The Strangest Things Found Inside Rented Cars
Working in the car rental industry can be as exciting as it is mundane. From lost rental fees to unexpected pet accidents, there's always something out of the ordinary happening. Here are some of the strangest things found inside rental cars that have been returned to their respective companies.
1. Missing Carpeting and Permanent Stains
As a mechanic at a car rental company in Oahu, I encountered a unique situation involving a Suzuki 4x4. The area in front of the driver and passenger seats was completely stripped of carpet, revealing bare metal. The renter had torn out the carpet after spilling something on it and thought we wouldn't notice. This is surprising because car rental companies often remove the carpeting themselves due to spills from alcohol or soda.
Another instance occurred when returning a rental car in Waikiki. The vehicle began to stink despite our best efforts to clean it. Eventually, a half-eaten take-out container was found behind the passenger seat, stuffed under the seat out of sight. Unfortunately, removing the container didn't eliminate the odor. Interestingly, the complimentary upgrade for the remainder of our trip made the stench worth it.
2. Intimate Contents and Potentially Explicit Content
Another memorable incident occurred in Milwaukee. Our co-worker discovered used underwear, condoms, and a vibrator under the front passenger seat. Even more surprising was finding a VHS case for erotic films in the glove box, though there was no VHS inside. This decidedly mixed bag of items was undoubtedly the strangest thing found in a rental car that we had come across.
A friend shared a more recent story from a car rental company located at Auckland International Airport. On returning a car, a mechanic discovered a bird's nest with eggs beside the battery. Nature sometimes has a way of finding its place, even in the most unexpected of places.
3. Family Tragedy and Teen Troubles
A colleague shared an incident where he and his friend sought to get a rental car for a family vacation. Upon arrival, his friend's sister, uninvolved but curious, returned with a surprise. She had removed a used condom from the back of the car without the friend's knowledge. It's a stark reminder of the unpredictable behaviors of teenagers and the importance of communication and trust within a family.
Conclusion
From missing carpets to intimate items, birds' nests, and teenage mischief, these incidents highlight the wide range of oddities that can be found in returned rental cars. While these stories might make for entertaining anecdotes, they also serve as a reminder to be cautious and thorough with personal belongings when renting a car. Whether you're a seasoned renter or someone who prefers public transportation, these stories should make you chuckle and perhaps think twice before you decide to leave anything behind in your next rental car.