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Australian 4WD Hire
- Verified customer
Do Not Hire Any Vehicle From This Company
I hired a 4wd from my holidays around Brisbane last two weeks of December 2019. Everything seemed to be ok. Gave the car back on time And in perfect conditions.
today 16th of January I am still waiting for my security bond. And it’s been so difficult to contact them to arrange my payment back.
So disappointed and annoyed
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Conor O.Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- Verified customer
$5k security has gone missing, this company is a scam.
I rented a 4wd with rooftop tent for 10 days over the christmas period. The vehicle was in good condition dispite the fact it had 3 A/T tyres and one road tyre, the tent was a bit worse for wear and the engel fridge didnt work. I fixed the engel out of my own pocket on the trip, assured that I would get reimbursed for the expense by Australian 4wd.
I returned the vehicle 10 days ago without any issues on return. I have followed up regarding my expense reimbursement and security bond, I have not received my $5k security deposit or expense reimb...Read more
ursement. I have been informed that Australian 4WD is under new management and the new owners do no have access to the deposits. The previous owners have liquidated the company. Dispite the fact that my rental contract occured post company sale and is with the current owners. This company is a scam and an untrustworthy. Neither the old company or new owners are willing to deal with this issue. Avoid at all costs.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
- Verified customer
Gone into liquidation and will not refund $5k bond
Returned car, company said they woudl refund bond in 7 days. Since received a letter saying company has been sold and cannot refund bond. But seems to be trading business as usual. Scam company, don't use them.
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Carly BoundyMurray Region, NSW
- Verified customer
Do not on your life use this company!!
They took our bond money and are now in liquidation. absolute thieves! Equipment was crap. car needed mechanical work. Do not use them. you will lose your money. now dealing with liquidator as company won’t return phone calls.
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- Verified customer
Con Artists
Hired one of their cars over the 2019 Xmas break and returned the car with the inspector having no issues with the car. The company is now "sold to another company and is under liquidation", and says we won't get our $5,000 security bond back. The bond costs more than the car rental!
Now when you contact them they tell you that they don't have the money and they're now a new separate entity, yet still trading "business as per usual". They will ask for the same security bond, and chances are you won't get it back either. Don't fall for this scam!
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Disgruntled CustomerSouth East Queensland, QLD
- Verified customer
Would Not Recommend
Australian 4WD Hire changed ownership shortly before we hired our 4WD over Christmas. We were instructed via email by the company under new ownership to deposit the bond monies into the bank accounts of the old owners - this is despite the fact that they were to file for liquidation 3 days after this instruction.
We have been in discussions with both the new and old owners of the company attempting to have our bond refunded for weeks now. We have recently just been informed that the old owners have gone into liquidation with $0 in their acco...Read more
unts (despite holding the bonds for numerous customers at the time of liquidation). Also, allegedly, the terms of sale of the company that the new owners may not have taken on the obligation to return the bond monies to customers who paid their bond money before the change of ownership ($$1000's!!). Neither the old or new owners have shown any interest in responding to our claims for a refund. Both the old and new owners of Australian 4WD hire have acted in ways that have been far from desirable and what would be expected from a reputable business. We have been given misinformation that has cost us the entirety of our bond. The car we hired was great, performed well and we had a great holiday - but much of this I put down to our hire being passed off to another rental car company. Despite this we will never deal with this company in the future and I would not recommend anyone hire a car through Australian 4WD Hire. We have reported this company and their business practices to the Office of Fair Trading and we suggest that anyone in a similar position do the same: www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-tradingSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
- Verified customer
Avoid At Any Cost !!!
Here is what I received when asking my bond refund:
This is a courtesy email for all recent Smart Corporation Pty Ltd (trading as Australian 4WD Hire) customers that are waiting on their security bond to be refunded.
As of December 19th 2019 Australian 4WD Hire has been sold by Smart Corporation Pty Ltd and we are now operating under completely new Owners and Management.
We have just been made aware that the new Owners and management do not hold or have access to any bonds that were paid prior to this date as they have been paid into Smart C...Read more
orporations account, and some lingering payments paid after 19th of December 2019. We have also just learned that Smart Corporation is going into liquidation, and any monies that have been paid to them for security bonds or rentals is in the hands of the liquidatorSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Disappointed customerPerth, WA
- Verified customer
Appalling service
Still waiting on a security bond return after 2 weeks!! Car returned and inspected & signed for.
Notified finally that all existing paid funds are now with the liquidators!!
BEWARE this business has just gone bust!!!
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4.1- Verified customer
4WD 25000km
Roundtrip all Australia 25000km without any problem.
