Put simply - pay a bit more money and go somewhere else.

We hired with Mode for 2 weeks taking a car from Auckland to Queenstown. The price was extremely reasonable and the pick up etc. could not be faulted.

Unfortunately, while driving in NZ the rear passenger tyre completely blew out. To summarise the support given, we had to pay for the AA call out fee then also arrange for a replacement tyre to be fitted on Good Friday - this cost us in excess of £400 and took out an entire day of our trip. Note that for Mode it is the customer's responsibility to replace the tyre regardless of cause and it is clearly stated in the Ts and Cs so we accepted this.

We returned the car, however, and then upon return 2 weeks later, was hit by a bill for a further £500. Despite the AA mechanic reporting there may have been damage to the fuel breather hose (unclear whether this was due to the tyre at all), Mode had charged us to replace the entire fuel tank. I only found this out originally as they had charged my credit card without telling me, then later they just sent an invoice with the amount. Only upon request, did they send me a document that they had in fact taken the liberty to replace the entire fuel tank. It seems highly disingenuous that they can just bill you whatever they see fit and you have no defence whatsoever.

A word of advice: if you do decide to go with them, get some seriously good insurance.

Reviewed 7 months ago