Shocking service and feedback

I hired a car from Tempest in December. My first complaint is that I booked an automatic car, and was given a manual, but that isnt the worst part of my experience.

I returned the car I hired on January 4th and I was then told that the back right bumper had had a scratch and that the scratch had been painted over. I was quite surprised at this because I didn’t have any accident during the time I drove this car and don’t appreciate being accused of something I never did.

Since then, I have heard nothing at all from Tempest – no message, no email and no phone call

I just called to enquire about my refund and was told that not only is there no refund, but that you are deciding whether to charge me for the damage!

I wonder how I was given a car which had been tampered with - how did their inspection team miss this before the car was given to me!

You can say I should have noticed the painted over bumper when I accepted the car - but I didn’t even know this was something to look for and to be honest I still couldn’t see the issue when it was shown to me when I returned the car

I would have appreciated the courtesy of a phone call or an explanation of what is happening - now, not only have I not received my substantial deposit back, but I risk being charged additional fees that are totally unfair and unwarranted