This past Friday I was flying from Orlando to Atlanta. I had a rental car since I had been all over the state the previous three days. Rushing back to the airport I had to return my car to the Hertz facility on 436 near the Orlando airport. Of course I needed to fill up the car before I returned it
Luckily (or un-luckily) there is a gas station across the street from the Hertz location. I pulled in and started to fill up. At some point I looked down and realized I was paying 3.59/gallon for regular!!!!! Yes I should have probably looked first, but man what a rip off. I looked at my watch and then looked around.....no other gas station that I could see. They had me. Total cost to fill up $50.
As I internally cursed myself and the gas station I looked around. The majority of folks filling up were driving rentals and they were all in the same situation. You could also watch as they also realized what this gas station was charging. A look of shock would come over their faces.
Looking around some more I noticed that the station was not associated with a major chain. It appeared that it used to be a Chevron location, but all the sign-age had been removed. I certainly hoped Chevron realized that this local owner was ripping people off and cancelled their franchise agreement.
Lesson learned, and now let's hope somebody else reads this and saves themselves some money. Do NOT use the gas station across from the Hertz rental car facility on 436 in Orlando near the airport.
Visitor Comments
yeah, it's getting pretty well known how much that gas station charges. the owner admits what he's doing. we wrote a story on it a while back.
you can find it posted in this message board.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1277225&referrerid=93883
Posted by: Etan | February 12, 2007 10:21 AM
Lucky you Josh
We are paying the equivalent of $6.48 a gallon every time we fill up here in Ireland
Posted by: Pat Phelan | February 12, 2007 12:43 PM
This station is right around the corner from my house. Highway robbery if you ask me!
Note for rental car drivers who need to fill up--go a couple of blocks south on SR 436 where you'll find a competitively priced Mobil, 7-11, and Race Track.
Posted by: Cynthia | February 12, 2007 1:39 PM
Hey Josh, sorry to hear you got caught in that rip-off.
The local ABC affiliate WFTV did a piece on that place last Fall and, as mentioned in comments above, the owner makes no apology for misleading people; mostly rental car drivers filling up at the nearest gas station and hoping to avoid the usual rental car company mark-up on fuel. Instead they inadvertently pay even more at this smear on local businesses.
Posted by: The Masked Blogger | February 12, 2007 3:09 PM
I was ripped off at this location once myself.
This gas station has been the subject of numerous stories by a local TV investigative reporter. The owner has also been criticized for not having gas prices posted on a sign in front of the station.
The gas station is the closest to the Orlando airport and most of the rental car return locations, so he cashes in on unsuspecting tourists and visitors to our area.
Welcome to Central Florida!
Posted by: Chris Gent | February 16, 2007 6:29 AM
Call me paranoid, but I had never heard of this sort of gouging at that level. I stopped an exit shy of the airport, for fear of getting nicked by an extra 10 cents per gallon or so.
I was there a couple of weeks ago, and will be back next week. I doubt I'll get a rental this time, though...
Catch you on the Txitter, Josh...
Posted by: Ike | February 23, 2007 1:47 AM
Sorry to hear you were ripped off. Unfortunately that service station will continue to rip the holiday makers unless the word is spread throughout the internet on as many web sites as possible.
We are planning a trip to Orlando on Dec 26 and are hiring a 4x4. Do you have any preferences as to what hire company to use. Some include a full tank and others give the option. It is all very confusing for me.
Many thanks
Mary
Posted by: Mary | June 11, 2007 6:47 AM