What started as an exciting first rental car experience quickly turned into disappointment for one young woman after she paid nearly $900 for a mystery vehicle and ended up driving away in a Nissan Altima.
The woman, who shared her experience on TikTok under the username @secretacct00891, documented the moment she and a friend headed to collect what they believed would be a luxury SUV. Their video has since attracted hundreds of thousands of views and sparked debate online over the value of so-called “surprise” rental vehicles.
According to the pair, they opted for a mystery rental through Fox Rent A Car while booking through Expedia. The deal, which was advertised at around $47 per day, lasted more than a week and included an additional $150 fee because both renters were under the age of 25.
Excited by the prospect of getting something special, the two guessed they might receive a Jeep Wrangler or perhaps a Chevrolet Tahoe. Instead, they found a Nissan Altima waiting for them. The unexpected reveal left both women visibly confused, especially since they had selected what they believed was a luxury SUV option.
Social Media Users Question the Price
@secretacct00891baby this is luxury.♬ Saxophones getting louder – AntonioVivald
The video quickly generated thousands of reactions, with many viewers expressing disbelief at both the car and the nearly $900 bill.
“You got played,” one commenter wrote, while another joked, “So does the Nissan drop you off to your luxury rental car?”
Others focused on the price rather than the vehicle itself.
“$900 for a Nissan is crazy work,” one person commented, while another pointed out that some exotic and supercar rentals can cost only slightly more. Some viewers speculated that the high price was largely due to age-related surcharges, which are commonly imposed on drivers under 25.
Despite the disappointment, the woman later admitted that the Altima performed well during the trip.
“We did not receive the best car,” she said in a follow-up video. “But I will say we were whipping the Nissan Altima.”
How Mystery Rentals Actually Work
Many rental companies offer mystery vehicles under names such as “manager’s special,” “surprise vehicle,” or “mystery car.” These options are designed to give customers lower prices in exchange for flexibility.
However, industry experts and experienced renters say the “surprise” often means customers receive whatever vehicle is left on the lot after other reservations have been filled.
That means drivers could end up with almost anything—from an economy sedan to a large van or, in some fortunate cases, a more upscale model. One traveler reportedly received a premium Genesis electric vehicle through a similar deal, while another ended up with a 12-passenger van.
A Gamble That Doesn’t Always Pay Off
The viral experience serves as a reminder that mystery rental deals are exactly that—a gamble.
While the discounted options can occasionally result in an unexpected upgrade, customers should understand that there are no guarantees regarding the type of vehicle they will receive.
In this case, a pair of first-time renters hoping for a premium SUV instead spent their vacation behind the wheel of a Nissan Altima.
As the woman herself concluded, mystery rentals may sound exciting, but sometimes the surprise isn’t quite what customers have in mind.