full-service car and van rental agency, the Budget location in Northbrook provides a comprehensive suite of vehicle rental options and payment conveniences tailored for local users:
- Car Rental Agency: Offers a wide selection of passenger vehicles, typically including economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio), compact cars (e.g., Kia Soul), intermediate/full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta), SUVs (e.g., Toyota Rav4, Ford Edge), and luxury cars.
- Van Rental Agency: Specialized in providing larger capacity vehicles, such as minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica) and passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit 12-Passenger Van), which are essential for group outings, family vacations, or organizational events in the Illinois region.
- Flexible Payments: Accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards for payment, though specific requirements for debit card use (like credit checks or additional ID) should be confirmed with the local branch to avoid last-minute issues, especially considering the noted customer reports of payment processing difficulties.
- Onsite Services: The entire transaction, from booking confirmation to vehicle pick-up and return, is managed at the 933 Skokie Blvd location, offering a traditional, face-to-face rental experience.
- Free Pick-up Service: Budget often offers a free local pick-up service for customers within a certain radius of the neighborhood location, which can be an immense benefit to Northbrook residents without immediate transportation to the office. Customers should call the branch directly to confirm availability and geographical limits.
Given the reported issue with credit/debit card processing, customers are strongly advised to bring multiple forms of acceptable payment and identification to ensure a seamless transaction.
***
The Northbrook Budget Car Rental branch stands out among local options for several key features, though potential renters must also be aware of the highlights that come from customer feedback:
- Military Discount Program: A significant benefit is the availability of Active military discounts, which allows eligible service members, veterans, and their families to save up to 35% on qualifying Pay Now rates. This is a crucial value-added feature for the military community in Illinois.
- Dual Rental Capabilities: Operating as both a general car and Van rental agency expands its utility, making it a one-stop-shop for individuals needing a sedan and groups needing a 12-passenger van for trips to Chicago, Rockford, or other Illinois destinations.
- Central North Shore Location: Positioned conveniently on Skokie Boulevard, the location offers Onsite services with easy highway access, catering directly to the needs of the northern suburban population.
- Full Accessibility: The provision of a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures that the business is inclusive and easily navigated by all Illinois residents and visitors.
- Cautionary Highlight (Customer Service and Cleanliness): It is a necessary highlight that recent customer experiences report extremely poor vehicle hygiene and rudeness from staff. This underscores that while the company offers favorable policies (like military discounts and van rental), the final quality of the product and interaction is inconsistent and requires active inspection by the renter.
The availability of a fleet that includes electric and hybrid vehicles (available across the Budget system) should also be inquired about for environmentally conscious drivers in Illinois.
***
To confirm reservations, inquire about current vehicle availability (especially vans), or discuss specific rental requirements, customers can reach the Northbrook Budget Car Rental location using the following contact details:
- Address: 933 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
- Phone: (847) 272-4237
- Mobile Phone: +1 847-272-4237
It is highly recommended that customers contact the location directly, especially via the phone numbers provided, to re-confirm their reservation details, vehicle cleanliness, and fuel level expectations before the scheduled pick-up time, given the previous customer feedback.
***
The Budget Car Rental location on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook is absolutely worth choosing for Illinois users who can benefit from its Active military discounts or who specifically need a Van rental from a major, accessible brand in a convenient North Shore location. The dual offering of both cars and vans, combined with a central location away from airport congestion, makes it a logistically smart choice for residents in the area.
However, the value of choosing this agency is entirely contingent upon the renter's willingness to perform a detailed vehicle inspection and maintain firmness in the face of poor customer service. Given the clear reports of filthy cars and unprofessional staff interactions, choosing this location means being prepared to advocate for the standards expected from a national brand. It is worth choosing if you are ready to:
- Demand a clean vehicle: Do not accept a car that is not properly cleaned and sanitized. Insist on a solution, whether it's a different car or immediate cleaning, and document the initial condition.
- Verify the contract details: Check the fuel level immediately upon receiving the car, cross-reference it with the documentation, and ensure all charges are correct before leaving the lot.
- Use the contact numbers proactively: Call ahead to confirm the availability of your reserved vehicle type (especially vans) and confirm payment details to minimize issues at the counter.
For those prioritizing discounts and vehicle variety in the Northbrook area and who are detail-oriented enough to manage potential customer service issues, this Budget location can provide significant value.
Budget Car Rental Details
Service options
- Onsite services
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
933 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
pricecreditdeskmoney
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The car was absolutely filthy. There were Cheerios and chocolate all over the seats. We had to clean it ourselves. The guy gave us a few paper towels so we at least had some way to try to get the chocolate off before sitting on it. It reeked of liquor smell. The cup holders were wet and sticky. It also had less than half a tank of gas even though the documentation said a full tank.
November 26 · GinaIncredibly rude. The computer wasn’t working and not taking any credit card or debit card. Refused to try again and saying it was my fault not his machines. Told us to cancel after we had driven from another location because 5 minutes before our reservation time they said we don’t have a car. Only to be told they can’t give us a car because none of the credit cards would work and that it was our fault not his or the machine. Told us to get out and cancel it because he wasn’t going to try anymore. Downright extremely rude and disrespectful. Took phone calls in front of us as well not even acknowledging our presence at first. Will NEVER be renting from budget again
January 19 · Dominique NavarroThey did not honor our WRITTEN confirmation price that was made through the United link as a Mileage Plus member. Rude desk agent (Jun 22 pm) said we had to be United employees and tried to double our price.. We contacted United who said that was not true, BUT agent would not budge. We also contacted Budget customer service and they said agent just made a mistake.--but he really just tried to rip us off. We went to a competitor who gave us the original rate. Would be zero stars if I could. DO NOT RENT AT THIS LOCATION. I had never had a problem like this before.
June 28 · Allison SteinI prepaid a car , I’m 7 months pregnant and have a 3 year old. I showed up to pick up my car which was there ... and they would not release the car to me due to a mix up on their end . They tried to send me to another location (this being the second location they already sent me to ) because they were closing at 2 , I showed up at 1!! Amir was absolutely no help at all and very rude . He said it was not “his problem” and to figure it out myself . Mind you I am supposed to be on the road tonight ! And i prepaid this vehicle WEEKS ago ! Budget how are you taking peoples money but not giving them cars ? Do better
September 25 · Catie RosinskiThe agency did not provide a clean and safe automobile. When I asked for a different car, I was told none were available. When I had the car replaced at another agency several days later, I received a better car. When I returned the car to the original agency and told them of all of the problems with the original car and stated that I felt that they were lax in checking out their cars for cleanliness and safety, I did not get much of a response. I was returning a much cleaner, safer and better car obtained at another agency. I asked for a credit for all of my problems and none was offered. I would not rent at this agency in the future.
August 08 · Stuart Jacobson
More Car Rental Near Me
Bedrock Car Rental4.0 (54 reviews)1096 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (186 reviews)811 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601, USA
BMZ CLASSICS - closed for business3.0 (2 reviews)3200 Hoagland Blackstub Rd, Cortland, OH 44410, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (461 reviews)3910 Youngstown Rd SE, Warren, OH 44484, USA
Hertz Car Rental - Warren - Youngstown Warren Road3.0 (156 reviews)4400 Youngstown Warren Rd, Warren, OH 44484, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (78 reviews)372 W State St, Salem, OH 44460, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (393 reviews)4908 Mahoning Ave, Austintown, OH 44515, USA
Avis Car Rental3.0 (127 reviews)1453 Youngstown Kingsville Rd, Vienna, OH 44473, USA
Budget Car Rental3.0 (75 reviews)1453 Youngstown Kingsville Rd, Vienna, OH 44473, USA
U-Save Car & Truck Rental - Youngstown4.0 (59 reviews)970 Bears Den Rd Suite 1B, Youngstown, OH 44511, USA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (382 reviews)303 W Rayen Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502, USA
Hertz Car Rental - Boardman - Market Street3.0 (166 reviews)7735 Market St, Boardman, OH 44512, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Vitapath: Non Emergency Medical Transport5.0 (1 reviews)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car4.0 (132 reviews)
Hertz Car Rental - Warwick - Rhode Island Tf Green International Airport (PVD)3.0 (333 reviews)
Elite SS Rentals, LLC5.0 (5 reviews)
Trained To Go Productions5.0 (253 reviews)
Thrifty Car Rental - Washington Dc - Ronald Reagan National Airport2.0 (494 reviews)Trending Car Rental Blog Posts
The Real Story Behind “No Deposit” Car Rental Deals
7 Reasons to Book a Rental Car Instead of Using Ride-Share Apps
How to Rent a Car as a Young Driver in the U.S.: Age Restrictions & Cost Tips
How to Choose the Best Rental Car for Towing or Transporting Gear in the U.S.
How to Avoid Paying for Optional Equipment You Don’t Need in a Rental Car
Tips for Veteran Drivers Renting Cars After Military Service
