Malily, Our 10 day rental from Budget was $1,496BZ TOTAL, that includes tax (12.5%) and $10 airport fee. So basically $750 US, remember this was with an Amex card that covered the insurance, so we could decline the $16/day coverage thru Budget. We did get hit with a "Foreign Transaction Fee" of 3.5%, or $20 (which we knew about), but that was still less then the $16/day we would have been charged if we'd used a different card. (Discover doesn't charge a Foreign Transaction Fee, but doesn't have the insurance).

The SUV, a Nissan X-Trail, was virtually new, (they said they just received the vehicle the day before). And this worked well for us, an extended family of 4, (my father was with us). And was roomy enough for us with 5 bags of luggage, plus smaller bags, and for the groceries when we stocked up.

We did use the 4WD once, as we had a lot of rain and those dirt roads (read clay) get very slippery. (That was coming up out of Rio Frio Cave), otherwise we only needed the SUV for it's clearance.

I would really like to know which company this is for sure. I do a search for Belize Auto Rental/Belize Car Rental and I come up with a long list of companies. Is this link the one that you are talking about

http://www.carrentalbelize.com/

Or not?

Aussie Travels: Two years ago we rented from Crystal. Got a little Suzuki 4x4 something. The AC did not work. The back door (hatch) rattled and dust came in like the door was open all the time. We had missed our flight connection and got in one day late, had called but they still did not have the car at the airport when we arrived. They had to find someone to drive us to the main lot to get the car. Then when we returned it to the airport, they could not find the paperwork, since we picked the car up at the main lot. Took over a half hour for someone to fax the paperwork over, and for them to give me my paperwork. I would try and stay away from Crystal if at all possible.

This chain is extremely helpful. I just want to confirm that THIS IS THE COMPANY that the OP was referring to. http://belizeautorental.com/ and http://www.carrentalbelize.com/#

I have a reservation with a similarly named company and want to make sure it is not some sort of trick! Anyone have any experience?

http://www.buy-belize.com/VehicleRental/thevehicles.htm

They have just a few vehicles so I think they may be better maintained, and the owner/representative is extremely responsive and helpful. Hopefully it is a different group. Thanks.

Unfortunately you can have this experience with ANY rental car company! i have had this problem in California with a rental. I don't remember whether it was Budget, Thrifty or one of the other companies. The worst issue is tires - If you have a tire issue they will claim that you are totally responsible. Check it out before you rent, but what are your options?

Do not rent from this company!!! My husband and I were given a broken down Tracker that had cracks in the windshield in place of the 4-Runner we originally reserved. The Tracker broke down 4 different times and left us stranded. When we tried to complain to the workers at the shop, the older guy yelled at my husband, and the younger worker there threw tape and rope at me, threatened to hit me, and even raised his fist at me. They refused to let us leave until we gave them an additional $300 U.S. Scam Artists!!! Repeat...do not rent from belizecarrental.com!!!

I rented from Belize Auto Rental (www.belizeautorental.com, I think they also go by www.belizeautorental4less.com) and had a good experience. Not exceptional (4/5) but no horror story here.

I set up the reservation through email and they (Lucio) was very good about communicating with me. I requested a 4WD and was given a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I don't think it was a 4WD because there was not way to shift in or out, but maybe an AWD. At any rate it got us every where we needed to go including driving to Caracol/Mountain Pine Ridge.

When we picked it up from the International Airport the office was called Nex Gen Auto Rental. I was told by Lucio that I could use an AMEX but when I got there they said no but I planned for that. The woman helping us looked a bit confused and said they had just rented our SUV but they had another one. She was nice enough. Once we took a walk around the vehicle so I could note any scratches that were already there we were on the road. They didn't give us the free cell phone to use but no big deal to me. Not sure who I would've called but could've been helpful if we broken down or something.

The SUV was an older model with about 80K miles on it but the tires had plenty of tread and all the power windows, sunroof and doors worked as well as the A/C. We had it for 6 days and put several hundred miles on it driving from BC to Placencia to San Ignacio and Caracol and back to BC.

No hassels when we turned it back it either. For $50/day I was very satisfied.

I would also avoid thrifty, old car, expensive $700 for the week and dodgy dealing at the end of the rental left a sour note, but mostly the old vehicle. If you choose thrifty don't pre pay and make sure you get a new car

I always rent from A.Q. Belize Auto Rentals 4 Less, believe me they are not affiliated with Belize Car Rental Company they almost have the same name but is a totally different company. A.Q. Belize Auto Rental 4 Less have offices at the International Airport and their new office located at 5 1/2 Miles (Northern) Philip Goldson Highway.

is this the same company as AQ Belize auto Rentals for less?