Woodford Car Hire dishonest customer practices

1. The booking process is disingenuous, as Woodford knowingly advertise cars for hire that they actually extend on long-term leases, and don't even keep. I tried to hire the Toyota Rubion. Luckily, I called the Umhlanga branch a few days before to confirm they had the vehicle, only to be told no, I would have to take a different vehicle at a different price on the day. The consultant however was very friendly, and he advised me to rather amend my booking. 2) The online booking form (even if up to 48 hours before the day), didn't allow me to edit the booking to select an alternative vehicle. I had no option but to cancel the booking and complete a new booking for a different car (which this time they assured, they did have stock of, a Fortuner). 3) The early check-in process on their portal doesn't work. Their system clears all the driver's license and some other details which one attempts a number of times to input. You're wasting your time trying to check in online. It doesn't work. 4) It took them over 7 days to refund my R15 000 blocked deposit on the Fortuner, and guess what, I still haven't been refunded my original payment for the booking I cancelled. It's been almost a month, and despite them "promising to escalate" the issue, the real **** is that they sit on your money to earn interest/roll-cash. 5) I may have to go the legal route to get my refund back. My lesson learned is that you get what you pay for, with a company like Woodford. Rather pay the slightly higher rate and go with a more trusted establishment like Europcar or Budget or Avis.