The car was very cooperative, and each time i had to contact the company, i received immediate answer. Bond back very quickly.
2 times 10000 km servicing with 4WD garages, efficient.
1 comment
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Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
summer_creekSouth East Queensland, QLD
- Verified customer
Super comfortable car, great company. Strongly recommend!
We have hired Toyota Land Cruiser from 4WD Australia Hire for 19 days trip ex Melbourne. The booking was made few months before trip started, deposit paid. List of location we planed to visit was provided few weeks before departure what give us plenty of time to design itinerary. There were no issue to get permission to visit each place. Contact with them and car collection was very professional and prompt. Appointment for collection was scheduled for specific time, so there was no waiting or delays. Car was checked precisely and instruction ho...Read more
w to use the car and equipment was given in a clear and an understandable way. The car itself was perfect. A big plus was a driving comfort on stony, rocky, sandy and consolidated surface. Easy to drive (especially for womens), we drove with the pleasure, we just loved it. Rooftop tent amazing and suitable almost for each type of environment. Takes about 5 minutes to set i tup, plenty of room inside, comfortable, can fit easily 3 girls. Basic equipment provided (large fridge, chairs, table, stove, light). USB, extra car charger slot and power socket was very useful, especially if you have cameras and other electronics to be charge. We have drop the car in Sydney. On the return, again professional check out (make sure you give a car good wash), took us about 10 minutes with no doubts. There is nothing to complaint about. The only thing company could consider is providing cutlery and cooking gadgets but this is only suggestion. It is worth mentioning about competitive pricing. I will definitely book through them again. Strongly recommend.1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you so much for your feedback, we are extremely pleased to hear that you enjoyed your hire and that the vehicle and equipment were well suited to your needs. We sincerely hope to see you back again soon for another 4WD adventure!
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Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
- Verified customer
Australian 4WD Hire! Why Not? I Did and Very Very Happy!
I hired a short wheel base Jeep from Australian 4WD on Barter Card for 13 days.
I picked it up from their Opposite Lock branch at Rothwell.
Tony who was the staff member was most helpful both on pick up and drop off.
The car itself was clean and except for a bulb needed for a front left indicator could not be faulted.
A very good stereo as well was really appreciated and if need Bluetooth just go to the website Uconnect for connection instructions.
Would I hire again. Yes for sure.
Maybe a long wheel base next time as i am getting older ha ha. A bit more comfortable but purely a thought not an absolute need.
Thanks Australian 4wd.
Pete Johnson @ Bali Villa 4u.
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you very much Pete, we really appreciate your feedback and its great to hear you have enjoyed your trip. We are pleased to hear Tony was able to assist you on pick-up and return and we sincerely... Read more
hope to see you back again soon for another 4WD adventure!Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
- Verified customer
Best Customer Service in Australia!
I recently completed a solo 4 month tour of Australia, driving a rented 4WD and pulling a camper trailer. In the process I interacted with a variety of businesses, from mechanics to camper sales and repair people to insurance companies and camping stores galore. Of them all, Australian 4 WD HIre was the most ethical and fair and offered the best customer service. The contract businesses where I pick-uped and drop-offed the vehicle were efficient and happy to help with whatever I needed. I interacted primarily with the main office and the staff...Read more
was consistently friendly and professional. They made the rental process easy from beginning to end. The Toyota Hilux I used was nearly new and in great condition. Any issues or concerns I had were addressed immediately and a regular tuneup was done when needed. I liked the Hilux so much that when I went to Tasmania for a month they held it for me, losing the rental income they could have gotten during that time. Unfortunately, I had a small accident during my last month of renting the Hilux, causing some minor cosmetic damage. The company would have been within their rights to completely replace or repaint the damaged door panel. Instead they found someone who could repair and repaint just the ding, saving me hundreds of dollars in repair costs. They had the repair completed within 2 weeks and returned the rest of my bond as soon as repairs were done. Based on my month of renting from them I highly recommend Australian 4 WD HIre!1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you so much Loryn! It was an absolute pleasure hiring our vehicle to you over the course of your 4 month trip around Australia. Your cooperation and patience made things like mid-hire servicing ... Read more
a breeze. It is wonderful to hear that you were happy with the whole process from beginning to end and we can only hope that you choose to visit again in the not so distant future. Should this happen we look forward to assisting on your next 4WD adventure. All the best from the entire Aus 4WD Team!Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
- Verified customer
Excellent
Just returned from six days on Fraser Island with a hire 4WD from Australian 4WD Hire. The customer service was excellent and the vehicle provided (a late model Toyota Hilux) was incredible. It made the trip much more enjoyable having a vehicle you could rely on. The camping and 4WD gear provided with the hire was great, especially the fridge! Pick up and drop off was super easy. I would highly recommend using Australian 4WD Hire.
