Nightmare on wheels!

Title: Still waiting for my deposit refund – Budget Cape Town Airport

I rented a vehicle through Budget Car Hire at Cape Town International Airport from 2 January 2026 to 7 January 2026.

Booking reference: ZA876128210 Voucher number: ZA888241690 Confirmation number: 36196240ZA3

The experience was extremely disappointing.

On 2 January I waited roughly 2–3 hours in the queue before being assisted. The staff member who helped me explained that they were short on vehicles and that customers were being given alternative cars because they did not have enough stock.

The car I eventually received was in poor condition. I accepted it only because I had already waited for hours and had no alternative.

When I returned the vehicle on 7 January 2026 at Cape Town International Airport, the car was returned in the same condition as it was given to me. Due to the long queue at the desk, the staff member simply told me to proceed without any proper inspection.

Despite this, I have still not received my deposit refund. I have tried calling and emailing multiple times but have received no resolution.

This is unacceptable. Deposits should be released within a reasonable timeframe once the vehicle is returned without damage.

I request that Budget Car Hire urgently process my deposit refund and confirm when the funds will reflect in my account.