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Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: carlos Diaz (---.onelinkpr.net)
Date:   01-19-07 10:06

i recently had a horrible experience with carlos jeep rental and i would like for all prospective renters to be informed of their practices BEFORE renting from them.

2 weeks ago, we rented a jeep wrangler from carlos jeep rental for 2 days. when renting the vehicle we were cautioned to pay for insurance to cover "any accident, theft, or ding" that might occur "since it's rough driving on the island". sufficiently spooked, we payed $23 a day on top of the cost of rental for this insurance.

fast forward to wednesday morning at 8am, as our plane was about to depart for vieques. first of all, as i checked in for our flight my girlfriend went to return our jeep (my parents are from puerto rico and i speak spanish, my gf does not). at first, the girl working for carlos jeep rental didn't even speak to my girlfriend (altho it turned out later she speaks english) and stopped where there was a 4-6 inch light scuff on the rear bumper of the jeep. instead of answering questions my girlfriend had she simply spoke into a walkie talkie saying "americano" quite clearly.

when i show up and shock her by speaking not only spanish but with a proper puerto rican accent, her attitude changed however she had already called for another guy to come by. he told me that our insurance only covered damages MORE than $1000 and anything up to that we have to pay to fix. to which i reply, "are you telling me you're actually going to fix this bumper for a barely noticeable scuff?" and they say "NO"

inside they made us fill out papers trying to get us to claim fault and that there was an accident and since out plane was ABOUT to leave we couldn't argue vehemently and wait for the police to arrive which was our "only choice" according to carlos jeep rental. however since we aren't fools, everything we signed we crossed out parts that we didn't agree with (initialing them) and wrote in large letters "NO FURTHER AUTHORIZATION GIVEN WITHOUT NOTIFICATION, AND NOT WITHOUT OFFICIAL DAMAGE REPORT RECEIVED"

we left carlos jeep rental frustrated, but assured by promises that we would be contacted about what would happen next before it happened. yesterday we noticed an extra $400 charge on our credit card from carlos jeep rental. when we called they said they called us and left messages - they certainly did not. we have asked them to send pictures of the new bumper with license plate showing AND a work order from a garage with the proper vin number. while i know all this can be faked, it's all i can do to make them work for my money.

anyway, take this for whatever you think it's worth and consider yourself warned, ESPECIALLY if you don't happen to speak spanish.

take care & enjoy culebra because aside from this it is a beautiful and wonderful place.

carlos
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Re: WARNING to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-19-07 11:25

I'm sorry this happened to you, Carlos.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-19-07 14:23

what a headache...

that's partly why I always request a "beater" that runs well

(from a different company)

hope this hasn't soured you on the place.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: greg dietz (---.233.197.185.Dial1.Manchester1.Level3.net)
Date:   01-19-07 14:59

Richard,
Who do you rent the "beaters" from. Sounds like a better idea to me.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.gwi.net)
Date:   01-19-07 16:14

Let me preface my comment by stating that I was not there when the "problems" occurred between Carlos The Jeep Renters and Carlos The Tourist (and his girlfriend). So I don't know what exactly happened ... nor am I saying it didn't happen. There is a great quote from a book I once read ("Papillion" I think) that says "Unless you were there yourself, you just don't know what for sure happened.".

Here's my comment ... I am an "Americano" who speaks no Spanish and I have always been treated very well by everybody at Carlos Jeep Rental. If I have a question, they answer it. If I have a problem, the attempt to fix it. To imply that they discriminate against gringos ... well it isn't true in my case. I have had numerous friends (all Americanos) and they all speak highly of renting from Carlos. In English! ;-) Is any company perfect? Of course not. But I would hate for a casual visitor to this message board to get the impression that Carlos Jeep Rental is dishonest or discriminates. I do not believe that to be the case.

Frank
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alahia (---.spacenet.com)
Date:   01-19-07 16:15

I am sorry you had a bad expierence but i rented from carlos many times and i had never had a problem with them ther are VERY friendly and they go 110% to help you when is your first time

About insurance is client responsability to take insurance or not i always get the liability because my credit card does not cover that but the collision i dont because it covers

So i really sorry that happen next time arrive one hour or 2 before if you know there is a damage so day can explain better what you are going to be charge.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-19-07 16:26

Greg,

Most of Jerry's fleet is older and would qualify. They run fine, but long ago lost that "new car smell", dontcha know.

Doug
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-19-07 17:34

I've heard many good things about Carlos (and the others) so I don't want to discredit those businesses or endorse others.

but I usu. rent from the guy that draws the obsessive cognitive maps (sorry, you'll have to fill in the blanks)

I have noticed that Carlos' are always in excellent condition and that can't be easy.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.197.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   01-19-07 18:00

As Americanos, we have rented from Carlos Jeep 3 times and have never had any problems. They were very helpful the 1st time and even remembered us the 2nd time. The 3rd time we had some issues with one of our tires losing air and they fixed it quickly without any problems.

A big difference between our 1st rental and our 3rd was the attention paid to the condition of the vehicle when we picked it up. The 1st time we rented we simply walked out to the parking lot on our own and looked around the car. This last time, a Carlos Jeep employee pulled the car up and all 3 of us walked around the vehicle, diligently searching for dings, scratches and the like. A careful note was made of everything we pointed out, and EVERY little imperfection was noted. It can't be easy to keep any vehicle on Culebra in great shape, let alone a rental.

I think Frank has some great points; no person or business is perfect. While I can sympathize with what you went through, I too would hate for a first time visitor to this board to think that is a common occurence at Carlos Jeep. I am sorry this happened and I hope everything get resolved.

Sue
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-20-07 17:52

I second the people at Carlos Jeep are very pleasant to deal with, though I must agree that the beat up Jeeps at Jerry's are the best way to go in Culebra, but they go fast.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net)
Date:   01-21-07 21:29


We experienced problems there too back in '05. was part of my reason for not going back to Culebra in '06. Not a great way to end one's vacation. Not a great way to impress visitors with la isla either, if they get the impression it subjects them to 3rd world-style ripoffs. I am coming back this year but renting from Jerry's.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-22-07 03:53

aah Gary, everyone I've taken is initially pissed off for one reason or another. it's kinda the trial by fire- but usually they get it.

if it's not the transit, then it's something else and I've found it sort of affirms your friendship (re: how fast they get over themselves and just have fun) yes the plane was late, yes the restaurant only had 2 choices, yes the stores close early..

...so far, so good.

or in years past, yes the water is off and there are Geckos mating in the bathroom and the mosquitos are annoying (for others reading do pack or buy repellant).

I'm glad you are returning, and I'm so jealous.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-22-07 08:23

Richard,

Great perspective, and so true!

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alahia (---.spacenet.com)
Date:   01-22-07 13:28

Culebra is the best is just that some people wants to get away with things that that is a NO,NO,NO

If you go to any where in the world the thinks will never be prefect so deal with it and be responsable for your accions



Hope you have a great time next time you go in your vaccation Carlos Diaz
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net)
Date:   01-22-07 14:15

my comments were meant to be helpful. I have visited Culebra 13 times; it is not new to me. I started in 93 and have seen many changes. Too many tourists? perhaps. But exposing tourists to bad businesses practices hurts everyone there, especiallly legitimate business people of which Culebra has many. businesses that APPEAR to be bending over badwards to find extra ways to charge people will give la isla a bad reputation, not jsut reflect on those who do not know how to keep customers happy, but everyone. The point of Culebra to a visitor is to relax, not to wonder where the next scam is coming from.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Gary Eichelberger (---.nas1.mbrg.pa.net)
Date:   01-22-07 14:36

The real value of this forum is for visitors to collect useful info on visiting Culebra, good and bad. This island is not for everyone, luckily for me, it is a good fit, but one must know what they are getting.

If there are down-side issues involved, they should be posted here without native persons (or slef-adopted semi-natives) ridiculing them. Culebra, like everywhere else, is not perfect. This forum has a troubling trend of demeaning any individuals who mention any shortcoming, especially by locals or semi-locals whose attitude is: "If you don't like it our way, stay away."

Culebra is a great place but many of its people are years behind in learning about hospitality. They do so at the peril of the island's tourism industry.

As informed visitors, we accept your island for what it is, but that does not mean there should never be attempts to protect other prospective visitors or to correct deficiencies...and yes, businesses that try to rip off visitors and that seem to discriminate against Anglos (and I have also seen that) should be under scrutiny and not excused because they are native.
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Re: Warning to all jeep renters!
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-22-07 15:04

Thanks for sharing, Gary. It's great when people express themselves. I'm sure your opinion is highly valued and respected by most of us.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-22-07 17:00

I'm sorry if I sounded rude Gary, I (and would think others as well) do find your comments helpful. Forewarned is forearmed after all.

I just wanted to point out to those who haven't been - this ain't (fill-in the name of any full-service resort) and as such, quirks are to be dealt with, not dwelled over. My point for them, and I do have one (I think) is one can let some minor BS ruin a trip or use it as "Oh-yeah-well-get-this" story fodder later.

I agree with many of your comments re: hospitality, but then there prob. wasn't any formal training. and it's not just locals, a few trips back some wannabe hippie kids were working a pizza kiosk at Flamenco and (sorry if you've heard this from me before) one was YELLING in English at this 10 year old "You don't understand, I DON"T SPEAK SPANISH!"

ugly on just too many levels.

I'm not apologizing for the crappy service you sometimes find, just noting that sometimes you find it. Meaning: acceptable? no. expectable? yes.

I am still annoyed with the wait for a burger at el Batey. even so I think it's worth it. but then I know what to expect...
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: LA_FadeAway (---.biz.mindspring.com)
Date:   01-22-07 20:11

This whole car thing is bumming me out. I've dealt with this attitude in other countries and don't want to deal with it again. I just reserved an'07 Wrangler from Carlos, but now I'm having seconds thoughts. Maybe those who recommend getting an older car from Jerry have the right idea. It may be too late to get my deposit back from Carlos though. I don't know what the deal is with these places that like to rip off tourists. I actually returned a brand new car to Avis in the states with a dent and scratch from a hit and run in a parking lot and they didn't even think twice about it. I didn't even buy the insurance. They said "no problem" our guys can take care of it and that was that. In Costa Rica a tiny little scratch that was there when you rented will cost you several hundred bucks. There's no excuse for places acting this way.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.client.dsl.net)
Date:   01-22-07 20:32

Culebra: Open Some Days. Closed Others.

:-) That's the beauty of it folks.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ann Crumpton (---.hsd1.fl.comcast.net)
Date:   01-22-07 20:40

Actually, I am feeling the same way. I reserved a jeep from Carlos some time ago for a trip next month. I would be okay with an older and beat up jeep but since I was making the trip arrangements, I rented from Carlos so my husband would have a new vehicle- guys are much more into cars than women. Now I am torn between trying to change the reservation and chalking it up to the fact that some people are just unhappy no matter what.
I recently rented a car in Florida and (I think) was conned into buying the insurance because they told me that in Florida if you are in an accident that you still have to pay the RENTAL fees while the vehicle is being repaired or if you are involved in litigation- I thought it was a real scam but my husband (a native Floridian) said he would rather pay it and avoid a problem.
I have read all the responses to this post and think I will just keep the plan as it is but I am still reading the responses daily.
If anyone would like to reply to me directly and privately, please do so.
Thanks.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-22-07 21:02

I've never rented from Carlos, but I think you have to look at an incident like this as something that could happen anywhere, not just on Culebra. We have all, no matter what color, shape, size or religion we are, experienced discrimination on some level. Did Carlos Diaz, the guy who posted the original complaint this take special exception because he is Puerto Rican? Could it be that he is sore because his American girlfriend had the misfortune to experience ugliness on Puerto Rico? This happens everywhere in all walks of life. This can't possibly happen often with Carlos Jeeps, or the business wouldn't be as successful as it is. Many of us repeat visitors (okay I might term myself a semi-local) have formed relationships with business owners on Culebra, and we are loyal to those business owners. For our loyalty, we are treated with respect and sometimes, discounts. :)

For those of you participating in this thread that have future rental plans with Carlos (LA and Ann), I think it would benefit the users of this forum to hear your experiences once you return. It would be a shame for visitors to this message board to read this thread and automatically think Carlos Jeeps is a bad business to deal with. Everyone must form their own opinions, but those opinions can be "delivered" slanted if those of us that have good experiences with a particular business don't post about those good experiences.

As a semi-local, I am one of those persons that has taken the attitude if you don't like it, don't come back, BUT I do it in jest usually followed by the statement that it leaves more room for those of us that do love Culebra so much. I have long said that there are two types of visitors on Culebra - those who love it, and those who think it's the biggest backwater island in the Caribbean and who will never return. As Richard put it so well, it's all about how fast people "get over themselves and just have fun". In my opinion, this applies to all visitors, not just ones we semi-locals invite to come with us.

Please enjoy Culebra, and don't let this one posting make you second guess your car rental plans.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: jeremy (63.175.186.---)
Date:   01-22-07 21:02

Iv rented in the past from carlos jeep rental for the past 3 years one of those time i damage one of his jeeps never had a problem to pay because i know i was responsable my point is that carlos jeep rental is like a familiy and i hate the way they are talking about them what is THAT about rip off PLEASE...............

Culebra is super i had to wait more than 2 hours for food in dingdock sometimes when is a long weekened there is no gas or the milk and bread it gets there ones a week but that is the way it is.

But i dont go talking bad about culebra resturant or there locals

anyway culebra is the best and i reccomend it there beach there rest. there bussiness everything ther people are the must freindly i know any one you stop will help iven if it is 2:00am

Have fun....................................
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-22-07 21:18

I agree with Debbie about those who already have reservations with Carlos Jeep Rental to keep their reservations and report back on their experiences. I know whenever I rent a vehicle I inspect the whole thing everywhere since in Puerto Rico (not in Culebra, in the whole island) they seem to be strict with any damages. That said, it's rough terrain in Culebra. I'm surprised that Carlos's jeep has all the new vehicles. I'd be renting army hummers. ;)

I think we all need to lighten up, it's true they are a very successful business so it's looking like that was an isolated incident. And if it wasn't, I hope what has come to light in this thread will make the staff at Carlos Jeep Rental more conscious of how they treat any tourist/foreigner, the REASON why the business has the success it has.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.washdc.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-23-07 04:38

don't get bummed LA, it's not that big a deal, it's just good to be informed.

and yeah I'd echo Kayra:

if you're worried about the car, then do the whole inspect and document procedure before you leave the lot...these are small businesses working on razor-thin margins.

but a hummer??? <smiley-face emoticon>
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-23-07 09:19

But I sweeeears I prefer the little scooters! Works great every time we're there. ;)
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: carlos Diaz (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   01-24-07 14:57

well this has certainly caused a storm on this board, which was not really my intent. let me clarify a couple of things:

- i did note specifically that this is my one experience with carlos jeep rental
- i closed by saying "take this for whatever you think it's worth"
- i've been to culebra 8 times before this trip, as has my girlfriend - we are not newbies unfamiliar with practices here - which is exactly why this suprised me SO much because this is the LAST place in all of puerto rico i would've expected to get squeezed over a scratch

my main qualm was and IS the fact that i'm paying $400 for work that i seriously doubt was done. we've asked carlos jeep rental for work orders and the like, and haven't received them. instead, we got an estimate of damages from a body shop that isn't listed under the better business bureau as an operating business in culebra.

if you don't think this is shady, then by all means ignore what i've said - that is absolutely fine. however, this is a forum that people use to visit culebra and i used it just weeks ago. this is a post i would've appreciated.

i've rented from jerry's before and will do so on future trips. i would never have posted something against this business if i did not honestly feel i was being taken advantage of as a person who lives thousands of miles away and cannot contest a charge.

-carlos
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: richard (---.res.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-24-07 15:32

I appreciated your comments and for those who haven't been, they prob. feel a lot of stress over some very basic things and I imagine are hungry for any and all info they can gather. Kudos and caveats both.

That's my take on why this thread has been so active.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Appetite (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   01-24-07 17:20

Carlos,

Thanks for the info. We used another rental company because we too have been squeezed by Carlos Jeep Rental in the past. We were so surprised!

It really soured our trip, but we have been back many times since because the vast majority of people we've met on Culebra are friendly and kind.

And thanks for the forum and its invaluable information.
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   01-24-07 17:36

Typical or not, I hope Carlos has the opportunity to read this and decide if he needs to spruce up his policies and proceedures. If it was my business, I'd be grateful for the chance.

doug
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-24-07 18:35

Carlos,

Don't worry about the firestorm created by your post. This topic obviously needed to be discussed. I'm glad to hear that you had been to Culebra many times. I'm afraid it's experiences like this that cause people not to see the beauty of Culebra and thus not return. I sense that you will not let this stand in your way of returning. :)

Have you looked into disputing this charge with your cc company?

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kayra (---.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date:   01-24-07 21:22

Debbie you "stole" my next suggestion! ;) Definitely disputing it with the credit card company should help something....?
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.ba-dsg.net)
Date:   01-25-07 10:49

Please, tell everyone in Culebra, that the forum is good for tourism, because it makes for an educated and therefore not disappointed (=returning) tourist!

Business owners in Culebra are not unanimous in their opinion about this forum ..

As far as Carlos' Jeeps: I am always amazed how they keep them this good looking - remember there are no repair or body shops in Culebra! And it probably does cost a fortune to fix a little ding!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Yaritza L. Albelo (63.175.186.---)
Date:   01-25-07 19:28

Hello Everybody:

Thank you for all of our customers that speak good about us. Let me
tell you something that probably most of you don't know:

My name is Yaritza L Albelo I am Carlos' wife and we created this
business from scratch. We really work hard (365 days) to create it
and Carlos is still working every day. We have three kids and if you
are a return costumer you already know them. So now we just have one
weekend off every month so we can share some valued time with my
family. We started with just two cars. Our goal is to provide an
EXCELENTE SERVICE with a good car. If you've been in Culebra for a
while you know how difficult everything is here.

We are a local company and we know that the most valued thing we have
is all of you - our clients!

To Mr Diaz I have to apologize for my employee if you think she
discriminated against you; believe me this is not our policy. We
have a lot --- a lot of friends that we meet just renting a car. To
provide an excellent car to all of our customer we have to fix the car
if you damage it. That was the only thing we can do when somebody
damages a car. Again I wish never we have car returned with a damage
because our business is not to rent cars not fixed or damaged.

Sorry again and if it's something I can do please call me at (787) 742-3514

Yaritza L. Albelo
PO Box 235
Culebra, Puerto Rico 00775
carlosjeeprental@yahoo.com


Yaritza L. Albelo
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Re: Pros and Cons of Jeep Rentals
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Yaritza L. Albelo (63.175.186.---)
Date:   01-25-07 21:57

Mr. Diaz this is Carlos from Carlos Jeep Rental . Excuse my wifes gramar,she does her best.

Carlos Jeep as she mentioned started with a couple of vehicles and has grown into a big business for a small Island . Since we opened 9 years ago we have always taken care of our customers and will continue to do so. In Carlos Jeep we preach sevice !service! service! , also provide service seminars for our employees at least 5 times a year and are always looking for ways to improve in this area. As result we have had repeat customers since we opened mostly Americans an some have become great friends.

If youve visited Culebra and have had a chance to talk to any of the 2,500 residents or part residents who now me , my familiy, or my Business they would tell you about my caracter and life ethics, by my walk of life.

Mr. Diaz believe me , my wish is that their would be no damadges to vehicles .But sometimes these things happen and they have to be fixed whether it is a new or used vehicle. Here on Culebra if you damadge a vehicle at X car rental or at Y car rental you will get charged acoording to each situation.

Again on my Behalf I apologize for any misunderstanding and If you have any questions or suggetions on how we can improve on customer claims please contact me and I will be glad to help you in any way and listen to any positive suggestions.



Sincerely,


Jose C Cortes
President


P.S To all the Clients for the nice Coments. Thank You and God Bless

Yaritza L. Albelo
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