1976VolkswagenT2Westfalia

12 reviews

(4.5)

4.9

98 %

4.2

84 %

4.3

86 %

4.6

92 %

4.5

90 %

Communication

4.9

Cleanliness

4.2

Maintenance

4.3

Value

4.6

Listing Accuracy

4.5

Ken B.

1June 2022

Trent is a nice guy who should NOT be renting out this van and you
definitely should not rent it. It's an absolute nightmare. The dude picks us up
at the airport and it stalls in 10 feet. He informs us that a small detail
he forgot to mention was that it stalls EVERY TIME IT STOPS! Stop sign?
Stall. Three-point turn? Stall. Stall. Stall. Bro, I just traveled 3,000
miles with my two daughters to take this for two weeks into the desert,
mountain, city, and forest, and this is a detail you don't mention?
Unbelievable. He then goes on to explain that it only does this in the hot
weather (he called it "gas saver mode") and that he could get it fixed, but
starters are so cheap, he just leaves it like this (and rents it out!) and
replaces the starter every 3-4 years. Really unbelievable. Then there's
second gear -- eventually, I figured it out, but it's really rough to find
it, so I often just switched from 1st to 3rd which made a rough ride
rougher -- he told me others have done the same. Heaven forbid he would
just get that fixed too. But really, the fact that it stalled every time I
stopped it just made this an untenable prospect. How do you possibly not
mention that?It's also just kinda gross in there -- the upholstery and carpets are
heavily stained which just creates a dingy, depressing scene. And I mean, I
guess I get stains, but a lot of it could have just been cleaned. Just
check out the pictures I attached. The sink kitchen doesn't work -- well,
he said not to use it. We went to his apartment and he offered us some
bedding but honestly it all looked really grimy and covered in dog hair so
we declined.Once I realized the stalling situation I really should have just gotten out
of the whole thing. But I continued with the rental just because I didn't
think I had any other options -- how could I possibly find a replacement in
the middle of June? By the next morning though I realized I had to return
it, even if I couldn't find a substitute and might just have to re-envision
the entire trip. The best thing I can say is that he was totally gracious
when I told him I didn't want to take the van and he gave me all my money
back (minus one day). Fortunately I was able to rent an AMAZING van that
day (look up westy-a-go-go -- he gave it to me for the same price and
EVERYTHING worked, including fridge, stove, USB, solar, it was an '89 with
a Subaru engine. It was an absolute DREAM and he'll work with you on the
price. -- THAT'S the van you want!).

Trent’s answer

Pretty shocked after reading my first one star review. Ken began messaging me months ago and never really seemed to have a plan for his trip. Of course, he already had a discount code but wanted an even bigger 200$ discount code. Then he wanted a free airport pick up which at times I do because most of the people I’ve rented out my van to have been super fun to meet… and yes I have rented through Outdoorsy on a few trips myself…
I highly encouraged him to stay near the coast of CA in late June as you can read in the bio. He really wanted to take it Mexico but the insurance doesn’t work down there then he decided he wanted to go to Zion in Utah which takes you dead across the Mojave desert in late June which isn’t the best option in an air cooled anything. On seeing his two high school emo daughters he said that they didn’t want to go to beaches of San Diego (well let’s just say they didn’t have beach bodies… his words not mine)
A van like mine which I have owned since 1998 is always a work in process most of the stove kitchen propane etc is in tact because I haven’t used it, yes the carpet and curtains etc… are original because that’s the ones that came it and they are in great condition and cleaned after every rental. Yes the linens and sleeping bags which go straight into a modern washing machine after every rental… I guess he figured the linens might have whippett hair!? Because he met my dog!? I am in the process of adding Solar and my next engine will likely be electric…but I have a small generator that jump starts the engine, inflates tires and even charges devices (gasp…)
So let’s get to Ken’s driving and all I can say is what a spaz!? He assured me that he had driven a stick shift but it had been ten years and the fact that van is a stick shift is why a lot of yahoos and millennials tend to not rent it. Yes the van was stalling but only when you come to a complete stop …. Not while it was moving… needless to say I paid the mobile mechanic 150$ and then Ken-and his daughters drive it National City (the ghetto of San Diego) They leave the van without communicating that they had rented a different van all of which I had to figure out and I have to UBer another expense, provided him with a full refund. Finally, drove the van back to my house without it stalling AT ALL. Glad he was able to secure a good vehicle for his fantasy to live out the movie which I haven’t seen “Driving
…..”.
The life lessons just keep coming….

Nicholas M.

5June 2022

Daniel F.

5January 2022

Wow! Trent and the Amazing Green Bus were both amazing. This weekends trip rates as one of the best family camp trips we’ve ever taken. The VW drive smoothly and had zero issues. The sleeping was so good and accommodated us perfectly. Truly a killer experience!! This VW is forever a part of our family ❤️💕🏄‍♂️⛺️

1 Photo submitted by Daniel F.

Hyemin K.

5August 2020

He was great at communication and the car was very cute.

Jenn H.

5December 2019

Trent was very accommodating and helped us enjoy our time with the rental. It's not an easy vehicle to use and he was great about showing us how to use it and giving us guidance on the area.

Julie B.

5November 2019

Super friendly and helpful host! Bus ran like a champ!

Bradley S.

0October 2019

Trent Aaron canceled the booking 6 days before departure. This is an automated posting.

Carlos C.

5August 2019

Not all hero’s wear capes. I needed a camper for a photoshoot and I reached out to Trent last min because the previous guy flaked on me. Trent came through big for our production company. He drove the camper to us and was there helping us on set throughout the day arranging the camper as needed. He above and beyond and we are greatly appreciated. Not to mention he’s had the van for like 20 years and it’s in vintage state. He keep the car In perfect shape.

1 Photo submitted by Carlos C.

Devika M.

5August 2019

What a super fun way to have a staycation. Trent is a very good communicator and made pick up and drop off very easy! The van is very clean inside and drives very nicely but you better know how to drive a stick! Overall a great experience and I would recommend.

4 Photos submitted by Devika M.

Patrick C.

5July 2019

Trent did an amazing job getting the van clean and ready on a short notice booking. Very helpful explaining the quirks of how the ride drives and was a great and patient coach for the stick. Would recommend

3 Photos submitted by Patrick C.

Kevin L.

5July 2019

Great experience renting from Trent. The VW van served our purpose well, it elicits as many peace signs as it does middle fingers when driving 10 mph below the speed limit. Calibrate your expectations for a 40+ year old vehicle designed in the 1960’s and put a quarter in the swear jar every time you can’t get into second gear; it’ll pay for your gas. It’s an adventure and a good time in the green machine!

1 Photo submitted by Kevin L.

Aleksandra K.

5June 2019

Renting this van was one of the better decisions I've ever made. It was so much fun driving up the coast with this bad boy to the point that I wish it was mine all the time haha. If you're a minimalist, then you should definitely try it out - but if you need a lot of amenities, then this is probably not for you. The radio works but I would recommend bringing a portable speaker so you can play music off your phone since the CD player might end up keeping your CD. The pop top tent was perfect for my friend and I and it didn't get too hot or cold (but we stayed coastal). Driving this van was actually surprisingly comfortable and easy once you got the hang of it, which would take no more than 30 minutes of driving, assuming that you drive a manual vehicle on a consistent basis. Trent was great with communication and I would definitely rent this van again.

Amanda P.

3February 2019

N/A