Budget Car Rental

- 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031

For residents and visitors in the Lake County, Illinois area, having a reliable source for vehicle rental is essential, whether for a weekend trip out of the Chicago suburbs, transporting a large family, or simply needing a replacement vehicle. The Budget Car Rental located at 6170 W Grand Ave in Gurnee, near the major Gurnee Mills Mall, serves as a primary local option for both car and van hire. Officially classified as both a Car Rental Agency and a Van Rental Agency, this branch is set up to address diverse mobility needs within the community, offering everything from economical compact cars to full-size passenger vans.

The Gurnee branch positions itself as a convenient, neighborhood-level service, offering an alternative to the high-stress, busy airport rental counters. However, potential Illinois customers should be aware that the local operation has received mixed customer feedback. While the national brand guarantees a diverse fleet and provides valuable benefits like Active Military Discounts, customers have reported significant issues at this specific location related to reservation fulfillment, vehicle readiness, processing times, and staff conduct. This contrast between the promise of a national brand and the reported local experience makes careful planning and documentation vital for every renter.

One highly concerning review detailed an instance where a pre-booked minivan was unavailable upon arrival, forcing the customer to leave without a vehicle and arrange an expensive Uber ride home. Another customer reported an excessively long pick-up process (30-40 minutes), a vehicle that was not fully clean, a half-empty gas tank, and, most critically, an erroneous late return charge of over $80, which required documented proof (Life360 time-stamped screenshot) to overturn. These real-world experiences suggest that, while the Gurnee location offers the full suite of Budget's vehicle options and national programs, renters must be proactive in confirming availability before arrival and meticulously documenting the vehicle's condition, fuel level, and return time to ensure a smooth, accurate transaction.

Despite the reported customer service issues, the Gurnee Budget location remains a key provider of large-capacity vehicles, which are often scarce in local markets. Its location near a major interstate and local attractions like Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills makes it geographically convenient for many users in northern Illinois and those traveling from Wisconsin.

Location and Accessibility

The Budget Car Rental office is situated at a highly trafficked and easy-to-find location within the vibrant commercial district of Gurnee, IL.

• Address: 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA

The standard operating hours are convenient for weekday pickups and returns: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Renters should always check the location's direct contact number for current hours, especially during holidays, as operations may be reduced or closed entirely.

In terms of physical access, the location is committed to accommodating all customers:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, providing easy access to the rental counter.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring convenient parking for customers with disabilities.

Services Offered

The Gurnee Budget Car Rental provides a complete range of rental options characteristic of a large, national agency, focusing on both short-term and long-term rentals:

• Comprehensive Car Fleet: Available vehicles typically span all major classes, including economical cars (e.g., Kia Rio), mid-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla), full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry), various SUVs (e.g., Ford Edge, Toyota RAV4), and specialized vehicles like convertibles or luxury models (e.g., Genesis G70).
• Minivan and Passenger Van Rental: A core offering, classified as a 'Van rental agency,' includes 7-passenger Minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica) and large 12- and 15-passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit), catering to large groups, sports teams, and family gatherings in the Lake County area.
• Flexible Payment Options: Accepts both Credit Cards and Debit Cards for payment and for securing the necessary authorization hold deposit. Renters should verify the specific requirements and deposit hold amount for debit card use at the time of booking.
• Active Military Discounts: The branch honors the national Active Military Discounts, offering savings (up to 35% off base rates, often via programs like WeSalute) to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate families in the area.
• Optional Services: Includes one-way rentals, long-term rental agreements, and the provision of essential add-ons such as GPS devices, child safety seats, and optional insurance coverage (Loss Damage Waiver).
• Local Customer Pick-up: The branch typically offers a free pick-up service from a local address to the rental location, though this service is subject to availability and must be arranged directly by calling the branch.

Features / Highlights

The key value propositions and specific offerings of the Budget Car Rental at 6170 W Grand Ave:

• High-Capacity Vehicle Access: One of the few local options specifically providing large Passenger Vans (12- and 15-seaters), a major advantage for organizations and large families in the Gurnee and Lake County region.
• Active Military Savings: A significant highlight is the availability of discounts for the military community, helping to make travel more affordable for service members and their families stationed or residing in northern Illinois.
• Location Proximity to Attractions: Its placement near major attractions like Gurnee Mills Mall and Six Flags Great America makes it highly convenient for picking up or dropping off a vehicle when combining shopping, leisure, or family visits.
• Financial Flexibility: Acceptance of Debit Cards for rental deposits offers an essential service to Illinois users who may not possess a major credit card or prefer not to use one for the deposit hold.
• Accessibility Compliance: The provision of both a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Wheelchair Accessible Parking ensures that the rental process is physically barrier-free for all local customers.

Contact Information

For current operating information, reservation inquiries, or to confirm vehicle availability, contact the Gurnee Budget location directly:

• Address: 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
• Phone: (847) 855-0086
• Mobile Phone: +1 847-855-0086
• Types: Car rental agency, Van rental agency

What is Worth Choosing

The Budget Car Rental Gurnee Mills location is worth choosing primarily for its specialization in Van Rentals and its commitment to offering Active Military Discounts. For any Illinois user needing a 12- or 15-passenger van—a vehicle class that is notoriously difficult to secure outside of airport locations—this branch is a crucial resource. The guaranteed accessibility features (wheelchair entrance/parking) and the flexibility of accepting debit cards further cement its position as a practical choice for a broad segment of the local market.

However, given the publicly available customer feedback, potential renters must temper expectations regarding speed and service execution. To ensure a positive experience, it is highly recommended that customers choose this location but follow these best practices: confirm vehicle availability (especially for minivans and passenger vans) by calling ahead of the reservation date, arrive early, be prepared for potential delays in the pick-up process, and meticulously document the vehicle’s condition (cleanliness, fuel level) and the exact time of return (photographing the drop-off with a time stamp is advisable) to prevent erroneous charges. By combining the Gurnee branch's valuable fleet and discount offerings with careful, proactive documentation, local customers can maximize the benefit of using this convenient Lake County rental agency.

Budget Car Rental

6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA