Autounion 

Terrible Experience – Avoid Autounion at All Costs

I rented a car from Autounion in Orlando in April 2025 and had one of the worst rental experiences of my life.

First, they hit me with hidden fees: they charged $14.99 per day for SunPass (toll usage) even if I didn’t use any toll roads. Total rip-off and zero transparency.

The car itself was in poor condition – clearly had been in some kind of accident. Once it got above 40-50 mph, it started trembling like something was wrong with the alignment or suspension. Definitely not safe.

Returning the car was a complete joke. No staff was present, and I had to walk around the facility until I found two guys washing cars in the back. One of them came to help me return the car.

Then came the final insult: they tried to charge me $50 claiming the car was “dirty”, even though it was just regular wear from 15 days of use – nothing unreasonable. It’s not like I returned it covered in mud or trash. Still, they refused the return unless I took the car to a wash and vacuumed it myself. Totally unacceptable. Every rental company should clean the car between clients – that’s just basic service.

Bottom line: hidden fees, poorly maintained cars, terrible customer service, and shady charges. I do not recommend this company to anyone. Stay far away.

We rented a car at Milan Linate airport with Autounion and were told that we had to pay an extra €480! for full cover insurrance (original rental amount was €300 including full coverage via Discovercars.com) because our creditcard was issued in the USA (it was a Visa card) and did not have embassed numbers in it. This was not communicated before hand o the website and we strongly had the idea that this was a scam trick to let us pay more.
We cancelled the reservation and had to look for an alternative in the parking lot where there office was. A verry bad experience, never again AutoUnion!

I flew out to Orlando, FL. for a weekend. Flight arrived on Friday 6:30pm. I got in and picked up my luggage from the bag claim by 6:40pm. Walked to the address on the reservation ticket said to pick-up and drop-off, around 6:50pm. Did not see any sign of autounion. It was near other car rentals, so I asked a few folks who worked there, and they never heard of it. There was no number to call on the reservation and receipt. I went online and found a 1-800 number for autounion and proceeded to call them. First, they hung up the phone when it was answered. The 2nd time I called it went through. The service rep asked for my last name and the airport I was at. Once he found the reservation, only to tell me because I reserved to pick up the car at 6pm, and it was after 7pm, my reservation was cancelled. I looked at my cell phone time, and it was 7:01pm. I said to him that it was only 7:01pm, he proceeded to say “it was after 7pm and policy was cancelled.” I asked if there was anything he could do at his end to undo the cancellation since it was only a few minutes after 7pm. He said there was nothing he could do and there was no rental car for me at all. He said the next lot of cars would not arrive for another 24 hours. He advised that I should go and try to get my money refunded. I asked where would it have been for me to pick up the car in the first place, and he proceeded to say “this is the 4th time and final time I am saying, that your policy is cancelled because it is after 7pm.”
The overall experience showed that this company does not care about providing its service and seemed to just take customer’s money and tried to runaway with.

Rented a car from Cairo airport. Arrived at Term 3, but no one was there to meet me with a card with my name. Luckily I had a phone to call them and they came around 15 minutes later. You are then driven to an office about 15 minutes away to collect the car. Then car in itself was newish but had a previous accident (make sure you photograph & video and previous damage). Again, it's fortunate I have driven in Cairo before but for a newcomer it can be quite daunting driving from the rental office. Paid a $750 deposit, which was promised to be returned in 21 days. It's been 23 days and my money has not been placed back on my credit card.

Awful! Wouldn’t advice at all, picked up a rental car from Malta Airport added 2 drivers on and was told that I had to pay another 60euro when taking the car which wasn’t a problem when I filled out everything online, paperwork stated 2 drivers. Paid a deposit that was emailed to me in black and white and the guy at reception even told me it is a holding deposit once you’ve returned the car the money will be realised back into your account not even 24 hours of having the car the money was taken from my account, being thrown from pillar to post in emails chasing to get my money back I finally received it 5 weeks later, costumer service didn’t have a clue was getting told different things every time.

SCAMMERS - BEWARE AND STAY AWAY!!! MONEY MAKING ON THE SIDE CHARING YOUR CREDIT CARDS WHEN YOU LEAVE FOR DAMAGE YOU DID NOT DO OR WAS NOT YOUR FAULT!!!

AutoUnion NZ charged me $1558 for damage I did not cause – Fake invoice, no evidence, unethical practices.

My experience with AutoUnion NZ was not only frustrating — it was borderline fraudulent. I rented a vehicle from their Auckland branch in December 2024 and was shocked by what followed. Here’s what happened:

The car was in poor condition from the start – dirty interior, worn-out exterior, and clearly overused. Despite concerns, I accepted it due to limited options and affordable pricing.