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Michael,
Thank you so much for your feedback, we are extremely pleased to hear that you enjoyed your hire and that the vehicle and equipment were well suited to your needs. We sincerely hope to see you back again soon for another 4WD adventure!
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Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
JessPerth, WA
- Verified customer
Perfect I would highly recommend!! :)
We used these guys back in Jan this year to use at Fraser Island and they were just what we were looking for. Their customer service was exceptional they treat you like family and we would definitely use these guys again and highly recommend. Thanks guys for helping our holiday one to remember! Regards Clint and Jess 2019
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you Jess! We are very glad that you enjoyed your hire and that our staff provided quality service, this is certainly our aim with all customers. We sincerely hope to see you back again for another 4WD adventure!
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- Verified customer
Great multiple experiences with Australian 4wd
I've used twice in the past 18 months for trips in central Australia and out of Darwin and been very happy with pre-organising side to the pick ups and returns.
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Chris,
Thank you for your valued business and support, we are pleased you have enjoyed another hire with us and look forward to assisting on your next 4WD adventure!
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Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
JulieSydney, NSW
- 2 reviews
- Verified customer
Avoid
We were hurried out the door on pick-up and not given the chance to check our gear - the woman who served us said we didn't have to as "she'd packed it for us". When we later gave the feedback that the gear was dirty and parts were missing from our ground tent (which was therefore unusable), we were quoted parts of the huge contract that state it's basically our fault. We also had tire issues almost immediately. Again, if you call to ask for assistance they will quote the contract at you rather than be helpful and understanding. We were also ch...Read more
arged almost $500 for a 10-minute repair done at the agency. Once again, when questioned, lots of contract quoting and claims that repair costs are entirely out of their control. There are lots of excellent companies out there. These guys have a lot to learn about customer service. You get to know a company when things don't go right and this is a company you DO NOT want to know. Don't use them.4 comments
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
How good is this!
Thank you for providing us with your valuable review and giving us the opportunity to provide the truth about the events that occurred.
Firstly - you caused significant damage to th... Read more
Thank you for responding.
Our case aside, I'd simply encourage potential clients to have a read of these articles and decide for themselves:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-08/australian-4wd-hire-company-admits-customer-did-nothing-wrong/10387630... Read more
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Yes Julie all because of people of great integrity like you!
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- Verified customer
Third time using and will return again and again
We rented the RT FJ cruiser for 17 nights ex Darwin. The initial booking was great as we got given lots of options out of Cairns or Darwin and could book flights to match availability.
We had a little hiccup with the payment of the deposit as the name on the sending account was different to the booking and it was from overseas, but we were always assured that it was in hand and was sorted. The security deposit was returned very promptly.
The collection and orientation was very professional, everything was checked to be working and we felt we ...Read more
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you Peter, we sincerely appreciate you taking the time to leave a thorough and detailed review of your hire. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your trip and that the minor hiccups along the w... Read more
ay were handled efficiently and did not negatively impact your trip. We greatly appreciate your continued business and look forward to assisting you on more 4WD adventures in the future.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Felice P.Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- Verified customer
From start to finish: Perfect.
Picked up a Jeep in Broome and dropped it off a week later in Darwin. From booking, pickup & drop off not one issue. All questions answered - and I had a lot! The car was clean and in great condition. Customer service from the booking process to bond return was quick and effective. The people I spoke to were always polite and friendly. Bond returned quickly. I will definitely book through this company again. THANK YOU
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you Felice! It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that our staff were able to assist you with your questions, we sincerely appreciate your business and support and look forward to assisting your next 4WD adventure!
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Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
RichardMGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- Verified customer
Great vehicle, great customer service
We had a 4WD from Australian 4wd Hire for 15 days late Aug - early September and drove down from Darwin to Melbourne via Lawn Hill NP and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The vehicle we had was in excellent condition and performed really well on the trip.
Communication with the company was first rate - always a response to our queries via email within an hour and the security bond was also returned promptly (within a couple of days) after return of the vehicle.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Australian 4wd hire to other travellers - their customer service was outstanding.
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Richard, Thank you very much for your kind review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your hire with us and that you would recommend our business. We sincerely appreciate your business and sup... Read more
port and look forward to assisting on your next 4WD adventure!Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
LisaGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 2 reviews
- 2 likes
- Verified customer
Fantastic service for an amazing experience
We hired the FJ Cruiser for 10 days, picked up from Darwin, drove up to Wiligi Outstation in West Arnhemland, through to Mataranka, Daly River, Dundee and back to Darwin - we could not fault the car, all equipment was provided and was of good quality. Our bond was refunded very promptly, and we would highly recommend Australian 4wd Hire. Their service and response time to all enquires was fantastic.
