Three-quarters of hired vans fail
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IF THE Consumers' Association's experience is typical, at least three out of four self-drive-hire vans up to 7.5 tonnes gross are faulty, some seriously. Out of 33 hired by the association from national, regional and local firms, 18 failed to meet the required standard, four were potentially unsafe and four unsafe. Four were described as "almost OK," one as OK and two as excellent. Two were rejected out of hand.
According to Motoring Which? a day's hire of a light van (excluding car derivatives), covering 150 miles, is estimated to cost between £24 (local firm) and £46.05 (BRS). On a similar basis a larger van, such as a Luton Transit would cost between £31.95 (local) and £64.90 (Kenning), and a 7.5 tonner between £56.80 (local) and £84.25 (Avis).
The verdict of Motoring Whichlis: "You can't be certain of getting a fault-free van from any firm." Of the 17 hired from larger companies, only four passed muster compared with three out of 16 from local firms. Considering the much higher charges of the national and regional companies, this is a serious indictment.