We used the car for a road trip from Auckland to Rotorua and Ohope, with only one refuel early in the morning at BP Autobahn (Auckland Southern Motorway) — using 91 Unleaded, the correct fuel for the vehicle. I kept the receipt and bank record proving this.

After a smooth 500+ km journey, the car started rattling badly near Auckland CBD and broke down shortly after, around 5pm. I immediately contacted AutoUnion.

The manager (Faiz Kahn) arrived with a replacement car and without being a mechanic, he FaceTimed someone (allegedly a mechanic) who listened to the engine noise through a phone call and diagnosed it as misfuelling — no inspection, no test, just a quick guess. This was their entire basis for blaming us.

Faiz insisted on driving the car himself back to their yard, but the vehicle broke down again 200m later. I had to use my own AA membership to get the car towed.

Weeks passed with no communication. Then, without any notice or documentation, they charged my debit card $1558. I had to chase them for answers.

When I finally reached someone, I was told the charge was for “injector replacement” due to misfuelling. They provided no insurance claim, no mechanical diagnostic report, and just a photo of liquid in a bottle as their proof — not even lab-tested. They never got the fuel tested by an independent SPA technician, nor did they report it to the fuel station and stated to me that if I wanted it tested then I had to pay!! What kind of SCAM OUTFIT IS THIS!!

After repeated requests, I was sent a suspicious invoice from a “mobile mechanic” who admitted:

He had no workshop

He was not GST registered (despite charging GST)

He used a generic invoice app at the request of AutoUnion

He was not involved in a full diagnostic

I contacted Consumer NZ, who informed me AutoUnion is not a member of the Rental Vehicle Association, so they have no industry oversight.

I then lodged a formal legal dispute through Disputes Tribunal for the unauthorised charge and lack of evidence. I also found out during this process that Faiz Kahn, who pretends to be “just the manager,” is actually the director and owner.

To make matters worse, AutoUnion claims to be insured with Vero — but Vero confirmed their policy was cancelled in 2021. Meaning, they are likely operating without proper business or liability insurance.

This entire ordeal has been stressful, deceptive, and dishonest. AutoUnion NZ’s practices are highly unethical, possibly illegal, and a risk to public safety.

I urge anyone thinking of renting from them: don’t. And if you’ve had a similar experience, report it to:

NZTA

Consumer NZ

Disputes Tribunal

Commerce Commission

Companies like this shouldn’t be allowed to operate unchecked.

TRUST ME - WHEN YOU COMPLAIN IT GOES NOWHERE, HE ACTS LIKE HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF YOU, THAT YOU HAVE TO EMAIL THEIR ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT ETC BUT ITS ALL A SCAM AND DEFLECTING.

Rented from them because the rates were significantly cheaper than the major companies. Only to find d out when picking up the car that you have to pay a mandatory fee for insurance that they did not disclose before hand. This is in addition to the insurance that I prepaid for. So the price was actually more than the major companies at the end. Also their pickup location in Orlando is in a trailer and extremely sketchy. They told my husband he couldn’t come inside with me, which was not happening. The only positive was the guy for the drop off was nice and efficient. I recommend just going through one of the major rental companies!

The insurance debacle. Was told they aren’t an insurance company. Not sure if the vehicle was actually insured. The car got broken into and damaged. I had to pay for the tow truck, then told we’d lost the excess cover we paid and wanted to know why we hadn’t filled up, disgusting customer service and totally spoilt my New Zealand experience. The staff need to be sacked and the company closed down. Never use them for your own sanity, this was in Christchurch

Disgusting customer service car was shocking was told I would have money back if I returned the car earlier 25 dollars a day for insurance and then get told that’s not happening they know nothing about that. the guy couldn’t even help with the Bluetooth in the car and act like everything is a inconvenience to them. I would seriously not use this company 0 out of 10 disturbing

Worst experience I had in the last 5x years since I regularly rent a car, aggressive customer service, very rude employee at pick up, very bad experience

Hello

The third party that you operate through was terrible. I cannot give a good review. On arrival they picked us up late and we weren't able to take the car until 830am. A full hour after our original booking. The third party then demanded we pay extra for insurance that was already paid for. He was rude and unhelpful. I would never use auto union again!

Awesome service, all around.
I came early in the morning (2hr before pickup), due to early flight. The wonderful staff was very accommodating and polite.
I would highly recommend these blokes, they are easily one of the cheapest car rental in New Zealand, and I had great experience.
Other reviews don't justify this place, and looks like people don't read T&C before coming.

Would be definitely coming back in winter, and planning a longer trip.

Had a wonderful trip. I drove from Auckland to Christchurch, and dropped the vehicle there.
I was given a cute little hybrid vehicle, that saved me tonnes of fuel. Awesome staff, and big shout out to the girl on the desk, she was very humble and answered our questions accordingly.
Only thing which I find to be tad bad is they are very busy at times and getting attended takes time. However, if your cars are this cheap, this is bound to happen.

I would definitely come back again. @autounion PS. do let me know what time is your least busiest, I will pop right in hehe.

They deserve zero stars. Despite informing them promptly directly by phone and via VipCars broker (as I made the contract with them) that I would collect the car later as my flight was delayed and their promise both verbal and written on web chat of keeping the car at no extra cost when I arrived at the 'desk' an unprofessional scruffy looking assistant insisted I have to pay an extra €80. He kept of disappearing leaving the desk making some dodgy phone calls to his manager. I was there for ages.In the end as I needed to be on my way to see my father in hospital I had no choice than paying the extra charge. The car was given to me with no documents at all and later on I received a screenshot of the insurance details but still no libretto. It felt I was dealing with very dodgy scammers not a proper, professional rental company. Will definitely NEVER use again and my recommendation is to stay well clear of these scammers. They attract customers with low cost rentals just to than find any possible excuse to over charge you.

*not worth risking your life*

Car was rented out with 4 extremely bald tyres - with one blowing out while I was driving as a result of wearing through and two others clearly fraying.

Two autoshops have verified that the vehicle should never have left the shop in its state. I am very lucky I was not seriously injured, or worse.

I am in the process of taking autounion to the disputes tribunal as I have received a cent from them, even though they said they would refund me the money paid.

Amazing experience I had with Auckland Branch. Got a brand new car!
Seems like others only give reviews when they have a bad experience due to their own faults.

Thank you AutoUnion for giving me a car for such amazing price. I wouldn't be able to afford the trip if it wasn't for this price. One country in my bucket list is done :D

🚨 BEWARE OF THIS SCAMMING CAR RENTAL COMPANY! 🚨
CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY CONSUMERS NZ

If you’ve been affected by this company and want to know how to get your money back, read on:

⚠️ WARNING SIGNS:

1. Fake Insurance Policies:
> Their "insurance" is a scam! It doesn’t cover anything, doesn’t
exist, and they won’t disclose who (if anyone) insures their
vehicles.

2. Unsafe, Damaged Vehicles:
> Vehicles appear stolen or severely overused, often in unsafe
condition for the road.
> All cars are visibly damaged, yet they will charge your credit
card for outrageous “repair” costs upon return.

3. Illegal Credit Card Charges:
> Without proper evidence, they will charge your credit card for
large amounts.
> They refuse to provide legitimate invoices and often send fake
invoices from non-existent companies, including GST charges,
despite not being GST registered.

💡 HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK:
If you’ve been charged fraudulently:

1. Contact Your Bank:
> Immediately cancel your card or they will keep doing it!
> Immediately request a chargeback and provide details of the
unauthorized charges.
> Inform the bank that this is part of a fraud investigation.

2. Request Evidence from AutoUnion:
> Demand a detailed invoice from the repair shop they claim to
have used.
> If they refuse or provide a suspicious invoice, document
everything for your case.

3. Verify Their Claims:
> Check if the repair shop is GST registered.
> Contact the shop directly to verify the invoice and repair costs.
> Cross-check parts and services listed with local repair shops to
confirm legitimacy.

4. Submit to Your Bank’s Fraud Team:
> Compile your email correspondence and all documentation.
> Submit this to your bank’s fraud investigation team as
evidence.
> Persist in following up—banks often reverse charges when
fraud is evident.

🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:
> AutoUnion often supplies “parts” themselves, which is highly suspicious on the invoice.
> They avoid providing legitimate repair evidence.
> Their cars are in such poor condition that they wouldn’t qualify
for valid insurance claims.

Stay vigilant and don’t fall for their fraudulent practices. Share this post to warn others and help them recover their losses!

COMPLETE SCAMMERS AND RIP OFFS !!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Auckland Airport, shuttle was fine and came quickly, but once at the Auto Union office found there were no cars available with Sat nav which we had booked and paid for via Discovery cars.
Car was 11 Yr old Toyota Aqua, covered in scratches. The dash looked like it had been slashed with a razor blade and the tyres were borderline legal.
We had to wait over an hour to get the car keys. Staff looked overstretched and stressed.
Would avoid at all costs.
We paid for a prius via Discovery cars and got a less than adequate replacement for the same price.

Company advertising car they don’t have to make sales then tried to give cheaper car for same price while they received payment for premium car. Company isn’t based at airport and upon arriving no one was there to receive us as informed. Avoid and book with a better company.

Suppose to rent car for ~110$. Finally ended on ~250$.
They force you to rent Sunpass for 8-15$/day.
There's no way around that but keep in mind - it's not always like that in other rental companies.
While Sunpass is just sticker - there's no good explanation for this charge other than SCAM.

They added "surcharges" of $60 claiming it's obligatory Florida tax. After some negotiations these "taxes" went down to $40. As I was very tired after long flight I have decided to pay.

Car itself was fine.