Nu Car Rentals

- 2327 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

When looking for transportation in Arizona, especially when arriving via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the array of car rental options can be dizzying. Nu Car Rentals, located just a short distance from the airport at 2327 E Van Buren St, often catches the eye of budget-conscious travelers with initial rates that appear significantly lower than on-site competitors. However, local users and visitors exploring Phoenix should be aware that this location operates differently from the major agencies housed within the official PHX Rental Car Center. Understanding this distinction is key to managing expectations and ensuring a smooth start to your Arizona journey.

Nu Car Rentals functions as an off-airport car rental agency, meaning while it serves the PHX market and may feature on comparison sites alongside airport operators, it requires a mandatory shuttle transfer to reach its location. This is one of the most significant points of distinction for customers. One user noted the deceptive perception: "This is not a true Sky Harbor rental company — it’s an off-site operation dressed up to look like it’s inside the airport." This off-site process adds necessary steps and time to both the pickup and drop-off procedures.

The most substantial point of friction reported by multiple customers revolves around the mandatory inclusion of additional coverage or insurance fees, regardless of a customer’s existing personal or credit card coverage. The promise of a '$14/day rate' is frequently cited in complaints as a "bait-and-switch," which, once mandatory charges are applied, quickly escalates to '$40–$50/day' or more. As one traveler vividly put it, "They will not let you decline their 'minimum coverage,' even if you already have personal auto or credit card insurance." This practice can erase any perceived initial savings, leading to frustration and the conclusion that the service is "Not Worth the Headache" due to forced add-ons and unexpected costs.

However, the experience is not universally negative. Another customer provided a contrasting report, highlighting efficiency: "The process was smooth and easy. I would say the faster and smooths pick up and drop I have done so far. This is my experience." This suggests that when staffing is adequate and the mandatory policies are accepted upfront, the transaction can be fast. The same user also praised the staff for their honesty regarding the prepaid gas policy, which allowed the customer to make a fully informed decision to return the tank full and avoid the charge. This level of transparency on certain optional services is a positive point of feedback that local users should note.

In summary, Nu Car Rentals presents a unique, budget-focused option in the Phoenix area. Customers must be prepared for the realities of the off-site location and the company's specific, and often contested, policies regarding insurance and service efficiency, particularly during peak travel times and extreme Phoenix heat.

Nu Car Rentals operates from an off-airport site located at 2327 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA. This address places the agency approximately 1.4 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

While not inside the official Rental Car Center, the agency facilitates customer transfers via a shuttle service:

• Airport Shuttle Requirement: To reach the rental office, customers must first take the PHX Sky Train to the Rental Car Center (RCC), proceed to the Visitor Parking lot, and then wait for the Nu Car Rentals shuttle. This multi-step process adds considerable time to the overall rental pickup and return experience—some customers report an extra 30–45 minutes compared to on-site companies.
• Alternative Transit: Due to the shuttle wait times, some customers choose to use ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft) at their own expense directly to the 2327 E Van Buren St location as an option to reduce wait time from the airport.
• Accessibility Provisions: Despite being off-site, the physical location offers fundamental accessibility for all customers, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot.

As a dedicated car rental agency, Nu Car Rentals focuses on providing vehicles for both leisure and business travel, typically attracting customers seeking economy-focused rates.

• Car Rental Agency: Offering a fleet that ranges from economy and compact vehicles to larger car types like SUVs and minivans, subject to availability. Note that customers have reported a fleet with varying conditions and out-of-state (Utah) plates.
• Onsite Services: The physical location provides the necessary facilities for rental processing, including counter service for pick-up and drop-off. However, the number of open service windows can be limited, leading to long wait times, especially during busy periods.
• Payment Flexibility: The agency accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards for payments, though be aware that using a debit card may come with additional restrictions or higher deposit requirements, as is common in the industry.

The primary highlights of Nu Car Rentals in Phoenix are centered on its budget positioning and its operational policies, which require careful pre-rental scrutiny from the local user:

• Aggressive Initial Pricing: The agency frequently advertises very low daily rates, which serve as the main attraction for price-sensitive renters.
• Accessibility Compliance: The provision of a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures the physical facility is accessible to all customers.
• Prepaid Gas Honesty: One positive highlight mentioned by a customer was the clarity provided by the agent regarding the prepaid fuel option, confirming that a prorated refund is not available—an honest clarification that allowed the customer to choose the best refueling option for their needs.
• Convenient Location on Van Buren Street: The physical office is located close to the airport and major Phoenix arterial roads (Van Buren Street and nearby I-10), offering a quick exit to the city or surrounding Arizona attractions once the shuttle process is complete.

Customers should use the provided phone number for inquiries, reservations, and to confirm all policy details, especially regarding mandatory fees, before committing to a rental.

• Address: 2327 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
• Phone: (702) 462-2664 (Note: This is a 702 area code, suggesting a centralized or out-of-state phone operation, which may contribute to the local communication issues reported.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 702-462-2664

Choosing Nu Car Rentals in Phoenix is only advisable for the highly disciplined and budget-focused Arizona user who prioritizes the lowest possible advertised starting price and is fully prepared for the known operational challenges.

It is worth choosing if you:

• Need the absolute lowest initial rate and are prepared to have that rate increase significantly (often doubling or tripling) upon arrival due to the mandatory insurance/coverage fees which the company reportedly forces renters to accept, even with existing coverage.
• Have ample time to spare, as the full process (shuttle wait, travel to the off-site location, and long waits at the counter, especially in uncomfortable conditions) can add 30–60 minutes or more to both pickup and drop-off, a crucial factor in the Phoenix heat.
• Value the smooth, easy, in-and-out experience that some customers have reported only after accepting the mandatory terms and having a smooth staffing transition.

Nu Car Rentals

2327 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA