Claimed damaged done by previous driver

I would like to complain about the poor service I received from Avis. It is my first time renting a car and I thought I will make use of Avis as they are well known. I arrived at Cape- Town International airport late the evening and went to Avis about 8:30PM. The gentleman assisting me at the counter was really friendly and gave me the car keys. He said I should check the car myself and come back to him to sign if I see any damages. At this time a lot of people have complaint they cant get a hold of any of the Avis people to check their car. For a first time renter I went outside and check where I think best , I went back and the gentleman signed.

When I climbed on the highway I could feel the wheel alignment of the car is definitely out as I struggled to keep the car straight on the road.

I parked the car at a friends house in Langebaan and until Sunday I never climbed in to it again. Upon arrival at the airport I told the inspector something is wrong with their car as the wheel alignment was out and I struggled to drive on a straight road. When he inspected the car he then showed me a big dent bellow the bottom of the passenger door and asked if I know about it. I then confirmed that I do not know about it and this must be the reason for the wheel alignment to be out. I am concerned since the damage was below the car and is not easily noticeable from the side.

He then told me I will be paying for it even if it wasn’t me.

This is really a bad experience and at the moment I will not recommend Avis to anyone, it is just convenient how no one is around to inspect a car that is damaged.

When telling friends my story they experienced exactly the same thing with Avis.

I have logged a complained with their customer services and it has been 3 weeks no responds at all.

Please watch out