I have visited Salt Lake City the last 6 Christmas weeks, and regularly departed early in the morning on January 1st.

When I came to the airport about 4:30 am on January 1st nobody was available at the rental kiosk in the return area, and there were no pens available to complete the rental agreement. My return flight was at 6:30 AM on January 1st, 2014. The replacement vehicle, this time it was 4-wheel drive Ford Escape (with constant bugging reminder 'You need to change engine oil,' but this one I could ignore), and as the lady at the counter told me, they had plenty of 4-wheel drive small SUVs. Next day the 'Check Engine' came on and I have to return the vehicle for replacement. So everything the clerk told me was blatant lie. When I refused, I was given keys from VW Tiguan that was 4-wheel drive. Counter clerk told me that the small SUVs they have are only 2-wheel drive and to get a 4-wheel drive, I would need to get a larger car for the additional $45.00 per day, that is exactly twice the original price. Problems started during me picking up the car. This time we rented small SUV for a Christmas week, for a ski trip. I have rented there before and never had a problem, but it looks like they have new management that is hell-bent on screwing you up.

Whatever you do, don't rent from AVIS at Salt Lake City International Airport.

Car rental salt lake city airport times