I too had a mare with Budget when we travelled in '07. They kept us waiting two and a half hours for our vehicle, with a two-year old in our group.

They finally did the same this they did with you - gave us an intermediate car to get us home.

When I called the next day, I called and after much negotiation, they said to come and exchange vehicles as one had just arrived of the type I had originally booked. When I arrived at the airport, the attendant very curtly asked why I had come, there was no vehicle for me.

To cut a long story short, after many evil looks, pointed remarks and rolled eyes (all by the rude attendant), they got me a vehicle. Naturally, it had just been poorly cleaned, as the outside had watermarks all over it and the interior was still sticky and smelly. I had to wash down the interior when I got it back to the villa just to stop my hands sticking to the steering wheel.

Two days after receiving it, the engine (which never exactly sounded tuneful) began to sound rough and jitter horribly. The spanner symbol came up on the dash a few days later and I called Budget, explaining the symptoms. I was told it was fine to drive unless it stopped moving.

I doubt I will ever use them again. I've since rented with Alamo and they've been fantastic (although a little pushy to upgrade). I love being able to choose the car myself.