NU Auto Rental

- 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For residents and visitors arriving in Southern California, particularly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), securing reliable and safe transportation is the first step toward enjoying the Golden State. NU Auto Rental, operating as NU Car Rentals, is an off-site car rental agency often promoted through online travel agencies for its seemingly competitive pricing. The agency offers a wide range of vehicle types, from economy cars to minivans and SUVs, attempting to cater to diverse travel needs, from solo trips to large family excursions across California.

As an off-airport provider, NU Car Rentals’ operational model is centered on offering cost-effective rates by avoiding the higher fees associated with on-airport facilities. They serve travelers who are willing to navigate a slightly more complex pickup process to achieve potential savings. However, the experience of a customer booking with NU Car Rentals, as reflected in public reviews, points to significant and alarming disparities between the initial booking promise and the final service delivery. Customers frequently report issues that are critically important for any local user to know, including vehicle unavailability, unexpected upcharges, and serious concerns about vehicle roadworthiness and legal compliance, such as expired registration.

The tone of customer feedback is overwhelmingly negative, highlighting chaotic service, lengthy wait times for both shuttles and counter service, and a business practice of upselling or penalizing customers for reservation issues that are the fault of the agency. For California-based families or anyone with a strict itinerary, this information is vital for making an informed, safety-conscious decision before committing to a reservation.

NU Auto Rental's Los Angeles branch is strategically located near the LAX airport corridor, providing off-site service that requires a specific transfer from the airport terminals. The main location details are:

Address: 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

This location is often cited as being situated in the lobby or immediately adjacent to a major hotel near the airport, such as the Westin or Renaissance, which can be confusing for first-time users. To reach the location from the airport, travelers must first utilize an airport shuttle to a designated area (like the "Pink Shuttle" or a general hotel shuttle zone), and then coordinate a separate pick-up to the NU Car Rental office.

Customer reviews consistently describe the accessibility process as cumbersome:

• The dedicated shuttle service for NU Car Rentals is reported as infrequent and overcrowded, leading to significant delays upon arrival.
• The initial pick-up point and the multiple shuttle transfers can be confusing, especially after a long flight, contrasting sharply with the streamlined, consolidated rental car facilities offered by major on-site competitors.
• The facility itself is located outside the direct LAX terminal area, which can add substantial time to the rental pickup and drop-off process.
• The business location features a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, which are important accessibility features for customers with mobility needs, though the accessibility of the shuttle service itself is also a factor to consider.

Contacting the company upon arrival is a recurrent issue. Customer feedback notes difficulty reaching the local office by phone to coordinate shuttle service, which can compound delays.

NU Auto Rental is a general Car rental agency that provides vehicles across several categories. The company also states that it accepts various forms of payment. Key services include:

• Vehicle Reservations: Offering bookings for a range of vehicles, including economy, compact, midsize, SUVs, and minivans, often through third-party travel websites.
• Off-Airport Shuttle Service: Providing a courtesy shuttle for transfers between the LAX airport terminal shuttle area and the rental office.
• Payment Options: The agency accepts major Credit cards and Debit cards for payment, though specific restrictions on card usage (e.g., local renters vs. non-local renters, or debit card acceptance for deposits) often apply and should be verified upfront.
• Ancillary Equipment: Offering optional items such as child car seats (infant, child, and booster) and GPS rental, though these services are typically subject to extra daily fees.

While the company aims to offer competitive rates, the actual 'features' that define the customer experience, according to public reports, highlight potential pitfalls for renters:

• Low Initial Price Lures: The company's main marketing strength is the low initial price displayed on online booking platforms. However, this feature is repeatedly undermined by mandatory upselling at the counter.
• Reservation Disregard: A significant feature in customer accounts is the failure to honor confirmed, pre-paid reservations, particularly for in-demand vehicle classes like minivans. Customers are frequently forced to accept a lower-class vehicle or pay an 'upcharge' for an undesired alternative.
• Hidden and Mandatory Fees: Reports indicate that the final cost is dramatically inflated by charges for mandatory insurance (even with customer's own proof of insurance), toll passes, and various 'admin fees' that are not disclosed or clearly itemized during the online booking process.
• Subpar Vehicle Safety and Cleanliness: A major highlight of customer complaints is the poor condition of the vehicles, including damages, lack of cleaning, dashboard warning lights, and, most critically, being provided with a vehicle that has an expired registration, posing a serious safety and legal risk to the renter.
• Customer Service Deficiencies: Long wait times (up to 45 minutes) at the counter, unhelpful staff, and limited operating hours that are not always accurately posted online (e.g., closing at 7 pm instead of 8 pm) are commonly reported service "features."

For direct contact or to resolve issues, customers should use the following information for the Los Angeles location:

Address: 9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

Phone: While multiple numbers may be associated with the national brand, the local office can often be reached at an affiliated line. Customers are also advised to check their booking voucher for a dedicated pick-up number.

Important Note: Travelers must confirm the working hours (typically Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with variations) and understand the strict cut-off times for after-hours arrivals, as failure to reach the office before closing can result in a lost reservation and no immediate vehicle.

For California travelers, especially families arriving at LAX, the apparent "value" offered by NU Auto Rental on third-party sites is not worth the risk. A careful evaluation of the available public data leads to a strong recommendation to choose a reputable, major rental brand instead.

The documented instances of being forced to pay hundreds of dollars in unexpected fees, being denied a confirmed reservation (like the essential minivan for a family with young children and elderly passengers), and being handed a vehicle with an expired, illegal registration are not minor inconveniences; they are serious operational and safety failures. A $300 emergency Uber fare, as reported by one customer, can instantly erase any perceived saving from the initial low quote. Furthermore, being stuck with an illegally registered or mechanically compromised vehicle puts the renter and their passengers at unacceptable risk when driving across the extensive Southern California freeway network to destinations like Palm Springs.

The stress, delay, and financial overreach described by customers suggest that choosing NU Auto Rental introduces a high probability of a deeply stressful start to a vacation or business trip. For reliability, safety, and transparent pricing, prioritizing a major rental company located in the official LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility, even at a slightly higher base price, is a far more prudent choice for anyone visiting or traveling within the California region.

NU Auto Rental

9620 Airport Blvd #44, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA