Budget Car Rental Introduce
For Southern California residents seeking reliable and affordable transportation in the San Gabriel Valley, the **Budget Car Rental** agency at 405 S Citrus Ave in Covina serves as a key local provider. This branch operates as both a dedicated **Car rental agency** and a **Van rental agency**, offering a broad selection of vehicles designed to meet various personal, family, and business needs. As a part of the nationally recognized Budget brand, the Covina location aims to deliver low rates and a versatile fleet right to the neighborhood level, making it a convenient alternative to airport rental counters.
The vehicle options typically available at this neighborhood location include a full spectrum of sizes and styles. Local users can select from compact and economy cars for fuel-efficient commuting or quick local trips; standard and full-size sedans like the Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Jetta for comfort; and an extensive range of SUVs, including intermediate, standard, and premium models (such as the Chevrolet Suburban), perfect for weekend adventures or extended family travel across California. Critically, as a **Van rental agency**, the Covina branch provides Minivans and spacious Passenger Vans, including 12- and 15-seaters, which are indispensable for group outings, team travel, or light cargo transport within the region.
However, potential renters in California should approach their reservation with clear expectations regarding customer service and vehicle condition, as recent customer feedback indicates areas of concern. Multiple reviews detail significant operational issues. One customer reported a major problem with the payment process, including unauthorized or erroneous charges and confusion over the final payment, culminating in a significant, unexpected debit from their account days after the return. Another review raised serious safety and quality control concerns, detailing a vehicle rented with critical maintenance issues, such as faulty windshield wipers and an overdue oil change indicator, alongside a noticeably dirty interior and exterior.
These experiences highlight the paramount importance for all local users to protect themselves by thoroughly inspecting the vehicle for damage, cleanliness, and necessary maintenance lights *before* driving off the lot. Furthermore, renters should be meticulous in documenting all payment transactions, deposits, and final receipts, and it is highly advisable to follow the customer's lead in taking video and photographic proof of the vehicle's condition both at pick-up and drop-off, especially during any after-hours return. Being proactive in these measures will help ensure a much smoother rental experience at this location.
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- **Address:** 405 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723, USA
Located on South Citrus Avenue, near the intersection of Puente and Dexter Streets, the branch is easy to find and navigate to from major local roads. Its position away from major airports makes it an ideal spot for "neighborhood" renters who are seeking a temporary vehicle replacement or planning a local road trip without the added complexity of airport traffic.
The agency maintains a strong commitment to serving all community members, featuring comprehensive accessibility accommodations:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
These features ensure that the rental process is physically accessible and convenient for all customers with mobility requirements.
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- **Diverse Fleet Selection:** Offering everything from small, fuel-efficient Economy cars (e.g., Kia Rio) and electric vehicles (e.g., Tesla Short Range Model 3), to powerful SUVs and specialized **Van rentals** (Minivans, 12-Passenger, and 15-Passenger Vans).
- **Affordable Rates and Deals:** Budget is known for its competitive pricing, and the Covina location often participates in national promotions, coupons, and offers for local rentals.
- **Active Military Discounts:** A valuable feature for the community, the agency offers discounts to Active Military personnel, veterans, and their families, often in partnership with programs like WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage), providing savings up to 35% off base rates.
- **Flexible Payment and Deposits:** The location accepts both **Credit cards** and **Debit cards** for payment. However, renters must be aware that using a debit card for the required security deposit may involve a larger hold amount and stricter vetting, including proof of return travel or additional ID, especially in airport-adjacent areas.
- **One-Way Rentals:** The service allows for rentals to be picked up at the Covina location and dropped off at a different Budget location across the US, offering maximum flexibility for travelers.
- **Optional Protections:** Customers can purchase various add-ons such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and Extended Roadside Assistance (ERA).
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- **Significant Savings for Military:** The availability of **Active military discounts** is a stand-out feature, offering tangible savings to a large and deserving segment of the local population.
- **Van Rental Specialization:** The provision of large-capacity 12- and 15-passenger vans makes this location a crucial resource for group travel, particularly useful for local businesses, schools, or large family outings across Southern California.
- **Comprehensive Accessibility:** The facility offers a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **parking lot**, ensuring an accommodating experience for all customers.
- **Debit Card Acceptance:** Allowing both **Credit cards** and **Debit cards** provides essential payment flexibility for the local market, though renters should be prepared for the stringent hold requirements associated with debit card use.
**A Word of Caution for Customers:** Based on recent user experiences, while the services and features are beneficial, potential renters must take protective measures. Given reports of payment processing errors, customers must retain all paper and digital receipts and confirm the final balance with their bank before and after the rental. Due to the reported issues concerning vehicle maintenance and cleanliness, it is strongly recommended that customers thoroughly inspect and photograph the vehicle's interior and exterior, including checking for active maintenance lights (like the oil change indicator), before leaving the lot. This step is vital to ensure both personal safety and to prevent being charged for pre-existing damage or issues.
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- **Address:** 405 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723, USA
- **Phone (Office):** (626) 966-4274
- **Mobile Phone (Direct):** +1 626-966-4274
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Ultimately, for a successful rental experience at this location, the responsibility rests heavily on the local user to be thoroughly prepared and vigilant. The core value of affordability and range is certainly present, but customers must minimize risk by:
- **Pre-Planning:** Secure the reservation online and review all terms regarding deposits, especially when using a debit card.
- **Documenting:** Take extensive photos and videos of the vehicle's condition, including checking tires and maintenance warnings, at both pick-up and drop-off.
- **Verifying:** Confirm all charges and the release of the deposit/hold amount with the counter staff and monitor your bank account closely for several days after the rental is complete to ensure the final balance is correct.
By combining the agency's low rates and diverse fleet with personal attention to detail and self-protection against potential service issues, Covina locals can secure an economical and efficient rental for their travels.
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
405 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723, USA
Budget Car Rental Reviews
pricepick upcredit cardmanagementwindshield wipersminivancallpaydrive
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I rented a car from budget. Something was going on with their payment method. The money kept on coming in and out of my account and then finally they said they fixed it. I returned the car. They gave me my deposit back and said I was all good. 2 days later, they take out $700 out of my account inside. Oh, that was the amount that was due for renting the car, but they already told me I was good. It was all paid up. I will never use budget rent a car again. It was a terrible experience.
March 10 · Bryan HackFirst let me start with if you care about your safety at all you will NOT choose Budget Car Rental. They did not have the car inspected or have the maintenance completed before renting. The windshield wipers were HORRIBLE, my family and I had to drive 7 hours in rain with not being able to see through the windshield. It was scary for me and had to drive very slow and be very cautious. The car also needed a oil change, which the car didn't have either. When I was given the car keys, he did not show me anything about the car at all. The car was completely dirty from the outside and inside, there were trash in back seat compartments. DISGUSTING. That's not all, I had already had reservation to pick up the car thinking it was gonna be easier process of picking up the car for me but it was the complete opposite. Alex whom said he was the manager, did not seem professional or seem like he knew what he was doing at all when they charged me the deposit for vehicle. They charge me twice $400.00 when it was only supposed to be $200.00 they didn't try to do anything to help the situation. I even had to call my credit card company to prove to them about the charges. Alex told me to continue with the process that he needed another card to complete it for another $200.00 hold. I didn't have a choice going through with it, I wanted to completely cancel the whole thing but it would have ruined my whole trip. It was my first time going through Budget Car Rental and definitely my last. I should of went with my first instinct to go through Enterprise which I usually always go through.
March 08 · angelica mclaughlinRented a car for a 3 day weekend. It's my first time renting from Budget. I loved the experience. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. They didn't try to sell me extra insurance. Matter of fact we didn't even do a walk around. When I returned the car they asked me one question. I handed them the keys and was on my way in 45 seconds. Unbelievable! I have rented from enterprise for years. It's a process to pickup and return a rental. It usually takes 30-45 min to rent and return. Not to mention the usual insurance upgrade scam. I'm never going back to enterprise.
February 05 · Hector PessinaAvoid this company at all cost!! My partner reserved a minivan, and we drove all the way from DTLA to Covina for pick up. Only to be told our reservation is not available. Offered us a more expensive truck that we didn't need. Seems like a bait and switch. Mr. bald headed man told us to call an 800 number to find another location ourselves. So we decided to leave. Then we get a $75 charge on our credit card for a no show, which will be disputed because we were there on time at 2:30pm on Monday June 3rd! They can check their security cameras if they want. BBB complaint will also be filed. Worst experience ever. Bad business practices.
July 08 · Phuong TranDo not rent from them. Go read YELP reviews. It is true, I should have read reviews first, instead of trying to save a couple of bucks. The headache and time you will waste will exceed your savings. I will also be making a BBB complaint. The van I booked was not available when I went to pickup. They sent me an email to tell me about my reservation on the day of but no phone calls to let me know it was not available until I got there. It was a waste of time and I was charged on my credit card as a No Show. I don't usually leave reviews but, wow, Budget you got me. It's not just the man at this location ...rude. Their customer's service took forever for me to file a claim. I wasted days of planning and hours being on hold to process my claim and still get charged. Life is short. Savings a few dollars is not worth it and book your rental elsewhere.
July 08 · roboto hi
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