We arrived at the Christchurch location to be given a 10-year year-old hybrid, apparently just delivered Japan, with all the instructions - the screen and various written instructions on the car - only

A Terrible Experience

in Japanese.

There was no way to change the screen to English or French (our second language).

Of course, no one can safely drive a car when you cannot understand neither the safety instructions nor the way to operate the navigation system nor even the simplest things, like how to set the clock or change the brightness level on the dashboard, which was set at dim.

The contract states that renters are fully responsible if car instructions are not followed for overheating or oil loss etc.

But we could not understand the instructions on the dash, so no way to know what any warning light might mean.

The contract (Clause 9b) states that the contract is null and void if a vehicle is unroadworthy.

It was.

We wanted out.

The local manager in Christchurch was excellent and put us in touch with headquarters, who argued for 20 minutes that the car was roadworthy and to trust them that the screen instructions were irrelevant, and not part of the contract. That was ridiculous: all parts of a vehicle are part of the vehicle, screen and safety instructions included.

Finally, after much argument, the contract was cancelled.

Three hours lost.

We did appreciate the goodwill of the local manager: she was understanding and delightful but caught between us and a very unpleasant manager on the phone from HQ.

Advice: read the fine print and stand up to the bully tactics. Yes, James Blond is a few dollars cheaper but buyer beware, “Gold Economy” may get you a secondhand car worth $6000 according to used car sites with no place to charge your phone and with all instructions in a foreign language.

We have just rented from Budget, a brand-new SUV with excellent insurance coverage and only nominally more expensive.

Off we go to hike.

Date

Reviewed 27 days ago

We hired a Toyota runabout for six months.

We had excellent service and would recommend James Blond. I suppose the only hassle was that we could not find the jack as the book was all in Japanese! I gather it was under the passenger seat.

Reviewed over 6 years ago

I've used a few rental companies now but these guys are the best, lowest prices and top service.

Been back twice now, once for a van to move with and once for a car, both times excellent service.

Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in April 2015

Excellent service from James Blond, I booked a car with them on my trip in Auckland and got a great deal.

Will be using your guys again. Thanks!

Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in July 2013

What a great company to deal with.

Really appreciated Tim and Phil's easy going Kiwi nature and personal attention. Very easy to deal with and Airport pick up was hassle free.

Reviewed about 5 years ago and experienced in November 2019

Good service and really cheap.

Glad that the car already has a few marks on it and they don't seem too concerned. Car has been reliable so far.

Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

Had a great experience with James Blond, rented one of their economy cars and the rental experience was the best I ever had.

The car was well priced, in excellent condition and went very well. Overall they now have a very happy customer who will be returning!

Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in April 2015