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Why do car hire companies charge customers extra for fuel?
I recently returned from the US, having hired a car from Dollar at Los Angeles International Airport. I was charged for a full tank of fuel on collecting the car, with no refund for unused fuel. I accepted that. However, I later realised that I had been charged for 18 US gallons in a Ford Escape (Ford Kuga). A look at the manual showed the Kuga's tank capacity to be 15 US gallons, although in 3200 miles, I never managed to fit more than 11 gallons in. Eventually, Dollar refunded the difference, but they are quietly coining it at the expense of their customers. I hope this may be of use to your readers.
Asked on 5 October 2013 by CH, via email
Answered by
Honest John
This is happening in Europe too. Hirers are not only being hit for something like €1.80 a litre, but they are being charged for up to 10 litres more than the tank can take. That's fraud, pure and simple. But you need to be local to take up a case against the rental company. Which is why they do it. They know they can get away with it. Avis at Bangkok has a friendlier policy. They hand over the car with a full tank, and you bring it back with a full tank. No extra charge.
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