r/Pattaya • u/KuroUsagii_ • 2d ago
Car rentals
Has anyone rented from this company called "MAKS car rental" that's south of Pattaya, just across Jomtien beach?
Google reviews seemed good but haven't been able to find any results on reddit itself.
Besides this, are there any reputable ones that's recommended (Apart from the big brands)?
1
u/MellowRick1987 1d ago
I rent there because its cheap. Owner is Russian, not really friendly but okay. Insurance is low, covering only 1 Million Baht. Cars a little bit old but in a good condition. At the End they Charge a high price if you not return full gazoline. No other Problems by returning. Its a good option for low budget
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u/truth_iness 1d ago
For sure, he doesn't come across super friendly at first but no smile doesn't mean unfriendliness or animosity, particularly with Russians or Eastern Europeans in general.
He's just one of those no-nonsence chill dudes. Last time around he spent 10min on the phone with me patiently explaining how to avoid police as it turned out my international driver's license just expired.
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u/truth_iness 1d ago
Actually I did multiple times over the years. It's legit. Brought back the car once with two pretty deep scratches but they were by all means very fair with the cost estimate. I don't risk it anymore though and now only rent from places that offer zero excess insurance.
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u/MellowRick1987 1d ago
Can your share your favorite place that offer zero excess insurance?
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u/truth_iness 1d ago
That was just a general comment. I rent from the one you asked about while in Pattaya and the vicinity. Not like it's my favorite bu they do offer zero excess and I had no reason to look elsewhere so far.
Any half decent company will offer some sort of zero excess upgrade albeit the price and the list of exclusions may vary.
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u/ciurana 1d ago
I only rent cars from Hertz in North Second Road / at the Bier Garten. I don't like screwing with random fly-by-night companies handling my passport and drivers license infos. +66 9 8282 5615 is their phone number.
One of their cars had an issue, they sent me a replacement car to Nong Khor reservoir (about 45 minutes away from Pattaya) within less than 90 minutes of reporting it. Great service, and backed by a known brand.
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u/KuroUsagii_ 1d ago
The issue I'm facing is that because most of them requires the driver to have more than 1 year of driving experience.
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u/ciurana 1d ago
How old are you? Unless you're like 19, it shan't be an issue.
I've rented cars from Hertz Pattaya (where I told you to call) using both my foreign drivers licenses (I have three from three different countries) and with my Thai drivers license. Never an issue as long as the name and the passport match. I paid for full insurance coverage, which isn't a draconian cost in Thailand. Get the full coverage just in case.
I drove rental cars for about 3 months before I bought my permanent vehicle. That gave me lots of opportunities to explore and to familiarize myself with driving here. From my experience:
- Pattaya drivers and scooter riders are the worst; they suck, they are irresponsible, and most people on two wheels haven't the vaguest clue about safety, most dangerous
- Rayong drivers and scooter riders are a lot more mellow and more likely to follow traffic rules
- Bangkok drivers and scooter riders are chaotic, but there's a flow to the crazy they do that doesn't feel random and stupid like in Pattaya
I've been living here for 3+ years, my own vehicle for 1 year.
Cheers!
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u/KuroUsagii_ 1d ago
Do their cars come with front/back dashcams? Would be a peace of mind to know at least I have video proof if anything were to happen to the car.
So far I've drove in Pattaya, Rayong and up to Bangsaen before, and don't seem to see any issues with the traffic.
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u/Morphix007 1d ago
In the past I've rented cars from a wooden shack on the side of the road with 5000 cash deposit and 1000 daily cost with unlimited km. A lady like this outside the car dealership near Central festival
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u/hunkmsg 1d ago
Daily rental.....?