1 comment
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Thank you very much for your review Lisa. It is great to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the vehicle and equipment were well suited to your needs. We certainly appreciate your business and su... Read more
pport and look forward to assisting on your next 4WD adventureSimilar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Review collected in partnership with Australian 4WD Hire
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Questions & Answers
David Basked
What are you doing about customers deposits that have been kept due to the liquidation filed in Dec. 2019? How has the sale of the company affected the deposits held by the business?
No answers
Emlenasked
I am a bit concerned about having to pay 2500 dollars on pick up for the vehicle. Does anyone know if this is a common practice and any tips to ensuring that we get this money back?
2 answers
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Emlen,
Thank you for your question.
If you are referring to the security bond, all off-road hire companies require a bond to be held whilst the vehicle is on hire.
As you would understand any one who hires wants their vehicle (which are sometimes in excess of $70k-$80k) back in one piece.
There are different options for the amount to be paid as a bond, depending on the level of liability you wish to take on.
If you refer to our terms and conditions it provides the full breakdown of the options available and the different costs.
Thank you, we look forward to doing business with you.
I would be concerned too......google Australian 4WD Hire and the ACCC.
Paulasked
Has anyone challenged their legal right to issue fines to customers for things like driving at night, or "speeding" ?
6 answers
Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Paul,
I think you are a bit mistaken, as we do not issue fines to customers for speeding or night driving.
As an off-road 4WD supplier, that allows customers to travel to highly remote areas Australia wide, we do have certain conditions surrounding the use of the vehicle.
Breaching these conditions will cause excessive wear and tear to the vehicle and will put customers at high risk of serious damage and injury, therefore breaching these conditions may incur additional charges to hire.
Our terms and conditions have been drafted by top, corporate legal specialists, in accordance with Australian Consumer Law(ACL), local and traffic laws, as well as all Australian Consumer Protection Regulations.
Our T&C's are regularly reviewed to ensure consistent, unwavering compliance so that we can ensure we are always providing the most fair service to our customers, and preserving the genuine interests of our business.
Hi Paul.
They cannot (and are not) issuing fines per se, as they are not a prescribed person under the Road Safety/Transport Act of the relevant state or territory. It appears however that they are attempting to use contractual law.
On checking the ACCC's 'Unfair Contract Terms' guide, it says in part;
'However, even if a contract contains terms that favour the consumer, such favourable terms may not counterbalance an unfair term if the consumer is unaware of them. Examples include implied terms, or terms hidden in fine print, in a schedule or in another document, or written in legalese. This may result in an information imbalance in favour of the business.'
'In considering the contract as a whole, a court will often need to balance the legitimate commercial interests of the business against the detriment the term would cause to a consumer if it were enforced.'
I have not read their terms and conditions as I have no interest in hiring a 4wd however if the fine print does in fact state that insurance does not cover 'wear and tear' (as such) on a vehicle which has been primarily designed to be used off road and for extended periods and is advertised in that way, there may be a case to answer.
It appears to me that for the company to obtain full comprehensive insurance on these vehicles for use as advertised, it would be extremely costly, so maybe they are supplementing the cost by putting these clauses in their contract. This may not be morally or ethically correct, but may be legally correct...... we'll just have to wait and see.
It will be very interesting to see what the ACCC and the Courts decide and whether a precedent is set.
Paul thank god for Tim Nicholls MP, Clayfield who highlighted the sneaky tricks this Company is getting up to. He was quoted again today in an article by the Gold Coast Bulletin apparently there are more than 70 people caught up in this. A4WD have used tracking software developed for car thefts in South Africa (CTrack) to claim it is accurate enough to know the speed a car is travelling. It would never hold up in a court of law. Given that the company fines between $500 and $5000 for speeding (claiming it is wear and tear charge under their contract) it is in fact a penalty as there is no connection between the charge and the wear and tear claimed. But who is going to fight it? It costs up to $20k just to get to court. It would need someone with deep pockets who wants to waste their money on challenging them. Remember they have your money already. It is futile trying to take them on. That should be the job of the ACCC to protect Consumers - but they are doing nothing. Have a look at the Europcar Case and make up your own mind.
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Brand Manager A.Australian 4WD Hire
Hello Gerard,
Thank you for your valued business and support, we are pleased you have enjoyed your hire with us and we look forward to assisting on your next 4WD adventure!