Simba Car Hire - Sydney Airport Reviews 61

I hired a car from them in Sydney and returned it with a small dent in the rear bumper. For this they tried to make me pay AU$6,480, saying I’d be refunded the difference between this and the cost of repairs. I refused to pay that huge amount but offered AU$500, which should have been more than enough to cover the damage, but they refused and then tried to take AU$6,480 of my account (and fortunately failed to do so). Use this car hire firm at your own risk.

We rented a vehicle from Simba Car Rental Australia through DiscoverCars. Upon returning the car, we were kept waiting for approximately 30 minutes while staff thoroughly searched for damage. Eventually, they pointed out almost invisible marks on the windscreen that we were certain we had not caused. Because the marks were barely visible, we did not have them documented in our return photos.
Despite the minimal and questionable nature of the alleged damage, more than AUD 5,500 was immediately withheld. The claim process took over two months to be finalized, and we ultimately had to submit the entire case to our third-party insurer (DiscoverCars) to seek reimbursement. This caused significant stress, uncertainty, and administrative burden.
The overall handling of the situation felt highly unpleasant. The inspection process appeared focused on identifying chargeable damage, particularly for customers who had not taken insurance directly with Simba. The interaction at drop-off was uncomfortable, and we were kept for an excessive amount of time.
Based on this experience, we cannot recommend Simba Car Rental Australia.
NEVER AGAIN.

I came across the Simba website when I was looking for a car subscription. After some research they appeared to be quite cheap so I filled out the enquire now form for the car I was interested in. I didn't hear anything back from then so I thought I would give them a call.

When I called I advised that I was interested in their car subscription service and said what car I was interested in. I was on hold a couple of times and then was asked when I would like to get the car. I said I would be looking at picking it up within the next 2 days if possible. Again, I was put on hold. When the agent came back they said I wouldn't be able to pick up the car for 7 days and then said I would need to complete the enquiry form on their website and someone would get back to me to advise if the car was available. I advised that I had already completed the enquiry form and asked when I would receive a call. The agent then said that I also need to send an email which was completely confusing and made zero sense. I asked if I have filled out the enquiry form and I send an email, when would I receive a call to confirm that that the car was available. The agent said they dont know when I would get a call.

After that I told them not to worry about it as it sounded like she had absolutely no idea what was going on. Clearly they dont want new customers. I will go to another subscription provider, even if they do cost a bit more. At least I might actually get some customer service and clear information on how it works.

It was the worst car hire that I have ever used. They suck you in with cheap price but then when you are there, they charge you with everything. I was in Sydney and they don't open after 7, so if your flight leaves early in the morning, they will charge you $75 to give you a code to open the gate for you to drop your car. And even after 4 months that I used their services, I still getting charges on my credit card without any explanation for them.

Very good service and attention, everyone was very kind. The car was comfortable and in excellent condition

⭐ 1/5 – Dishonest and unacceptable refund experience

Do NOT trust Simba Car Hire with your deposit. We returned the car in October with no damage, yet our security bond was withheld for nearly two months. We were repeatedly lied to and told the refund had already been processed and would reflect by 10 November — completely untrue. The refund was only initiated on 1 December. Emails were ignored, and during a later phone call we were falsely told the car was damaged, then immediately told it wasn’t. This is misleading, unprofessional, and unacceptable. We are now escalating the matter to Fair Trading.

A last minute booking that was incredibly easy and everything was great. Car was new, clean and exactly what I booked. Pick up and drop off where fast and easy.

Our car was damaged while we had it. I paid the excess and am waiting for the final invoice and refund afterwards. Over 5 weeks and I've not heard anything. They have not answered and i have seen it necessary to contact The Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Consumer affairs NSW. They have 30 days to fix this. I recommend everyone who is getting ripped off to contact the above departments.
I am also contacting 60 minutes with my experience and all of the reviews from people being ripped off.
I have paid excess per my part of the contract, this company is not acting honestly and finalising the claim. My car was scratched with the word "Fag**t"... that is something that would have to have been repaired ASAP. I've been quoted between 400 to 750 AUD by several companies. Simba is currently holding 6480 AUD in bond and excess from me. Of course i want my refund of the excess.

The refund of bond it tooks 2weeks more. And the staff especially to katrina They didnt explain to me directly. 200km a day only the van.the succeding km will be charge to me.and they told me lately its in the contract. Luckily i talk to beezy he remove the charges amounting 157💲.as a simple of good will. I also work in simba car hire in mascot for 3 months more. After that they remove me in there rooster.and terminate me.thats all!

Simba Car Hire offered exceptional customer service from start to finish. The staff were friendly, patient, and made the whole process effortless. The car was spotless and ran perfectly. Highly recommend!

The customer service was great and efficient. The car was lovely and the price was good. The only issue is the location.

Horrendous company to deal with, told me lies on the phone and once I turned up to hire the car itself they denied everything. People on the phones also speak very limited English so extremely difficult to deal with. Costed me a lot of money to get to their business and they turned me around with no care in the world. DO NOT USE THESE !

Clean car, no issues for the 5?weeks of our rental. Helpful staff got us safely on our way. Good value.

Friendly and helpful staff including the shuttle bus driver.
Explanation of all the details of the hire was explained thoroughly.

Such a friendly team and the service was fast and smooth
Car was exactly as described
Thanks so much!

Very good service.
Easy access/ pickup dropoff.
Very closer from Sydney airport.
Good staff.
Make sure to enquire about the insurance, avoid 3rd party and get from the Simba office, if you took car from Auckland airport rentals. Simba staff will help you.

Staff were helpful, educational regarding car deposits and insurance, they also let me extend my return time to 1900hrs. No problems with the car at all. Everything ran smoothly.

Very good and efficient. On time and easy to get all paperwork done

Good and fast Service