Woodford Car Hire Recenzje 

I rented two Mercedes Vitos from Woodford Car Hire Johannesburg Airport and had one of the most frustrating car rental experiences I’ve ever had.

Despite booking well in advance for ten people, I received several conflicting emails before my trip saying the vehicles were unavailable. After multiple stressful international calls, we eventually got the original Vitos we had booked, but the process was chaotic even the keys were mixed up between my booking and my friend’s. Bad service.

During the trip, one vehicle broke down on a gravel road inside a game reserve (speed limit 40 km/h). Although I had clearly mentioned to the counter staff that we were driving to a game reserve, I later learned that Woodford’s terms specifically exclude gravel roads. I accept that I should have read the terms more carefully, but being charged R33 000 for damages and R12 000 to deliver a replacement vehicle felt extremely unfair especially since I had purchased what was described as full insurance coverage and the car was most definitely not new. The steering on the car was not acceptable. When I turn the wheel, it reacts a little late. Meaning it’s an old car.

When I later inquired about their insurance process, Woodford confirmed in writing ( see picture) that they are self-insured, meaning they do not use any external insurance provider for their fleet. Instead, they handle damages internally and rely on customers to cover repair costs if you break the terms, although you might have full insurance coverage.

So be very cautious: read the fine print carefully, and do a quick risk assessment of where you plan to drive and what the potential risks are. If anything happens to the car, it may still become your full responsibility, even if you thought you had complete coverage.

It feels like Woodford’s model places most of the risk on the renter, and communication throughout the process was confusing, with slow responses and repeated errors. Based on my experience and many similar reviews, I would recommend considering other rental companies with clearer insurance terms and better customer support. Woodford required a R25 000 deposit per vehicle. Other companies charge R2500 deposit for the same car. Good luck getting your money back.

My wife and our friend were involved in a smash and grap in Cape Town.The staff of Woodford were so friendly and helpfull.Within an hour or two after the incident a new rental was delivered to their hotel and the damaged car was collected.I will never forget this exellent service of Woodford.

I am extremely disappointed with the ongoing lack of accountability and professionalism from Woodford Car Hire South Africa.

In July 2025, I rented a vehicle under Invoice No. JNBT81-137017. Woodford wrongfully deducted the full rental amount twice in addition to the refundable deposit — resulting in nearly R19,000 being charged to my account.

After weeks of correspondence, Woodford acknowledged the duplicate deduction in writing and confirmed that a refund was processed, even providing proof of payment and a revised invoice. However, months later, the situation remains unresolved. The supposed refund was reversed without explanation, and repeated requests for clarification and supporting documents have been ignored.

It is now October 2025, and despite numerous emails and formal notices, Woodford has failed to correct their mistake or communicate transparently. This level of negligence and disregard for customers is completely unacceptable.

I strongly caution other consumers to exercise extreme care when dealing with Woodford Car Hire. Keep all documentation and monitor your bank statements closely, as billing and refund issues appear to be poorly managed.

Until this matter is resolved in full, I cannot recommend this company in any capacity.

Rent the car for three weeks. Was very careful with the car and returned it perfectly cleaned and completely undamaged. Few days after they claimed a scrath damage underneath the front bumper, what never could be seen at collection. They withdrew 550 euro from my deposit! This must be a businessmodel!

Hired a car from Capetown airport.

Really good experience. They upgraded us with no extra cost.

No extra charges and very efficient collection and return.

They asking for a card and typing in all the info (card number, expiry date, cvc, name) into the system, that’s not how it should work, they don’t need all of that to take a deposit. Anyway car was okay, our deposit returned earlier that we returned the car back.

When I returned the car, I was advised everting was fine and the fuel was check and confirmed as full. However, I received an invoice a day later with half my deposit deducted with the claim that there was damage to the car and that a fuel charge. I questioned it and I am still waiting for a breakdown of the alleged damage and what the fuel charge relates to. The experience has been quite frustrating and deceitful. Ask for confirmation that everything is OK, because these guys are liars.

I booked a vehicle via Booking for Tambo OR (Johannesburg) and returned it to Cape Town.
* best price
* good communication
* brand new vehicle
=> overall: very good experience!

I have used Woodford several times with no problems. However it seems something has changed in the way the company is being run. I never knew their reviews were so bad.

The problems began at collection in JNB, which took an hour despite being the only person at the desk. Apparently the vehicle was coming from the depo "in 10 minutes". This is the last thing you want after a long flight with kids. There were several lies told by the lady behind the desk with no shame when she was caught out in her lies.

On the first day the vehicle started giving a battery caution on start up. The alarm then started sounded several times per night. Their 'command centre' contacted me stating that a 'power off' condition had been detected. They suggested I take time from my holiday to drive to car 2hr 40mins (each way) to the closest dealership so that the problem could be addressed under warranty. Instead I took it to a battery centre who found the battery at 100% but did find a loose wire which was reconnected. Woodford, to their credit, drove another vehicle to me. When the driver collected it, I pointed out that the forward camera plastic blank (there was no camera) had come loose and was in the forward grill.

On return from our holiday I discovered that I had been charged R4163 for damages to the vehicle. On investigation they said I was not being charged for the battery problem but for the camera/sensor that I damaged. They even produced a service invoice from Mercedes showing wiring repairs to OCP (Overheating Component Problem) and BMS (Battery Management System)...which have nothing to do with the camera which didn't exist. Despite the wealth evidence against them, they continue to insist that the plastic blank was a camera/sensor.

I have insurance to cover the charges but as a matter of principle, I wanted to warn others to avoid being ensnared by their shameful practices.

Woodford Car Hire cannot be trusted. Because we have never hired a car before, we didn't realize someone needs to go around the car with you to check any dents and scratches before taking it. So when we took it back, they then went around the car showing us all the dents and scratches of which did not do any of them and they charged us R12,000 we couldn't fight it because apparently, they had photos. It is such rubbish. Daylight robbery. The one dent in the door I saw when we took the car and didn't think anything of it. A difficult and very expensive lesson learnt.

This does not even deserve one star. No refund for car being returned one day early. Told by Woodford this was for booking.com and by booking.com this was for account of Woodford. No refund of deposit / holding despite writing to customer service. Will never use this service again. I am a frequent user of hired car service in Cape Town.

Thank you for your fantastic professional service. It's always a worry for overseas travelers when hiring anything in a foreign country. From the online booking, friendly front desk experience, handing the vehicle back after use and final wrap up with the return of the deposit, what an awesome customer experience. Woodford will always be my "go-to" vehicle hire, please keep up the great service.

The company employees are honest, hardworking and the service is excellent! When I first come to the front desk I was met by a lady called Jezica Dry and it was such a pleasure to be a person and not just a customer. She is friendly, supportive and explain everything very professional but with a touch of care.
I will be back again!

What a disgrace to car hire industry. Refund take forever and customer service is super bad. Never again Wil I make use of them. Sies

Many months ago another car hit us from the back. We had to pay an upfront deposit for that event. In the meantime the damage was paid by the insurance of the other driver but we are still waiting for the full refund of our deposit. Stand away of this fraudulent company.

I used Woodford via rentalcars.com.au to book a mini bus from Cape Town airport for a family holiday.

I received a VW transporter at the airport, picking it up was easy enough. Soon after driving it out (at night) I noticed it had high beam problem. It got stuck in high beam and you had to switch the lights off to disable. Very dangerous

I notified them first thing in the morning. I was told I could go to the Loop Street branch to pickup mid morning.

I arrived there on time and was told the car was not available and they had to order another one from the airport. Was told to return in the afternoon.

In returned to pickup the new car, a Ford this time.

By now I had lost half a day of my 5 day holiday.

The Ford had a low tyre pressure warning since I picked it up but I thought I'd just top up the air and would be fine. Two days later we got up to go out and the tyre was flat. I got the spare out and it was also flat. You can't make this up!! I had to get there tyre repaired myself.

Another half day gone.

I complained when I returned the car. To address my complaint I got offered a R300 voucher about $26 AUD which I politely explained came nowhere close to compensating for the full day I had lost fire their maintenance failures.

Clearly there are serious fleet maintenance issues with these guys. Don't waste your holiday on them!

My refund for a booking with Alamo via Carjet is outstanding. You are complicit in the transaction.

Super expérience pour notre location de voiture , étions basé à Century City , le personnel de l'agence , tres agréable, Vehicule impeccable , et surtout excdellent rapport qualité/prix . Merci
je conseille vivement .

Also done with Woodoford. I hired a Merc Vito and when i went to collect. I was told my credit score was low and they therefore couldnt give me. That was at the very last moment and my kids we waiting for me at home so we could go to Durban. That was the most frustating moment of my life. Next time I will simply hire with Sani Car rental. Those ones are emphatic and they do return the loyalty especially if you are their regular customer. And this is something that Woodford lacks.

From the front desk at OR Tambo Airport, to an upgrade, to returning the vehicle to 'Jospeh' who was so helpful and friendly, we had an excellent experience. Highly recommend.