Rent-a-Wreck
Rent-A-Wreck is a car rental company renting vehicles that have been previously owned by individuals or other rental car companies. They are also known for accommodating younger drivers and those with poor or no credit.
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Services | car rental |
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Website | www |
The company's trademark phrases are 'The Smart Alternative' and 'Don't Let The Name Fool You!,' the latter referring to how the vehicles in their rental fleet are not "wrecks."
History


Founded in 1968 in Los Angeles,[1] Rent-A-Wreck began as a pioneering concept: renting used cars for less at neighborhood locations. Airport-based car rental was typical in the 1960s, and most renters were business travellers or vacationers renting while out-of-town. Media coverage, notably in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Mike Wallace show, sparked national interest in Rent-A-Wreck, and by 1973, the company had sold its first franchise.[1]
Since 1973, Rent-A-Wreck has grown to include franchised locations in 41 of the 50 U.S. states, Scandinavia, and Sint Maarten island in the Caribbean. The company operates primarily in neighborhood locations, often connected to or in close proximity to repair facilities, car dealerships or other automotive related services. Some Rent-A-Wreck locations offer airport pick-up and drop off.
Rent-A-Wreck was purchased by JJF Management on January 26, 2006.[1]Long time employee, Jason Maneli, was made President of Rent-A-Wreck in July of 2018.
Rent-A-Wreck in Canada
A separate Calgary-based Rent-A-Wreck was founded in 1976 in Prince George, BC and not affiliated with the US based firm (changed parent firm from Rent-A-Wreck Capital, Incorporated to Franchise Services of North America, Incorporated).[1] This firm offers car and truck rentals in all 10 provinces and the Yukon Territory. This Canadian operation is known as PractiCar since 2008.[2]
References
- "About Us". Rent-A-Wreck. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- "Meet the Franchisor: Patrick Dyer of Practicar". 3 October 2011.